Along with the grass this spring, a new talent has arisen, and folks on the Sunshine Coast are about to become fans of Skellig — a “true family band”— when they play the Roberts Creek Hall on Saturday, May 26.
It’s been a busy year for Skellig since being named one of the top three out of 400 bands in the Hard Rock Rising Competition. They recently went back to Toronto to play the Hard Rock Café, where it all happened. At CelticFest Vancouver in March, Skellig was the most fun of any of the outdoor acts.
Formed in 1990 when Chris and Lisa Burness moved to Cape Town, South Africa, Skellig — Gaelic for “rock” — picked up the world beat and wed it to their love of Irish folk. Once back in the U.K., they toured extensively and produced two CDs, In Another Time and Fragile. Their original alternative Celtic rock is influenced by Irish folk, Led Zeppelin, U2, Pink Floyd and Peter Gabriel.
Lead singer Chris Burness, known as “Billy the Viking,” dominates the stage with his powerful vocals. Partner Lisa plays violin and acoustic guitar, and is back-up vocalist.
Frustrated at 14 when she messed up a violin solo in school, Lisa was persuaded to try again and has established her own unique sound. While in South Africa she honed her skills as a songwriter.
In 2011 Shelley Brown and guitarist Dylan Wickham were added to the mix. The album Kingdom Come was produced that summer. Mixed by Zak Cohen in B.C. and Brad Blackwood in Nashville, and released earlier this year, the album has received rave reviews.
Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are a mere $10 and available at Lucy’s in Sechelt, MELOMania and Gaia’s Fair Trade.
— Submitted
