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Friday, November 5, 2010
Review: The Killdares release concert DVD Up Against the Lights
Man, these guys have a serious fanbase. If you want a free DVD, keep reading.
DALLAS — Thursday night, a band unlike any other in the DFW area hosted a screening to show off their upcoming live-in-concert DVD. The Killdares are a Celtic rock band that blends a power pop sound with a mix of rock 'n' roll hooks and a sometimes-traditional Celtic rock flair – thanks to the amazing use of fiddle and bagpipes. The result is an easy-to-listen-to, accessible sound for people of all ages. And perhaps because of that, the band has quite a large and loyal fanbase that filled up nearly every seat for the private screening at the Angelika Theater.
The band features Tim Smith on lead vocals and the drums – think Phil Collins of Genesis and Texas’ own Don Henley of The Eagles. Brek Lancaster plays lead guitar, and guest musician Gavin Kelso is on bass. World Champion fiddler Roberta Rast plays the fiddle faster and more precise than imaginable, while Matt Willis plays the equally-difficult Highland bagpipes, Irish uilleann pipes, and the Scottish small pipes. Both Rast and Willis complement each other musically and help round out the Celtic sound while giving the band a unique musical dimension live.
Photo by Rebecca Calzada
Roberta Rast of The Killdares
As members of the band entered the theater just before the screening, fans cheered, clapped, and whistled wildly – some saying The Killdares are not just a favorite local band, but their favorite band of all time.
Throughout the private screening of Up Against the Lights, which featured a July 30 performance from the Granada and nothing else, many fans sang along and stomped their feet. The majority of fans attending the screening were also in attendance at the filming of the live-in-concert DVD. Squeals and proclamations of joy filled the dark theater as members of the ardent fanbase recognized themselves and each other in the audience.
Rebecca Calzada
The Killdares
After the screening ended, The Killdares answered questions from fans, including the ever-popular When's the next record coming out? Smith explained that the DVD is the new record since it features previously-unreleased tracks and a two CD set of the entire show. (Bonus materials include four previously-unreleased tracks, fan footage, and an extended interview with the band.) But yes, the band is writing new material.
Up Against The Lights is a classic concert DVD. What makes it special is that it features a Dallas band at a Dallas venue, but it did lack the private look into the lives of the band as they are on tour, in the studio, or at home. That addition would have given great personal insight into the lives of The Killdares.
BONUS: We've got a DVD to give away! If you want it, do two things: First, log into PegNews. (It's free and simple to sign up if you haven't already.) Then, tell us in the comments section below why you want the DVD. We'll draw one name on Wednesday, November 10 and email the lucky winner. We'll mail you the DVD.
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well nice.....what a stick....I would like something more boheminana with orgnization.....and Europe
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my first job was to was dishes, and change the grease trap, but ole herb.....he made it to where I w
Creepy rendering of Big Tex shows he's almost ready for the State Fair
gosh some honest feed back finally, I thought I was in Detroit, with such appathy these past few mon
zombie_girl_lover, anonymous:
Ya'll absolutely BLEW me away with your performance at the Kerrville Wine and Music Festival. I would love to have a DVD to be able to let my friends listen to the band I keep telling them all about!
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erika_harper13, anonymous:
My sister and I are HUGE fans! We have been for many years, as we first discovered your music at the North Texas Irish Festival, when we would pour the BEST Guinness in town! The Holidays and her Birthday is coming up, and she's EXTREMELY hard to shop for. I believe this is a gift she would really enjoy!! PLEASE PICK ME!! Love, Erika
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jjendon, anonymous:
I have been a fan since my wife and I found the Killdares around 1998. We have infected as many people as will listen to us about this band. Recently my mom moved from New York and has become part of the Killdares Army. My brother who still lives in New York has heard story after story from myself and my mom about the Killdares. This past summer he finally got to see them live as they made a tour into New York. I want the new DVD so I can give it to my brother so that he may enjoy the Killdares over and over again, much like those of us down in Texas get to.
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fwacko1, anonymous:
I love the killdares and have been watching them for years. I ve taken lots of people to see them and got them hooked. I try to go to all shows possible I even stood in mud up to my ankles on crutches to see their show. I have all the cds and now I would like their dvd. I listen to their music more than any other cds I have.
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rwelch000, anonymous:
I and my family have been big fans since we found them at the State Fair during Roberta's inaugural year. We are regular fans who attend many of the local concerts all year long.
I have a friend in Australia who has her own band obsession, for a local Aussie band. Our Facebook and Twitter messages mentioning our respective bands would seem like a "band war" :)
I would love to have a copy of the DVD to mail to her, so she could see my half our our international obsession!
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rogu3ang3l, anonymous:
I was unable to attend the screening Wednesday (I get my days confused, so I thought it was tonight), and as I would love the opportunity to have the DVD, it was my own fault for not going to get one in the first place. I went to Ely, UK and saw Salsa Celtica and that spawned an insatiable love of off-the-beaten-path Celtic music. I had heard about the Killdares originally about four or five years ago when I stumbled across their Myspace. I saw the Killdares two summers ago at the Texas Scottish Festival and absolutely fell in love. I've also seen them live at the Central Market in Ft. Worth and the State Fair of Texas this year. The Killdares are one of my favorite bands of all time and I honestly look forward to more entertaining and engaging material from them for years to come!
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Clay213, anonymous:
Speaking of spammers!
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Sarah Blaskovich, staff:
The Killdares have a great following, and all these commenters are real people who just want the free DVD.
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bdanandlinda, anonymous:
The first time I heard the Killdares was this year at the Fair. They are wonderful people with fantastic music. I bought a CD and play it every day.
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yesi8toto, anonymous:
I AM THE ONE & ONLY FAN that has The Killdares with me all the time~ Notice the Tattoo :-) I have been around the band for over 4 years and had moved away from them and I always try my hardest to surprise them whether it be to Tuscon AZ or all the way to Dallas from Long Beach, CA and I could not make the Granada but had all my friends all call and I listened in, so I was there in spirit :-)
Winning this DVD would mean so much to me and it just keeps me closer to my KD Family that I'm away from and this will also help me promote The Killdares to get them to come play here in California!
Please Pick Me so I can get the rest of the West Coast involved with knowing a what a Great Celtic Rock Band is supposed to be....
THE KILLDARES Rock Hard!
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KJuice, anonymous:
Oh, Wowwwee! Zoweeee! I really want the Killdare's CD. . . because I'm one of their Top 100 Fans! Well, in the contest we had at least I was one of the Top 100 Fans winners, so I must be. And, my cats love the energizing sounds of the Killdares.. my cats do a great irish jig! Catnip helps too.
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ljcmar2001, anonymous:
I was very upset with myself and let the day get away from me. I had totally missed it. I saw the Killdares for the first time at the State Fair of Texas. It was abosoulty awesome. I went back 3 times. I took my son the last time and he loved it too. We both like the sound of the violin and bag pipes. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. I came home from the first time and saw them, went on itunes and bought a number of thier songs. Their music is great to mow by. I like to jam a little while I am mowing. It goes faster. I would love to get the DVD. I just can't seem to get them out of my head.
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arreno, anonymous:
The Band is Awesome! An incredible blend of musical diversity and 'live' personality. I attend anything they do in DFW!
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lindabear1, anonymous:
My husband has followed The Killdares since first hearing them a number of years ago at the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games at UTA...Would love to give him a gift of their DVD. (Oh, I like them too, but my hubbie is huge fan!)
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eruan, anonymous:
I'm new to the Dallas area, & was delighted to learn of the North Texas Irish Festival. I've always loved Celtic music, but had only heard the traditional & pub types. One year when I attended the NTIF, I heard the Killdares & Needfire, and became acquainted with the new sound of Celtic rock: it's what I've always wanted rock music to sound like! I've also made it a point to hear several sets whenever I go to the State Fair. I want the DVD to show my friends & family about the group, & get them hooked as well! The Killdares are world-class, & more people need to know about them!
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Mike Bullock, staff:
Congrats to the winner of this very cool contest. Please check your email to see if you have won.
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buttonstheclown8, anonymous:
I bought THREE copies (so far) and it's truly a super collection!!!! You don't have to WIN to get this thing...it's ONLY $24.99!!!! and that's a DVD film of the concert AND a two disk CD that's TERRIFIC!!! Don't drag your feet people!!! Get the lead out!!! It TOTALLY rocks!!
:o)
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What do you think?