GreatBigSea.com News : news2007

New FTR - Grey Cup Weekend Part II

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:53:00 GMT

Alan shares more about his Grey Cup weekend and the guys' performance at a Gilda's Club fundraiser.

"We all straggled back to the hotel and listened to some rough mixes of the new GBS CD. The lads seemed to genuinely like the tunes, which is always encouraging. There are a few numbers on this recording that are unlike anything we’ve ever done."

New FTR - Grey Cup Weekend

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 19:07:00 GMT

Alan proves that Grey Cup Weekend is about much more than just the game in his latest FTR.

"The jig was up, and I knew it. Time to bolt. I took my hands off the Cup and walked directly back the way we had come, bee-lining it for a bright red exit sign."

Download Seven Joys of Mary

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:47:00 GMT

Great Big Sea recorded the traditional English Christmas carol, "Seven Joys of Mary", back in 1996 and now you can download it in the Store!

If you need any help with your download, please e-mail store@GreatBigSea.com.

NYC Presale

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 19:38:00 GMT

The boys are back in the Big Apple on January 13 at the Bowery Ballroom. The Store is holding a presale right now for you to get your tickets ahead of everyone else; the presale ends on Friday.

Treat yourself or the New Yorker on your list, by ordering some tickets today!

Great Big Christmas Concert Presale is now SOLD OUT

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:55:00 GMT

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this morning's presale. For those of you who may have missed out, you can still purchase tickets in the public sale starting this Saturday, November 24.

Here are all the details!

The Great Big Christmas show will take place December 28th at the Delta St. John’s with special guests The Novaks. Doors open at 8 PM. Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 24th at noon at Mile One Centre Box Office. Tickets may be ordered by phone 576.7657 (1.800.361.4594) or online at www.admission.com.

Great Big Christmas Concert Presale!

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:52:00 GMT

The 13th Great Big Christmas Concert is December 28 at the Delta St. John's. This year, the guys are donating the proceeds to the Daffodil Place.

The GBS.com presale is this Thursday, November 22, at 12pm NST. Get your tickets ahead of everyone else and in December you can have fun while supporting a great cause!

New FTR!

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:18:00 GMT

Alan's back; this time from home with an update about the BC shows and some info on an interesting play about rural Newfoundland, currently on stage in Winnipeg. The guys are also excited to be playing during the Grey Cup festivities in Toronto this week!

"Looking forward to a big night in Toronto on Saturday as there should be close to 8,000 revelers at the Grey Cup gig."

VIDEO: GBS in the studio

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:46:00 GMT

Great Big Sea are hard at work in the studio recording their new album! You can sit back, relax and watch the guys work their magic in a new video. Joining the boys is Hawksley Workman, who will be producing next year's album. Stay tuned, because more videos are on their way!

Set sail with Great Big Sea and Barenaked Ladies

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:39:00 GMT

Barenaked Ladies have invited the guys along for Ships and Dip III!

Joining GBS and BNL are Sarah Harmer and returning guests Guster, The New Odds, Jason Plumb and Gaelic Storm. The gang sets sail aboard the Carnival Victory from January 27 to February 1, 2008 - sailing from Miami to Grand Cayman and Jamaica!

Warm up your winter with a week of music, friends, fun and Great Big Sea! For more information, visit ShipsAndDip.com

Alan's FTR: Europe Part III

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:46:00 GMT

Alan's back with more of the boys spent their time across the pond.

"We blasted off to Hamburg and drove to the Tonder Festival. What can I say about this festival that I have not said before? It very well might be the best Folk Festival on Earth."

Alan's FTR: Europe Part II

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:54:00 GMT

Alan tells us about the rest of their trip across the pond, including Runrig's Beat the Drum Festival.

"The concert was a much bigger affair than I imagined. With a Sold Out crowd of almost 20,000, the venue featured a massive stage, audio and light rig, video production, the whole lot."

Alan's From Across the Pond

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:29:00 GMT

Alan shares how he spent his first few days in Europe and whines about Heathrow Airport.

"The Fringe Festival was in full swing when we arrived. The Fringe is one of the greatest collections of extroverts yo u’ll ever witness."

Great Big Sea: To the Best of Our Knowledge

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:09:00 GMT

The lads were on nationally syndicated and Peabody award-winning radio show "To the Best of Our Knowledge" on Wisconsin Public Radio. Their segment airs in the hour called "The Cult of Authenticity" and you can listen to it online at WPR.org

New FTR!

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:23:00 GMT

Alan writes from a park in Northampton, MA and Murray has found his way!

"We may have broken some city bi-law in Freeport last night as the crowd far exceeded the 4500 limit. Many thanks to you all for coming out."

The Ringdelles (Uncle Ronnie's Band): Alan's From the Road!

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 21:16:00 GMT

As Petty Harbour celebrates 'Come Home Year 2007', Alan gets a chance to join the Ringdelles in the festivities and share some warm reminiscences and great memories with us all in his latest 'From the Road' instalement - not to be missed!

New Bob's Soundtrack!

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:50:00 GMT

Bob debates analog vs. digital on his latest Soundtrack!

"Recently I downloaded Living In The USA by the Steve Miller Band. I heard the cut on classic radio, and it stayed with me."

2 New 'Alan's From the Road'!

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:22:00 GMT

Alan checks in from the Tour Bus with 2 great new journal entries. Head over to the 'From the Road' page and have a read!

New Podcast - Ryan's Fancy Part II

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:23:00 GMT

Check out the sequel to the last podcast! This one continues to honour the legacy of Ryan's Fancy and it includes some fun stories and good music.

Just to let you know, we're doing things a little differently with this podcast. It is now available to download for FREE in the new Digital Downloads section of the GBS.com Store.

To listen to the podcast, check out the new player on the Podcast page!

If you need assistance with your order or placing an order, please e-mail Store@GreatBigSea.com

*Those that subscribe on iTunes can still continue to enjoy the podcasts in iTunes.

Note from the boys - "Snail Mail" Box

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:16:00 GMT

There has been some concern expressed by fans that our recent decision to close our Post Office box was a rather cynical attempt to distance ourselves from our fans and friends.

As is often the case, the reality is more mundane. Our branch of Canada Post recently decided to change their policy on handing out accumulated mail to box holders. From now on, you have to present your original key in order to receive your mail. The fact that you just paid to renew the box rent, and you are standing in front of them with credit card and ID is not sufficient.

It should not come as a surprise to discover that we lost our key many years ago. Our local Canada Post branch will not give us our mail unless we a) find it, or b) pay for their locksmith to take apart the box, and retumble a new lock, (at their rates, not ours). Letting us copy the spare key (which they have) is not an option. Neither is just giving us the mail, and being done with us.

As this seems really dumb to us, we are asking people not to send anything else to this address until we can resolve the situation. And liberate our mail.

The band

New Bob's Soundtrack: A 'sad one'.

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 18:28:00 GMT

Bob has just added a wonderful new journal entry to his continuing sountrack series.

Head over and read his most recent musings on some 'sad songs' that have become a source of inspiration and rejuvenation as he continues to write material for the upcoming album.

And if you haven't visited Bob's Soundtrack page in a while, don't forget to get caught-up by having a gander at all of his past entries - each makes an excellent and informative read.

"Snail Mail" P.O. Box Closed

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:39:00 GMT

A note for folks looking to contact Great Big Sea, GreatBigSea.com or Management, the postal address that appears on the Contact Information page is no longer active.

Please direct all general inquiries via email only to help@greatbigsea.com

All business inquiries can be submitted for consideration through GreatBigSea.com on our Business Inquiries page.

Thanks!

GreatBigSea.com Team

GreatBigSea.com has more great tickets - Ridgefield, CT!

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:25:00 GMT

GreatBigSea.com has just secured more great seats for the August 8 show in Ridgefield, CT.

This new batch is located in the Orchestra, Rows H - K and are on sale NOW in the GreatBigSea.com Store.

Award-Winning Courage & Patience & Grit!

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:17:00 GMT

GreatBigSea.com is proud to announce that Courage & Patience & Grit: Great Big Sea In Concert has been honoured with 2 DVD Association Excellence Awards for 2007!

The boys and their production team took home awards in the categories of Excellence in Music DVD and Excellence in Audio.

A big 'congratulations' to everyone involved in the production of C & P & G. These awards have special meaning as they are voted on by industry peers.

It is a monumental task bringing a concert DVD of this calibre to life and many, many hands played instrumental roles in helping to make it happen. To all of those whose work goes largely unnoticed, this one is for you!

Alan's From the 'Home'

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 14:33:00 GMT

Alan is back with another FTR! He sends you an update of how he's been keeping busy while at home.

"Bob, Sean, and I just finished another round of demos for the new CD(s). Kris and Murray were in St. John’s for the first round a few weeks back and we hope to have at least one more session before the Summer touring begins in late July."

GreatBigSea.com Launches Revamped Homepage!

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:40:00 GMT

What do you think of our new 'do'? The Homepage just got a face lift and we think it takes 10 years off us!

Enjoy our fresh, new look and as always, feel free to let us know what you think by either leaving a comment or popping by the Online Kitchen Party and posting a message.

The Great Big Pre-Sale Is Back On! More Tickets For The Borderline Show!

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:20:00 GMT

GreatBigSea.com has just secured more pre-sale tickets for the August 21 show at The Borderline in London, UK and they are on sale now.

So, run, don't walk over to the Store and snap yours up before they are gone!

If today is anything like yesterday it is only a matter of time before this second batch of tickets is history!

New Concert Date Announced! The Boys Take On London, England!

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Great Big Sea fans in the UK, get ready! The boys will be playing The Borderline in London on August 21.

Even better is that GreatBigSea.com is currently holding ticket pre-sales to what is sure to be one of the coolest concerts of the hot summer season.

Head on over to the Store to get your tickets before they are gone. The pre-sale ends this Friday, June 8, so don't delay!

New Addition to Bob's Soundtrack!

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:29:00 GMT

Check out a wonderful new entry by Bob as he discusses the lastest addition to his soundtrack. The song is Jerusalem from the album “Last Night Of The Proms”.

Performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, Jerusalem is a moving and inspirational patriotic English classic. Neither the song or what Bob has to say about it are to be missed!

New Podcast: Tribute to Ryan's Fancy

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:07:00 GMT

Tune in to this great podcast from the boys. Sean is joined by Ryan's Fancy member, Fergus O'Byrne and the group discuss the legacy of Ryan's Fancy and Dermott O'Reilly. Listen for the story of the band and enjoy some of their great music.

Alan's FTR from his cabin

Wed, 16 May 2007 20:17:00 GMT

Alan is spending time with the family up at his cabin. Check out his latest From the Road!

"GBS is working hard on demos for the new CD. It will Rock Planet Earth."

Site Maintenance: May 9, 11pm EDT

Wed, 09 May 2007 20:54:00 GMT

GreatBigSea.com will be offline intermittently for about 30 minutes on May 9. We're doing some behind the scenes maintenance starting at 11:00 PM EDT.

You will not be able to shop in the Store or post on the OKP during this time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

New Podcast!

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:18:00 GMT

The boys have another podcast for you! This time they reminisce about the Great Big Picnics they used to have. Weeping Tile, Big Sugar and Blue Rodeo are just some of the other great acts that played these picnics.

Have a listen here!

Seattle Pre-Sale

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:22:00 GMT

The GreatBigSea.com is holding a pre-sale for the boys' show in Seattle, WA on July 29 at the Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheatre. The tickets are already on sale in the Store!

Site Downtime: April 30, 11pm EDT

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:17:00 GMT

GreatBigSea.com will be offline for about 30 minutes tonight, April 30. We're doing some behind the scenes maintenance starting at 11:00 PM EDT.

You will not be able to shop in the Store or post on the boards during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Great Big Pre-Sale

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:49:00 GMT

At 11am EDT, the GreatBigSea.com Store will be selling tickets to four of the boys' shows. We have the best seats for two shows and are pre-selling the general admission shows! Check the ticket page for more info!

Alan updates while on the bus in Pittsburgh

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:07:00 GMT

Alan shares some of this thoughts about the Virginia Tech shooting.

"Truth be told, we were about an hour away from the whole incident as it happened as we sat on the bus in Norfolk."

Alan's on the bus in Charlotte, NC

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:05:00 GMT

The boys just played the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC, and Alan gets a bit spooked in Norfolk.

"I walked from the bus to a Laundromat only a few hundred feet down the street and feared for my life every step."

The Boys take Boston tonight

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:47:00 GMT

Alan talks about how far they've come in Boston in his latest From The Road.

"Tonight we play the Orpheum in Boston. Effectively this is the premier concert theatre in the city. It is a long way from our first visit to the Boston area when we played a wee Irish pub in Quincy for about eight people."

Alan's back on the road!

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:55:00 GMT

The boys kicked off the second leg of their tour last night in Harrisburg, PA.

"Harrisburg is the Capitol of Pennsylvania, and is quite lovely."

Check out Alan's latest From the Road!

Young Triffie in theatres Friday!

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 20:43:00 GMT

Directed by Mary Walsh, Young Triffie’s Been Made Away With opens in select theatres across Canada this Friday, April 6^th. The movie includes music by Alan and it marks his feature film composing debut! Check out the official trailer at Morag Productions!

Alan's headed for the Rock

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 19:11:00 GMT

After a set of great shows, the boys are headed home for a break before going back on tour.

"We finished with a couple of good houses in Columbus and Indianapolis. Good for morale, going into this break before the next run in a couple of weeks."

Tour Calendar

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 19:06:00 GMT

The Tour Calendar is down for maintenance right now. It should be up soon, but if you have any questions about a tour date, please check the OKP or e-mail help@greatbigsea.com

Alan found the Arch!

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 18:50:00 GMT

Alan found the Arch in St. Louis and shares some photos with us in his latest From the Road.

"I can’t comment on how the Arch looks in the cold light of day, but at night, it is truly wondrous."

Alan breaks new ground in his latest From The Road!

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:39:00 GMT

Find out what Alan was up to while in St. Louis, Missouri.

"... We are breaking new ground today, just as we did in Whitehorse way back when this tour began..."

Alan is on the road in Kansas City!

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 21:39:00 GMT

Alan's back with another From The Road!

"We had a grand Paddy’s night in St. Paul. The sold out night at the O’Shaunessy marks one of GBS’s biggest paid audiences in the US."

Read on to find out what happens in Ames, Iowa.

Alan's Latest From The Road!

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:40:00 GMT

In his latest entry, Alan talks about the show in Chicago and has an amusing story about a show taking place down the street.

"Rocked the house in Chicago last night. We debuted another new tune, Straight to Hell..."

Alan's From The Road!

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:40:00 GMT

Alan is on the bus headed to their Milwaukee show. Read on to find out how the tour kicked off in Kalamazoo!

"Last night in Kalamazoo, we played several songs that we have not performed in a decade or more. We also debuted three new tunes..."

Bob and The Barra MacNeils!

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 18:59:00 GMT

In his latest Soundtrack, Bob talks about the Barra MacNeils and the major influence they had on his musical career.

"...As soon as I got home, I sold my amps and bass, dug out my great-grandfather’s fiddle, and started practicing for real. The Barras had changed my life..."

Alan's Latest From the Road Journal!

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:54:00 GMT

Alan wishes Great Big Sea a Happy Birthday in his newest journal entry.

"...On March 11, 1993 myself, Darrell, Sean, and Bob, played onstage together for the first time..."

Happy Birthday, guys!

New podcast from the boys!

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:47:00 GMT

Head to the Podcast page for a new podcast from Great Big Sea! The boys continue talking about the lengthy list of artists that have opened up for them and share a couple stories from the road. You need to be a member of GreatBigSea.com to listen to the podcast - but signing up is fast, and not to mention free! Join the community and tune in!

Great Big Sea remembers Dermot O’Reilly

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:00:00 GMT

The boys are very sorry to announce the passing of a very dear friend, colleague and mentor. Dermot O’Reilly passed away suddenly on February 17^th and will be sorely missed by his many, many fans. A founding member of Ryan’s Fancy, Dermot was a great inspiration to Great Big Sea and countless other Newfoundland musicians. To learn more about our departed friend, please visit Ryan’s Fancy.

New GBS Podcast!

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:01:00 GMT

GBS has released a brand new podcast. Alan, Sean and Bob talk about some of the amazing bands that have held the supporting slot at their concerts. You’ll also get to hear some of these bands’ tunes making this a podcast NOT to be missed!

Bob Talks Franz Ferdinand and The Killers!

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:57:00 GMT

In Bob's newest Soundtrack Journal, he chats about his favourite tunes by Franz Ferdinand and The Killers!

Create the new GBS T-Shirt Logo!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Great Big Sea is looking for a few good designs and would love to see your ideas.

GreatBigSea.com is having an open call geared at all you aspiring designers who have some creative t-shirt logo ideas for the band’s upcoming tour. Your design might be the next to appear on a Great Big Sea t-shirt.

THIS CALL OUT IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED A DESIGN!

GBS Ticket Pre-Sale Closed!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:04:00 GMT

The April Show Ticket Pre-Sales are now closed! Thanks to everyone who supported Great Big Sea. Be sure to check out the Tour Schedule for public sale details!

One Day Left To Buy GBS Tickets!

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:26:00 GMT

There is one day left to buy tickets to the Great Big Sea April shows! The GreatBigSea.com Pre-Sale is almost over and public sales will begin very soon. Check out the Tour Schedule for Public Sale information!

Tickets are still available for the following cities:

Harrisburg, PA

Portsmouth, NH

Norfolk, VA

Charlotte, NC

Check out the Ticket Page for more details!

April Tour Dates Announced!

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 23:01:00 GMT

New April tour dates have been announced and the boys will be taking USA's East Coast by storm! From New Hampshire to North Carolina and almost everywhere in between, Great Big Sea will be playing some awesome venues for your listening, singing, jumping and dancing pleasure!

There will be a Ticket Pre-Sale for all the April Dates starting Monday, February 5 at the GreatBigSea.com Store! Be sure to check out the store pages to find out what time tickets will be on sale for your show!

Milwaukee Show Ticket Pre-Sale: January 29

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:02:00 GMT

Have you been waiting to buy your tickets to the previously announced Milwaukee show? The wait is almost over! The pre-sale for the March 15 show at the Northern Lights Theater in Milwaukee will begin January 29 at 10am CST!

Please note that the Milwaukee show is TABLE seating. We are selling individual seats so if you are buying a group of tickets and you'd like all your tickets to be assigned at the same table, be sure to let us know through the "Comments" area in the checkout page when you place your order!

Brand New GBS Podcast!

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:01:00 GMT

The next installment of the Great Big Sea podcast is finally here! In this podcast, Alan talks about the various records Great Big Sea have been guests on. From the Barra MacNeils to Chris Trapper, Alan talks about some great songs that the boys of Great Big Sea are proud to be a part of! So sit back, turn on your speakers and enjoy the newest Great Big Sea podcast.

Big Sale at the GreatBigSea.com Store!

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:59:00 GMT

There's a sale at Great Big Sea's online store and you don't want to miss it! All GBS.com Calendars, Hoodies and T-Shirts are 15% off! This is a limited-time sale so you definitely don't want to miss it! Valentine's Day is coming, right? Why not give your sweetie a hoodie with your kisses? Check out all the cool sales at the GreatBigSea.com Store!