GreatBigSea.com News

Great Big Sea on CBC Radio

2009-11-19T20:28:00Z

Tune into CBC Radio tonight and listen to Great Big Sea's recent St. John's, NL, show! It airs this evening on Radio 2 at 7pm (7:30 in Newfoundland) and tomorrow, November 20, on CBC Radio 1 at 2pm (2:30 in Newfoundland). Enjoy!

Holiday Delivery Cut-off Dates

2009-11-17T17:09:00Z

If you are planning to give a gift from the GreatBigSea.com store this holiday season, and need it to arrive before December 25, 2009, please be sure to place your order by:

December 11, 2009 - for shipping to North America

December 1, 2009 - for International shipping outside of North America

Tosh tell a new one

2009-11-11T18:36:00Z

Want the scoop on Great Big Sea's new album? Well, you're going to have to pry Tosh with treats for more info. He does, however, give tale of a recent songwriter retreat the boys had in his latest post.

Vintage merch has arrived in the GreatBigSea.com store!

2009-11-11T15:28:00Z

We are happy to announce that we've got new Great Big Sea merch in the official GreatBigSea.com store. The timing couldn't be better; wrap one up for your best friend, your husband or wife, or maybe even for yourself this holiday season. But be sure to check them out soon because they are bound to sell out!

New FTR - How many tours?!

2009-10-13T21:58:00Z

In Alan's latest From The Road, he estimates how many tours the guys have gone on and puts the number at 200! How many have you joined them on?

New Soundtrack - Observations On Travel

2009-10-08T16:40:00Z

Bob muses from the road about traveling and a particular incident at Macy's. Remember, don't ask Canadians for their zip code.

Throw Tosh A Bone!

2009-10-02T21:39:00Z

Somebody's been a good dog and updating their blog regularly. But remember, Tosh tells no tails!

New FTR - New Demo!

2009-10-01T17:33:00Z

A note from Alan as the bus rolls into Milwaukee for tonight's show. Did he mention demos?! Click the image in the post for an audio/visual treat!

What about Bob?

2009-09-25T19:39:00Z

Bob's been busy! The current issue of the Newfoundland Quarterly contains a Bob-penned piece on how the Barra MacNeils changed his life. Fans of Bob's Soundtrack will remember this once appeared in skeletal form on his blog.

And, in a rare solo outing, Bob contributed an unusual set of Newfoundland accordion dances to a compilation entitled, Just The Tunes, released by Avondale Music.

New FTR - The Last Weekend of Summer 2009

2009-09-09T23:50:00Z

Alan details the last shows of the summer of 2009 in the latest From the Road. And he was just getting started....

Western US & Canada Presales Wednesday, September 9

2009-09-09T13:00:00Z

GBS is heading west for shows in California, Washington state, beautiful British Columbia and The Stampede City in November and we've got best seats presale tickets going on sale for all performances starting today, Wednesday, September 9! For more information including presale start times, check the ticket page in the Store!

New Merch in the Store

2009-09-08T18:42:00Z

We've got some new "old" merch for sale in the GreatBigSea.com Store! Come check out this great collection of vintage shirts, sweaters and more. We have limited quantities of each item and once something's gone, it's gone, so don't delay in ordering your favourite items today!

Lower Deck Public Sale

2009-09-01T19:34:00Z

Public sale tickets for Great Big Sea's show at the Lower Deck in Halifax, NS, on September 20 go on sale tomorrow, September 2, at 9am local time. Tickets can be purchases in person at the Lower Deck, by phone through 902-425-1501 or online at www.LowerDeck.ca

New Soundtrack!

2009-08-17T20:59:00Z

Bob muses on collecting music digitally and highlights a few tracks off his iPod. Read more in his latest Soundtrack.

New FTR - That's a Wrap!

2009-08-07T22:11:00Z

It's a mix of emotions for Alan on his last day on set. How do you guys feel about it? Tell us in the comments of Alan's latest FTR!

New FTR: Happy Hour, Home Stretch

2009-07-31T17:26:00Z

In his latest FTR, Alan reflects on approaching the final week-and-a-bit of filming and a very special prize waiting for him at the end of his long journey of shooting.

New FTR: Reunited and it feels so good

2009-07-20T19:07:00Z

Alan had a couple special visitors drop by the set recently. Read his new FTR to find out who!

Sean and Bob searching for inspiration

2009-07-10T19:15:00Z

During the present hiatus, Sean and Bob have been searching for inspiration on the heights of St. John's. Perhaps they should also be taking some photography lessons.

From the Set!

2009-06-09T19:16:00Z

Alan's halfway through his "grand adventure" on the set of the movie he's been filming and writes to you with observations from his time spent across the pond. Cheers!

New FTR + Big News from Daffodil Place!

2009-05-27T21:40:00Z

Alan writes from the set to announce big news from Daffodil Place! Since its launch in May 2007, they've raised $7 million and are set to open their doors in two weeks! Read more in Alan's FTR.

New Presale!

2009-05-27T21:38:00Z

The boys will be in Harrisburg, PA, on October 8, and starting tomorrow, May 28, at 10am EDT, we'll be doing a best seats presale in the Store! Don't miss out on your chance to get the best seats in the house!

Vancouver Presale

2009-05-14T20:24:00Z

Always a favourite for fans and the band alike, Great Big Sea returns to Malkin Bowl in Vancouver, BC, for two back-to-back shows on September 11 and 12! Starting Tuesday, May 19 at 10am PDT, the Store will be doing a presale for tickets to both dates. Don't miss out!

Buffalo Presale

2009-05-14T20:18:00Z

This Labour Day weekend, Great Big Sea, along with special guests, Kathleen Edwards and Jeremy Fisher, will perform in Buffalo, NY, as part of Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor. Presale tickets are on sale in the GreatBigSea.com Store right now for the September 5 show.

New Soundtrack from Bob!

2009-05-14T20:12:00Z

Take French lessons with Bob in his latest soundtrack - French music lessons, that is!

NEW FTR From Alan, From Horseback!

2009-05-11T18:08:00Z

Alan checks in from atop his trusty steed, Arthur, with a great tale from the set of the new Robin Hood picture he's currently shooting in London, starring Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and directed by Ridley Scott!

Great Big Sea a la "Mode"

2009-05-07T15:04:00Z

Tune into Ugly Betty Thursday night and listen out for the guys. A song of Great Big Sea's will be featured in the episode. Check your local listings for showtimes.

Up and Play get a US release!

2009-04-30T20:05:00Z

Up and Play were released in the US this week at your local retail and favourite online stores. Now, we know they're not new to you, but they will be to someone! Spread the word!

Great Big Sea on Demand

2009-04-27T22:12:00Z

In case you missed it, or in case you want to hear it again, Great Big Sea's show from Mile One Centre in St. John's has been archived on CBC.ca as a Concert on Demand for you to enjoy whenever you like!

Playoff Pool

2009-04-27T22:09:00Z

It's that time of year again! Login to www.officepools.com and track the GBS playoff pool! The ID is "gbs09" and the password is "malkin". Who are *you* betting on?

GBS in State of Play

2009-04-27T22:08:00Z

The guys certainly have their sights set on Hollywood this year - The Night Pat Murphy Died is being used in State of Play, which is currently in theatres in most markets. Be sure to listen out for it!

Gallow's Pole on US iTunes

2009-04-17T21:02:00Z

Great Big Sea's show-stopping performance of "Gallow's Pole" from the 2009 Juno Awards is now available for download from the US iTunes Store, too! The guys were joined by Hawksley Workman and Eccodek to close out the show. Great Big Sea will donate their proceeds from the sale of this track to Musicounts, so make it count!

Bloomington Presale

2009-04-17T20:58:00Z

Starting this Monday, April 20, at 10am CDT, the GreatBigSea.com will be holding a best seats presale for Great Big Sea's October 2 show in Bloomington, IL. Log on before 10am to ensure the best seats possible - the earlier you buy, the better your seats will be!

New FTR: On Set!

2009-04-17T20:53:00Z

Forget the gossip blogs, you can find out what happens on the set of a big, fancy movie by reading Alan's latest FTR!

Download Great Big Sea's Juno Performance!

2009-03-31T16:58:00Z

Great Big Sea graced the stage AND closed the show at the 2009 Juno Awards in Vancouver on Sunday. With the talented help of Hawksley Workman and Eccodek, the boys did a rocking rendition of "Gallow's Pole". You can watch video of the performance online. Most importantly, you can download the track* to your collection from iTunes Canada. Best ever part? All proceeds go to Musicounts!

*link opens in iTunes

New FTR from Alan!

2009-03-31T15:49:00Z

Alan says "see ya later" to the GBS crew in his latest FTR. He's off to London to become a big movie star!

A Whirlwind FTR

2009-03-27T15:59:00Z

Sometimes we get tired just reading Alan's FTRs and his latest is no exception. From the flights to the film set to the flights to the Junos - phew! How does he do it?

Around The World With Alan

2009-03-23T22:05:00Z

From musician to actor to jet-setter, Alan is certainly racking up the frequent flyer miles these days. He fills you in in his latest FTR.

New Soundtrack!

2009-03-19T14:32:00Z

You love reading, watching and listening to GBS in the media, but how do the guys feel about it? Bob tackles Media Relations in his latest soundtrack.

New FTR!

2009-03-19T13:57:00Z

Alan lets you know what he's been up to and what he's been listening to in his latest FTR.

New FTR

2009-03-13T19:21:00Z

Alan plays catch up with you on his last few weeks on the road and touches upon the recent tragedy in Newfoundland in his latest FTR. All of our thoughts are with the families at this time.

Happy Hump Day

2009-03-11T18:31:00Z

Always here to help you get over the hump, we have new posts from Alan AND Tosh to help you get to the end of the week. Enjoy!

New FTR: Big News!

2009-03-05T21:14:00Z

A man of many trades, that Alan, and he drops some huge news in his new FTR. You've seen him on stage and on your TV, but now you can see him on the big screen! Alan has joined the cast of the new Ridley Scott-directed Robin Hood movie starring Russel Crowe and Cate Blanchett! Read on for details!

GBS @ The Junos!

2009-03-05T20:22:00Z

Mark your calendars, set your dials - Great Big Sea are set to perform at the 2009 Juno Awards on March 29! The guys are also up for Group of the Year - so hopefully they'll get to grace the Junos stage more than once!

Bob's Back On Air

2009-02-27T17:07:00Z

In case you missed Bob last time he was on CBC Radio 2, or you just want to hear him again, the episode he recorded, "Weird In Newfoundland" will be rebroadcasted this weekend. The show features Bob talking about the "weird and wonderful world of Newfoundland folk songs."

It airs March 1 at 12pm local time (12:30pm in Newfoundland) on CBC Radio 2. You can also tune in online.

New Soundtrack!

2009-02-18T20:49:00Z

Thanks to a question from an aspiring folkie, Bob discusses the fiddle vs the accordion in his latest Soundtrack. Interesting read!

New FTR - Back on Land

2009-02-09T22:01:00Z

Alan wrote an FTR from Fort Lauterdale airport over the weekend. He talks about Ships & Dip V and gives you a glimpse of Sean's new hairdo. What do you think?

GBS JUNO Nomination: Group Of The Year!

2009-02-03T16:30:00Z

Great Big Sea has received a 2009 JUNO nomination for Group of the Year on the strength of their latest release, Fortune's Favour!

Hosted by internationally acclaimed comedian, Russell Peters, you can catch the 2009 JUNO Awards LIVE March 28, only on CTV.

For a complete list of all the nominees, please visit JunoAwards.ca.

Congrats to all!

GBS are going to the White House!

2009-01-20T22:58:00Z

Thanks to all of your votes, Great Big Sea's "Ordinary Day" made CBC Radio 2's Top 49 songs to send to Obama! They're in very good company - the list ranges from all styles and places in Canada. Congrats, guys!

Vote for GBS!

2009-01-15T15:08:00Z

Thanks to your nominations, GBS are on CBC Radio 2's shortlist for 49 Songs from North of the 49th Parallel - AKA Obama's playlist. The guys STILL need your votes to make the top 49!

Voting ends tomorrow, so you can vote once today and once again tomorrow. You love GBS, don't you think Obama should to?

A New Year, A New Soundtrack

2009-01-14T17:53:00Z

Bob welcomes in the new year by wondering which direction he should take his Soundtracks. As previously proven, Bob reads his comments, so go leave him some suggestions why dontcha?

GBS Spreads the Holiday Cheer

2008-12-19T17:53:00Z

Alan has one last FTR before the holidays and it's a great one. Find out about their time at the Gathering Place in St. John's, NL. CBC was there and shot some video, which is included in the FTR, too!

Year-end Wrap-up

2008-12-08T22:27:00Z

After a whirlwind year of touring and promoting Fortune's Favour, Alan heads home for a break before the guys are at it again next year. A look at a busy 2008 in Alan's latest FTR.

Montreal Back on Sale!

2008-12-04T18:19:00Z

We've just added more inventory to the Montreal presale that sold out last week. Act quickly before it sells out on you again!

Remember that you can buy Fortune's Favour at a special reduced price when you buy presale tickets from us. Just select which package you want from the drop-down menu.

The guys play the Metropolis on March 20, 2009, with very special guests Spirt of the West.

FTR: Puppy Love

2008-12-01T23:16:00Z

Alan makes a new, furry friend while jogging From the Road.

Another New FTR!

2008-11-27T23:15:00Z

Are you going to see the boys in the 'Peg tonight? Or were you the one on display in Thunder Bay last night? Find out more in another new FTR!

New FTR!

2008-11-27T15:57:00Z

Alan endorses WestJet and recaps yet another busy week for the guys in his latest From the Road.

Great Big Presales + Deals!

2008-11-24T22:38:00Z

Starting tomorrow, November 25, there will be presales for the March 2009 Canadian dates in the GreatBigSea.com Store! Check the Ticket category for the list of dates and presale start times.

As a special treat, we've lowered the price of Fortune's Favour for ticket-buyers. You'll have the option to add the CD to your ticket order in the drop-down menu on the ticket page. The CDs will arrive before Christmas, so if you already have a copy remember that they make the perfect gift!

As another special treat, the guys have teamed up with Delta Hotels in Atlantic Canada to offer presale ticket-buyers a special reduced rate at Delta the night of the show. You can book your rooms now and you need to present your tickets when you check in to receive the rate.

New Soundtrack - Bob's Replies

2008-11-21T23:12:00Z

In a new soundtrack titled, Mailbag Version 3.0, Bob surveys his comments from the past year of entries and posts his replies and thoughts about your reactions to his Soundtracks. See! Commenting does pay off!

Love Me Tonight Video!

2008-11-20T18:44:00Z

The video for Love Me Tonight is up on the GBS.com Video Player! You can also check out the video on YouTube and Facebook.

It's a fun video that deserves to be seen by everyone, so make sure you request it on MuchMoreMusic and CMT.

Post your reviews in the comments!

New FTR - Canadian Leg

2008-11-18T22:29:00Z

The Canadian leg of The Fortunate Tour kicked off last night in Kingston. Were you there? Find out how Alan spent the first day back in his latest FTR.

Trip or Treat!

2008-11-11T22:30:00Z

Halloween had some competition this year as October 31 was proclaimed Great Big Sea Day in Burlington, VT. Find out how Alan spent it in his latest FTR.

Running South Orange, NJ

2008-10-30T16:12:00Z

The second leg of The Fortunate Tour is winding down, but the guys show no sign of slowing down as they're off for a run in South Orange, NJ. Read more in Alan's latest FTR.

Overdue New Music

2008-10-30T16:09:00Z

Now, we don't mean new GBS music, but we do mean new recommendations from Bob in the form of a new Soundtrack! Bob highlights a few musicians and songs that he's been digging lately. What have you been digging lately?

Observations From the Road

2008-10-27T18:38:00Z

Alan shares some insights and observations about the tour and the skin conditions of celebrities in his latest From the Road.

New FTR: Rochester-bound

2008-10-22T21:16:00Z

Will Alan and the gang make it in time for the show in Rochester tonight? Find out about their weather-related troubles in his latest FTR.

PS: Alan sent this from the plane, so they are on their way!

New FTR!

2008-10-15T15:41:00Z

There is a season, turn, turn, turn. Alan discusses the changing of seasons in his latest FTR.

New Podcast!

2008-10-09T20:17:00Z

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from the guys in podcast form, but they’re back with a brand-new one and they’ve brought their vinyl collections along for the ride! Have a listen as the guys shuffle through some tunes; sharing stories and poking fun at each other along the way.

You can find the podcast on the lower left corner of the homepage. Click the play button to listen.

New FTR: On The Bus

2008-10-09T18:41:00Z

Alan writes about a new addition to the tour and the day-to-day rockstar life in his latest FTR from the bus.

The Dakota Sessions

2008-10-03T17:46:00Z

Set your VCRs/PVRs/TiVos - The Dakota Sessions taping, "Great Big Sea: Fortune's Favour", debuts on CMT at 8pm EDT this Sunday!

You might recall the guys playing an intimage gig at the Dakota Tavern in Toronto, ON, in June. In fact, a select few of you were lucky enough to be in attendance. Watch the guys performance through the camera lens and look out for yourself or fellow GBS fan during the show.

CORRECTION: Bob Goes Inside the Music on October 12

2008-10-03T17:38:00Z

Bob discusses Celtic music on CBC Radio 2's Inside the Music in a special episode called "The Pure Drop".

What was it really like in Newfoundland a hundred, or two hundred, or even three hundred years ago? Newfoundland musician and writer Bob Hallett has long pondered this question, in between making best selling albums and performing thousands of concerts with his band mates in Great Big Sea. Unfortunately, the hard lifestyle of the rock's people left them little time for novels, paintings, play writing, or otherwise recording their personal experiences. What they did have time for, and managed in abundance, was to celebrate their lives and culture in song. On this week's Inside the Music Hallett deconstructs and downloads the minds of his ancestors, using their own music as a window into their lives. And he learns a lot of strange and interesting things - lesson one being - 'They were very, very weird.'

The show airs at 12pm local time in most cities on Sunday, October 12. You can also stream the show online. For more program information, check CBC Radio.

West Hollywood Opener

2008-10-03T17:35:00Z

Joining the guys at the House of Blues Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA, tonight is special guest, Cathy-Anne McClintock. Cathy-Anne takes the stage at 9pm PDT and the guys are on at 9:45pm. Enjoy the show!

New Soundtrack: Lift

2008-10-02T23:11:00Z

Does Great Big Sea's music lift you up and make you move? Bob revisits the 'lift' topic in his latest soundtrack.

New FTR with Photo!

2008-10-01T22:48:00Z

Tosh isn't the only cute pup in the Great Big Sea family. Alan's included a great shot of Molly, his furry friend, in his latest FTR.

Alan's FTR - New York, New York

2008-09-25T14:10:00Z

Alan takes a bite out of the Big Apple in his latest FTR.

New FTR!

2008-09-19T18:34:00Z

What's life really like on the road? Alan talks about how he keeps himself busy while on tour in his latest FTR.

Chicago Presale!

2008-09-16T14:53:00Z

Are you ready Chi-Town? The boys return next March 6 & 7 for two shows and we have the first show plus a two-show pass on presale at 10am CDT on September 16.

GBS Anchor the News

2008-09-15T21:31:00Z

GBS paid a visit to Fox 8 News in Cleveland, OH, this morning and had a seat at the anchor desk.

New career path?

New FTR - On the Bus

2008-09-15T21:23:00Z

Alan's latest post is literally from the road this time as he writes to you while on the bus. Find out how the new shows are going and what you might be able to expect from the set list on the night you go.

GBS Goes for Gold!

2008-09-15T21:09:00Z

Fortune's Favour, Great Big Sea's ninth studio release, has been certified gold in Canada! This means that every album they've ever recorded has been certified gold or platinum in Canada. A great big congrats to the guys!

New FTR: A Weekend in Halifax

2008-09-05T17:17:00Z

GBS had a whirlwind weekend in Halifax, were you along for the ride? Find out why the Lower Deck is a favoured place to play and how the guys rocked the Commons in Alan's latest FTR.

GBS Rocks the Halifax Commons!

2008-08-29T18:37:00Z

Who's excited for Country Rocks 2008? As an FYI, Great Big Sea takes the stage at 5:30pm ADT. The gates open at 11:30am and the show kicks off at noon. Have fun and enjoy the show!

New FTR: Jesus Saves!

2008-08-29T17:26:00Z

Alan discusses religious messages and finds the humour in them in his latest FTR.

Halifax Secret Show Venue

2008-08-28T18:30:00Z

The boys will be intimately rockin' the Lower Deck in Halifax on Friday night for a secret show! The Lower Deck is located at 1869 Upper Water Street. The doors are at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

If you haven't won passes, pop by the venue in the evening and test your fortune. Great Big Sea and GBS.com cannot guarantee admission to anyone who hasn't already won tickets, but best of luck if you do go down.

NEW FTR: Co-Pilot Alan Takes to the Air!

2008-08-25T16:47:00Z

In his latest From the Road Alan tells us all about his brief career in the cockpit of a Cessna 404!

New Tail: Optimism

2008-08-21T22:58:00Z

Always look on the bright side of life? Tosh discusses his views on optimists.

New FTR + New Soundtrack!

2008-08-18T21:31:00Z

Alan mapped out a pretty busy weekend for him and the guys in his last FTR, yet somehow both Alan and Bob found the time to write new journal entries for you!

Bob deconstructs melancholy in his latest Soundtrack and Alan continues with his observations of travelling through North America in his latest FTR.

New FTR: Alan's Jetsetting

2008-08-15T18:57:00Z

Is geography your forté? Help Alan map out the places he's been and is travelling to in his latest From the Road.

New Soundtrack: Summer Dreams...

2008-08-06T17:39:00Z

How do you spend your summer? Bob spends some of his time dreaming and shares them with you in his latest soundtrack.

San Luis Obispo, CA Presale

2008-08-01T14:36:00Z

Starting today, August 1, at 10am PDT, the GreatBigSea.com Store will be holding a best seats presale for the boys' October 5 show at Cal Poly State in San Luis Obispo, CA.

This presale runs until the end of the month (August 29), but since it's a best seats presale, the bestest seats will be gone before you know it!

New Vancouver Date and Presale

2008-07-23T17:05:00Z

Great Big Sea have added a second Vancouver date on December 4, due to overwhelming demand. The GreatBigSea.com Presale is on right now - get your tickets before this one sells out, too!

Alan's FTR: Home For A Rest

2008-07-17T19:53:00Z

Alan's back home after a whirlwind weekend in Central Canada. How did it leave him?

"I had myself fully convinced that I was the biggest Rock Star on the planet and nothing could ever slow me down again."

The Fortunate Tour - Canada Presale!

2008-07-14T22:06:00Z

The Canadian leg of the Fortunate Tour kicks off on November 17, but you can start getting your tickets tomorrow, July 15, in the GreatBigSea.com best seats presale! Visit the ticket page in the Store for dates, cities, venues and ticket info.

New FTR: Alan's Busy Weekend

2008-07-08T18:22:00Z

Great Big Sea have a BIG weekend lined up - are you coming along for the ride? If you're going to Saturday's Toronto show, there might be a dress code... find out what we mean in Alan's latest FTR.

New Tail: In Denial

2008-07-07T18:20:00Z

Are you in denial about something? Tosh comes to terms with his life as a dog in his latest Tail.

New FTR from Alan

2008-07-03T16:42:00Z

Alan writes to you on his way home to rest up before he's back at it again. Find out how their whirlwind press and pub tour went last week.

The Holy Puck

2008-06-27T17:49:00Z

So Tosh DOES love hockey. You have Bob Gainey to thank for that.

Newbury Comics Pre-order

2008-06-26T18:00:00Z

Pre-order Fortune's Favour from Newbury Comics and receive a limited* autographed CD booklet with purchase! Check their site for more info.

Vancouver Secret Show Venue!

2008-06-26T17:33:00Z

The secret location for tomorrow night's Vancouver show has been announced! Great Big Sea will be performing at Doolins Irish Pub! The address is 654 Nelson Street (MAP).

Try your fortune and head down to the venue even if you haven't already won passes. Fans in Toronto and Ottawa have been quite lucky. Please be at the venue by 7:30pm; show starts at 8.

Calgary Secret Show Venue!

2008-06-26T14:57:00Z

Great Big Sea will be performing at the James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant for tonight's secret show in Calgary! The address is 114 8 Avenue SW, near the intersection of Centre St S and 9 Ave (MAP)

The doors are at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8. If you don't have passes, head on down to the venue and maybe fortune will favour you.

New FTR: With Pictures!

2008-06-25T21:37:00Z

Are you a morning person? Find out if Alan is in his new From the Road. He also got a new Macbook, so he's sent along some photos as well!