Feb 2: A is for Altan

An alphabet of bands and artists as a series for February. These were selected by the Spotify algorithm.

A is for Altan.

Altan are a band I have seen numerous times in different incarnations going back over 30 years. The most recent concert was for their 2024 album 'Donegal', with an excellent concert at Snape Maltings down on the Suffolk coast for the release of the album.

The band themselves are named after a lake in Donegal, situated at the foot of the northern slopes of nearby Mount Errigal. 

Formed in County Donegal in 1987 by lead vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband Frankie Kennedy, the group’s music is influenced by traditional Irish language songs and tunes from Donegal. Over the course of their career, Altan has sold over a million records.

They have made numerous albums, with various guest musicians including Dolly Parton.

They mostly sing in Gaelic.

Here's a song of theirs called 'Time has Passed'. This is particularly poignant as it remembers the passing of one of their members: Frankie Kennedy.

When the band began, the singer and violinist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Frankie were co-founders and also married. Here they are playing together back in 1985.

I remember one gig which took place down in the ballroom below Sheffield City Hall. I had to get the tickets from the box office, but in the main hall was the Chippendales. This meant queuing up with a lot of women who were eagerly awaiting some hunky men taking their clothes off... I got a few strange looks... the ticket for that gig - back in 1992 is included at the bottom of the post.

Over the years, the band has collaborated with a range of musicians including Dolly Parton.

And here's some drone footage flying over Altan Lough - a landscape feature after which the band were named... and Altan Tower.

And here's a ticket stub for that concert by the band in 1992...

Discography

Plenty for you to discover....

What 'A' band comes up on your algorithm? Let me know in the comments... along with any memories of Altan and their music.