May 31, 2007
Two decades and counting: Barra MacNeils will celebrate 20th anniversary with new CD
LAURA JEAN GRANT, The Cape Breton Post

SYDNEY — Wondering just how long the Barra MacNeils have been around? Well consider this...

Ryan MacNeil, 31, and his brother Boyd, 26, now full-fledged members of the group, were still in elementary school when older siblings Sheumas, Kyle, Stewart and Lucy put out their first self-titled album, The Barra MacNeils, in 1986.

But that’s not to say the two youngest MacNeils didn’t have an important role to play in the group’s fledgling career at the time.

“I remember any of the local shows that they were doing in Cape Breton, myself and Boyd would have LPs and a Barra MacNeils T-shirt and be kinda walking through the crowds selling their records and really it was a fun thing,” said Ryan.

“I remember the early beginnings — everyone rehearsing in the living room and stuff like that. I’ve always been around it,” added Boyd.

The renowned Celtic music group is preparing to celebrate two decades in the business with the release of a 20th anniversary compilation album, expected in July, and a series of tour dates this summer and fall. The new album will feature fan favourites from the past 20 years as well as some previously unreleased and new material, including a song written by Gordie Sampson and Fred Lavery.

“It’s just hard to believe that 20 years have gone by so fast,” said Ryan, who together with Boyd joined the family band just a couple of years ago after making their own mark in the music industry with Slainte Mhath.

“When we were playing with Slainte Mhath . . . we didn’t get to see a lot of (Sheumas, Kyle, Stewart and Lucy) other than special occasions and the odd festival that we’d both be playing so it’s great to be acquainted again and out touring and enjoying it,” said Ryan. “We’re (family) but we’re best friends as well and enjoy each other’s company and hanging out on the road.”

And the road is where the six siblings will spend the bulk of the next few months with concerts scheduled in Ireland and across the United States and Canada, including two dates in Cape Breton this summer — July 15 at the Big Pond Festival and July 21 at the Wagmatcook Festival.

But before heading out on that busy summer and fall touring schedule with the Barras, Ryan and Boyd have the unique opportunity to tour Japan with The Chieftains, beginning Friday in Tokyo.

Ryan, who just finished doing an American tour with the famous Irish musical group, said he’s thrilled to have the chance to play with a group he’s been a fan of for a long time.

“When I was in high school a lot of the kids around were listening to Nirvana and stuff and I was listening to the Chieftains Live in Belfast and stuff like that so it’s really an honour to be doing it,” he said. “They’re fantastic guys and it’s great music and really probably the easiest touring gig I’ve ever done.”

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