Celtic band Gaelic Storm to perform greatest hits

NEWTON — Gaelic Storm returns to the Newton Theatre on Sunday, June 7 at 8 p.m.

Over the course of 10 albums and nearly 3,000 live shows, Gaelic Storm — the chart-topping, multi-national Celtic band — is dishing up a hearty serving of "Full Irish - The Best of Gaelic Storm."

The greatest-hits album spans the bulk of the band’s career, mixing crowd favorites and concert staples with three previously unreleased recordings, including "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Irish Party in Third Class" from the movie "Titanic."

Gaelic Storm has straddled the line between tradition and innovation for nearly two decades, infusing traditional Celtic music with modern influences, and updating the genre for a new generation of fans raised on rock, country and folk. Along the way, the group has topped the Billboard World Chart four times and earned a reputation as a hard-touring, genre-bending band.

"We have earned every single one of our fans, one at a time," Murphy says. "There's no sponsorship. No corporation is pulling strings. Every fan is made by us playing a show and shaking hands and learning names. We've become friends with so many of them. When someone at a show tells me they've never seen Gaelic Storm before, I say, 'Welcome to the family.’"

Regularly playing more than 120 shows a year, Gaelic Storm has built a loyal following as diverse as the band's own music. Fans of traditional Irish music have championed the group for years, but so have fans of harder-edged Celtic rock. On tour, Gaelic Storm is just as likely to play a large rock club as a plush theater. The band makes regular appearances on cruises, too, joining artists like the Barenaked Ladies and Michael Franti.

"Our audience spans the whole spectrum," Twigger says. "We've got hardcore fans who love our energy, Jimmy Buffet fans who love our message, folk fans who love our stories. Everyone can appreciate it, and that's been the secret to our longevity.”

"Looking back over our past albums is like flipping through a photo album," adds percussionist Ryan Lacey, "Each record was made during a different time and a completely different phase of our lives. What hasn't changed is the message. We want everybody to have a good time, to enjoy themselves. It's the sort of message that everyone can get behind.”

Tickets for Gaelic Storm cost $39 for premium seating, $34 for orchestra and $29 for balcony. Purchase tickets by visiting www.thenewtontheatre.com or contact the box office at 973-383-3700.

The historic Newton Theatre, located at 234 Spring Street in Newton.