Once (almost a year ago) I mentioned how I took an interest in Gaelic (which I used to treat as a “Celtic”) culture and tradition both in Ireland and in Scotland and thus interest in both countries in general. Later this interest expanded on whole British isles, then it resulted in my archaeology passion.
The first and most important contact took place more than 20 years ago, during a deep economical crisis of the last years of communism in Poland. At that time, Polish television (then we had only two channels) broadcasted BBC TV series “Robin of Sherwood” with a brilliant soundtrack by Clannad.
Since that time I have been listening to Clannad music and I have been trying to learn as much about Ireland and Scotland (to be honest I used to be more interested in that country) as possible. In the late 80ties and early 90ties of 20th century I was gathering tapes illegally copied and sold in the music shops. The first Clannad albums on cassettes I bought or just obtained were “Legend”, “Magical Ring”, “Dulaman”, “Macalla” and “Atlantic Realm”.
They are still quite famous in Poland and commonly known due to the “Robin, the hooded man” - main theme of the Robin of Sherwood.
Broadcasting “Robin of Sherwood” and playing Clannad music in Polish radio in the mid 80ties took a massive impact on many open minded Poles. Since that time many Polish bands playing traditional Irish, Scottish , Welsh music have been founded and open minded people became interested in so called Celtic music and culture.
Thanks to Clannad I discovered a book of tales from magical world, and with every album I bought I was turning the pages of it. Thanks to Clannad I have fallen in love with Gaelic languages (Gaeilge and Socttish Gaelic), and during my many trips to Scotland (in the 90ties) especially its western and northern parts I had Clannad on my headphones almost all the time.
Of course, they had better and worse times and albums, and some traditional songs I prefer in versions performed by other bands, for example Alasdair MacColla (or Alasdair Mhic Colla) performed by Scottish band Capercaillie.
After more than 20 years I have my ticket for Friday’s Clannad concert in Dublin. I am looking forward to see them live for the very first time in my life.
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