Celtic Thunder has once again proven the timeless appeal of their music with a stunning performance of Mull of Kintyre, combining their signature vocal harmonies with the haunting sound of bagpipes.
Filmed live at Dublin’s Helix Theatre in 2007 as part of Celtic Thunder – Act II, the performance showcased the ensemble’s remarkable range and left audiences in awe of both their talent and the rich Celtic heritage they celebrate.
The 2007 show featured the five principal soloists backed by an eight-piece band and a full orchestra, blending traditional Irish music with contemporary hits. While songs like The Island and A Bird Without Wings paid homage to Celtic roots, their rendition of Mull of Kintyre highlighted the group’s ability to reinterpret global classics with unique flair. Nearly two decades later, fans continue to revisit this original performance, drawn by its warmth, passion, and musical craftsmanship.
Originally written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, Mull of Kintyre was first recorded during a break in the London Town album sessions by Wings. Featuring the Campbeltown Pipe Band, the song celebrated the southwesternmost tip of the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland, an area beloved by McCartney since 1966. Released as a double-A-side single with Girls’ School in November 1977, it became one of the UK’s best-selling singles of all time, topping charts over the 1977 Christmas period and even surpassing She Loves You as the biggest-selling single ever at that time.
Celtic Thunder’s live interpretation retains the spirit of McCartney’s original while adding a distinctly Irish flair. With bagpipes weaving through the arrangement, the performance elevates the song into a cinematic celebration of Celtic culture. Musical Director Phil Coulter, who composed original numbers such as Heartbreaker and That’s A Woman for Act II, crafted the show to highlight both ensemble numbers like Steal Away and anthems such as Ireland’s Call, proving the vocalists’ versatility and depth.
Fans have praised Celtic Thunder’s rendition as a masterful homage to the Wings classic. The emotive vocals, lush orchestration, and stirring use of bagpipes create an unforgettable experience that continues to resonate. From the moment the first notes rise to the final chord, audiences are transported, not just to Ireland, but to the sweeping landscapes and heartfelt emotions the song evokes.
Long after its release, Mull of Kintyre has maintained a lasting legacy, from Wings’ original recordings to covers by Glen Campbell, James Last, Brotherhood of Man, and even Susan Boyle. Celtic Thunder’s 2007 live performance adds another iconic chapter, blending Irish musical tradition with a beloved classic, ensuring that the magic of the song endures for generations.
For fans old and new, revisiting this performance is more than nostalgia—it’s a celebration of Celtic pride, musical mastery, and the enduring power of a song that has inspired audiences for nearly 50 years.
