Celtic Thunder performance

**Father Bill** · 21st January 16, 07:11 AM

Found this which a friend had shared to Facebook. Toe tapping music, but the outfits raised certain XMTS-related questions for me.

Thoughts? Comments?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ywc3HJaUfI

**Liam** · 21st January 16, 08:03 AM

Padre...perhaps further evidence that the kilt wasn't a traditional Irish garment. I think their outfits are a modern fashion interpretation of the kilt and as such I have no issue with them.

**Profane James** · 21st January 16, 08:10 AM

Great lip syncing!

**Holcombe Thomas** · 21st January 16, 08:36 AM

And might you have noticed, at 2:26, the woman waving a Saltire?

Holcombe

**ratspike** · 21st January 16, 09:53 AM

Celtic Thunder is kitted out by 21st Century Kilts as far as I know, so there you have it. If you're familiar with Howie's style you can spot it a mile away, blindfolded, in the dark. It's very distinctive IMO.

**Steve Ashton** · 21st January 16, 11:50 AM

These are indeed Howie's creations as Ratspike said. If you don't recognize the overall 'look' of this style the lightning bolt kilt pins give it away. That is Howie's trademark.

So all the rules and conventions go right out the window. These groups Celtic Thunder, Celtic Women, and Riverdance before them are not intended to be "Scottish", "Irish" or any one type or style. They include some old favorites and highlight new material. Riverdance, while mostly Irish step dancing, had a flamingo piece right in the middle. They are more like the old themed variety shows that would do the music circuit. Entertaining yes, nice music and a nice evening out that you can take the kids to.

But I would not judge them by the standards of X Marks. Although, they have brought a lot of people to the forum.

**Leprechaun 91** · 21st January 16, 11:51 AM

Howie (21st Century kilts) knows what the traditional style is. (He is an heir to the Geoffrey Taylor brand.) His style is very ... fashion-forward? If your are looking at his line and expecting what many would call a "proper kilt" you will likely come away confused. I like his style and he is driving many to the kild that would never wear the traditional TANK. ... Much of what I just said regarding the 21st Century asthetic might be said about other kilt makers on the web. Some might say that Utilikilt is responsible for reviving the kilt for many and for introducing many to the kilt in the first place.

I don't object to their style any more than I would object to the jumbled anachronism that is the wardrobe of Albannach or Tartanic.

**Tarheel** · 21st January 16, 05:11 PM

Certainly the outfit of the group, tis costume, but made for the rigors of the performance. The uniforms work for me and thrill the crowd.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd January 16, 04:19 AM

If ever an illustration was needed to illustrate why the kilt looks "trollopy" when worn below the top of the knee cap, then we need to look no further!

**ratspike** · 22nd January 16, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

If ever an illustration was needed to illustrate why the kilt looks "trollopy" when worn below the top of the knee cap, then we need to look no further!

Okay, see, I thought something looked off with their outfits. I sorta feel like everything is a touch too much in this case, and those high and tight socks aren't doing the low hanging kilts any favors. I really love the 21st Century Kilts aesthetic and style, but think these gents have missed the mark a bit.