The Killdares
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, music videos |
| Website | www |
The Killdares emerged as a Dallas-based celtic rock ensemble in 1996. Throughout their career, they produced five studio albums alongside two live recordings: the 2002 live album LIVE and the 2010 live DVD paired with a dual CD set, Up Against the Lights. The group was a frequent presence at numerous festivals within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, including Taste Addison, MayFest, Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival, and Grapefest. Additionally, they maintained a seventeen-year run performing at the State Fair of Texas. After two decades of active performances, The Killdares concluded their journey in November 2016.
1996-1998: Broken with a Word
The Killdares were established in 1996 by Tim Smith, who took on lead vocals and drums, together with Jesse Owsley, Ann Purdy, and fiddler Linda Relph. Within the first year, Owsley and Purdy exited the group, while Relph continued until 2002. Their inaugural self-produced album, Broken With A Word, was released in 1998.
1999-2002: A Place to Stand and LIVE
In 2001, the band unveiled A Place To Stand, produced by Chris Bell, which was entered for Grammy consideration across five categories. By mid-2002, their third album LIVE was issued, capturing performances from their live repertoire and featuring covers of tracks by Big Country, Fairport Convention, and The Ramones.
2002-2004: Transitions
The year 2002 marked the addition of Roberta Rast, a six-time National Fiddle Champion. Subsequent lineup adjustments occurred by mid-2004 with James Dunning joining on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Stacy Edwards assuming bass guitar responsibilities, Brek Lancaster stepping in as lead guitarist, and Matt Willis incorporating highland bagpipes starting September 2004.
2005-2009: Any Given Element and Secrets of the Day
In 2005, James Dunning departed to create Lost Immigrants, though his songwriting contributions remained on The Killdares' fourth studio release Any Given Element. That same year saw Jim Dawson take over bass guitar duties. This ensemble—comprising Tim Smith (lead vocals, drums), Roberta Rast (fiddle, ukulele), Brek Lancaster (lead guitar), Matt Willis (bagpipes, whistles), and Jim Dawson (bass)—produced both Any Given Element (2005) and Secrets of the Day (2008).
For their 2008 album Secrets of the Day, The Killdares collaborated once more with producer Ronan Chris Murphy and engineer Chris Bell. Released in July at The House of Blues in Dallas, this record was submitted for Grammy nominations in six categories including Album of the Year and Best Rock Instrumental.
In 2009, bass duties were handled by Troy Gallaher.
2010: Up Against the Lights
During 2010–2011, The Killdares operated with four principal members while utilizing guest bassists. Gavin Kelso played bass from January 2010 until April 2011 before Gary Thorne from Denton’s Shaolin Death Squad took over.
On July 30, 2010, the band recorded a live show at Dallas’ Granada Theater that resulted in a combined CD/DVD release titled Up Against the Lights. Featuring Tim Smith, Roberta Rast, Brek Lancaster, Matt Willis along with guest bassist Gavin Kelso, this project was launched on November 4 at Dallas’ Angelika Theater accompanied by a DVD screening event.
2011-2015: Steal the Sky
In mid-2011, Gary Thorne was officially added as the band's bassist. By June 2013, longtime guitarist Brek Lancaster exited the group, with Mike Urness from Denton stepping in as his replacement.
The Killdares unveiled their seventh album and fifth studio release, Steal the Sky, on September 24, 2014. The launch event took place at the Granada Theater, the same venue where their prior live album had been recorded.
2016: 20th Anniversary and Retirement
January 2016 marked the announcement of The Killdares' 20th anniversary alongside plans to disband by the end of that year. Their farewell concert occurred on November 18 at the Kessler Theater, featuring special appearances by former members Brek Lancaster and James Dunning.
Discography
- Broken with a Word (1998)
- A Place to Stand (2001)
- LIVE (2002)
- Any Given Element (2005)
- Secrets of the Day (2008)
- Up Against the Lights (2010)
- Steal the Sky (2014)
Videography
- Up Against the Lights (2010)