There is a new ceilidh sensation taking over the dance floors in Perth – and Australian audiences can’t get enough. Gallus Ceilidh Band is putting a fresh twist on the traditional Scottish shindig, mashing traditional music with rock and dance tunes to create a high-energy vibe with serious appeal for all age groups.
The band is the brainchild of Ali MacKerron, who wanted to develop a ceilidh sound that would appeal to new audiences and help perpetuate Scottish culture and heritage. He’s delighted with what they have achieved.
“It’s such a great feeling to see the look on people’s faces when the concept clicks into place for them. One minute they are doing a Strip The Willow to traditional music and then it segues into Long Way To The Top. It creates a real energy boost for the crowd.”
Gallus is a good Scottish word meaning self-confident, daring, wild or cheeky, all descriptors which suit the band well. Gallus’ seven members make a big noise, with both small and highland pipes, fiddles, whistle, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard and drums. And throughout the dance sets you will find an eclectic mix of songs – everything from Avicii to The White Stripes, and Franz Ferdinand to AC/DC. The result is a ceilidh that rocks, and the band likes to play hard and fast, leaving audiences out of breath and wanting more.
“We do walk everyone through the dance sets, but it really doesn’t matter if they make mistakes. It’s about joining in and having a go.”
Since their debut at the Duxton Hotel in August 2021, Gallus has been in high demand for weddings, parties, fund raisers and festivals. Their next public event is at Perth Mess Hall in Northbridge on 3rd of March and tickets are selling out fast.
“Anyone who has been to a ceilidh will understand how space hungry it is. The Mess Hall gives us all the room we need to let everyone kick up their heels. With over 200 attendees expected we think it will be Perth’s biggest ceilidh ever!”
Interested in a Gallus ceilidh experience? Tickets for the Monster Ceilidh at the Mess Hall are available at Megatix.com.au, or follow the band on Facebook and Instagram for future updates.
Gallus Ceilidh Band are:
Ali MacKerron – Small Pipes, Highland Pipes, Dance Caller, Vocals
Fiona Davidson – Fiddle, vocals
Linda Gauld – Fiddle
Graeme Watt – Whistles, Fiddle, Vocals
Joe Mullaney – Keyboards, Vocals
Nathan Borona – Electric Guitar
Marcus Davidson – Drums
Great to see the review . Gallus is going very well . Congratulations . All the best for the future.
Some folk’s names look like they could even have Orkney ancestors!
You would be right! 😀 still lots of family there!!