About Us
from the beginningGleadhraich are a celtic rock band formed in Carnoustie, Angus in 2010 while students at school. The band is made up of Craig Weir (Bagpipes/ Vocals), Ross White (Guitar/ Vocals), Paul Weir (Percussion) and Graeme Ritchie (Bass Guitar) with a live addition of a backing band which includes saxophone, trombone, accordion, keyboard and fiddle.
Gleadhraich released their debut EP, ‘Pipe Dreams’ in 2014 which was quickly followed up by the Glasgow 2014 Single, ‘Skirling Ska’. The band was made Angus’ Cultural Ambassadors for 2013/14. The follow up to ‘Pipe Dreams’, ‘Where We’re From’ was released in March 2015 to critical acclaim. At a Dundee performance in 2016 Gleadhraich welcomed Britain’s Got Talent winner, Jai McDowall and Bay City Roller’s onstage to play with the band as special guests. The band released their latest record, ‘Definition’ which was well received with Jim Gellatly including the track, ‘Face Palm’ in a list for the Scottish Sun of the top tracks released in the country that month as well as Piping Today describing the record as “putting it’s own stamp on the sub sub-genre” of celtic rock.
The band has performed at a variety of events across the UK from headline shows to festival performances including at Scotland’s prestigious Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. This has led to the band sharing stages with acts such as Skerryvore, Donnie Munro, Twin Atlantic, AC/DC The Fratellis and Peatbog Faeries. Gleadhraich made their German debut with a successful mini tour in September 2015 and featured in France in January 2016. Gleadhraich made their US debut during New York Tartan Week in 2017 with an appearance at the prestigious BB King’s Blues Bar and Grill at the Post-Parade Party, a feat which was repeated once more in 2018. Gleadhraich were also honoured to perform at the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania Burns Supper at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in January 2018. Gleadhraich were awarded the title of Best Celtic Music Act at the 2018 Infinitime Music Awards. The band has featured on many national media platforms such as BBC, STV, S4C, NME, Magic FM and many more.
“Gleadhraich are wicked. Their sound is very contemporary”
Amy MacDonald
“Gleadhraich’s bagpipe rock and pop arrangements are a touch of genius”
Dougie Maclean