Celtic Thunder Greatest Songs tour

So CT is doing something called Their Greatest Songs tour this Fall.  I'm leaning towards going to see the show in Wheeling, WV.  Long story about why, but if you gotta travel, might as well do a couple things.  Show sounds interesting.  Apparently, some of the "old" members come back on some kind of a random basis.  I'm happy as long as they still close with Ireland's Call.

They posted on their FB page the names of the 4 old members returning for selected concerts: Paul Byrom, Colm Keegan, Emmet O'Hanlon, Michael O'Dwyer. Notably missing from that list are Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin.

There is a link on the CT website to a post from Ryan Kelly's fan club. Which explains why Ryan Kelly is not on the tour.

https://celticthunderus.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2025+tour/RKFC/RYANS+POST+ON+RKFC+PAGE+RE+TOUR.png

I try to combine various things I want to do in one trip.  So, I'm going to see CT in, of all places, Wheeling WV. 

I went to the CT show on Friday in Wheeling, WV  (don't ask).  Couple of random comments.

*  Theatre seats about 2,000.  I doubt there were over 1,000.  Nice theatre.
*  The band was down to 5 members; violin, pipes, guitar, drummer & piano.  If I recall from last years show, that's down by at least 3 people.
*  Ronan (Mairead's hubby) is now the musical director.  He plays piano on a few songs as well.
*  Show was about 90 minutes.
*  My biggest objection was they did not do Ireland's Call as their closing number.  The couple times I've seen it live, it's one of the best closing numbers I've ever heard.   They did a medley in the first half that it was in, but only the first verse.
*  Paul Bryum was the Special Guest performer.
*  I think WV was about the furtherest South they got on this tour.  It looks like they almost drew a line across the country.  I had an opportunity to be in the area, so worked out the timing to do.

I went to the CT show on Friday in Wheeling, WV  (don't ask).  Couple of random comments.

*  Theatre seats about 2,000.  I doubt there were over 1,000.  Nice theatre.
*  The band was down to 5 members; violin, pipes, guitar, drummer & piano.  If I recall from last years show, that's down by at least 3 people.

Thanks for the report. I hope you had a good time.

They are certainly not in their prime. I remember when they used to be on tour, I could catch them on PBS almost every day, and the tickets and M&G were a big part of their pledge drives. Now barely even a mention...

They are offering a M&G after the show for $75.  Did one a year or so ago when they were in my area.  I thought it was expensive, but, hey, minimal travel involved.  Anyway, they brought out 2 of the guys, who answered questions.  Then we go a photo op with them.  Maybe 20 or so people at the M&G.

They were also offering a sound check pass before the show.  Don't remember what it cost.

Kind of low attendence.  Guess is WV is a bit on the economic down side.  Plus, as LakersCeltics said they are not in their prime.  I'm thinking maybe you could say the same thing about CW as well.  I can place some blame on COVID, and some on the current economic situation.  I always budgeted at least $1,000 per out of town CW show (ticket, travel, hotel, food, etc).  I would guess not a lot of people are comfortable with spending even $100 for a ticket anymore.