Celtic Culture > Music

Wolfstone
Wolfstone has long been a high-profile institution in Scottish folk-rock. Since being formed in 1989, the Highland rockers have become one of Scotland's most popular traditional rock bands, with album sales to date topping 350,000. With a very well established and loyal fan base worldwide, many new fans are now discovering Wolfstone and their new Highland music as the band travels extensively to perform.

Interview with Duncan Chisholm, band founder and fiddle player.

Wolfstone (left to right):
Duncan Chisholm (Fiddle)
Alyn Cosker (Drums)
Ross Hamilton (Bass/Vocals)
Stuart Eaglesham (Guitars/Vocals)
Stevie Saint (Pipes and Whistles)
Photo © Wolfstone

Celtia.info: Wolfstone brought together rock and traditional Scottish music in a very unique way - is Wolfstone the band that invented loud bagpipe rock?

Duncan Chisholm: No, there have been bands since the 70’s linking bagpipes with cross over rock music. We just found our own particular sound which has developed over time.

How was it that you came to celtic music? Which bands have inspired you most in your music?

The music in Scotland is around us all the time, we didn’t just decide one day to play celtic music. It is in our blood and more a part of us than most things. Silly Wizard and the Bothy Band were my early inspirations.

When you first started the band, and before you started making real money, what were your jobs? What was paying the rent at the time?

I worked in a bank for 4 years, but who cares about that?

In 1991 Wolfstone played at Loch Lomond in front of a 45.000 crowd - that catapulted the band to stardom. In 2003 Wolfstone were given the honour of playing prior to the kick off at the Scotland vs Italy Six Nations Rugby International. What is your most memorable live experience?

Playing in the Rocky Mountains at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (Colorado, USA). A beautiful place with beautiful women and great music.

Playing Highland music in a very energetic way - how did that concept of evolve from your first album (Unleashed 1991) to your latest (Almost and Island, 2002)?

The music around us changes, trends and technology move on and we change with it.

Rock and politics - what is the most political song the Wolfstones have done?

It embarrasses me to think that we would stand on stage and try to throw politics down peoples throats, I think we have tried to avoid that in the past. I feel uncomfortable with it so I would prefer to avoid it, and this question. We can only express things in the way we see the world and who is to say we are right in that respect.

Wolfstone ‘With Fans’ tour of Scotland

Wolfstone have joined forces with Hammond Tours, USA, to promote a ‘With Fans’ tour of Scotland. The tour will coincide with the Band’s Scottish tour which will take place from the 19th to the 25th of October 2005.

The package consists of the following: Round-trip air from JFK to Scotland; 5 Nights First Class Hotels; Full Scottish Breakfast daily; Two Dinners; Professional Scottish Driver/Guide throughout; Sightseeing as per itinerary; Admissions as per itinerary; Porterage of one suitcase per person; All hotel taxes, service charges etc.

The Destination each night is at a town or city hosting a Wolfstone concert.

Wolfstone - where is the name coming from?

It is a Pictish stone found in the Highlands of Scotland.

Wolfstone have joined forces with Hammond Tours to promote a ‘With Fans’ tour of Scotland. Can you tell us a little more about this?

When we are on tour, a lot of fans ask about and wish some day to come to our beautiful country. The idea was put to us by the tour company and we thought it might be a good idea. The packages I believe are available for all fans from all countries not just the USA. The fans get a guided bus tour of our country during the day and then come to a Wolfstone concert at night. It all sounds great, if I wasn’t in the band I would go myself!

What does the future hold for Wolfstone? Any new recordings in pipeline?

We have new ideas and we will be recording them very soon. We can’t say when the album will be out there but it will be when it is ready and we are happy. Hopefully you will have a copy early next year!

Int. P. Kelly | April 2005

Do you want to know more about Wolfstone?

» Visit the official Wolfstone website:
http://www.wolfstone.co.uk/

» Wolfstone at The Celtic Shop > Music > Folk > Scotland:
Wolfstone draw from the very foundations of Highland music. Wild tunes, beautiful airs and powerful songs and the unique blend of guitars, fiddle, bagpipes and pulsating percussion combined with a dynamic stage presence, are all well-known hallmarks of the band.