Bio
Highlander hails from Newcastle, Australia, and has been performing both as a band and Celtic rock show for many years including headlining several Celtic and Folk festivals. The band is known as the Scottish Celtic Rock band from down-under. The sound of Highlander combines a unique blend of pipes, whistle, fiddle, guitars, drums and vocals together with a dynamic stage presence to produce an unforgettable and exciting live performance which is enjoyed and respected by audiences of all ages. “If the sound of Highland bagpipes stirs the blood and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end”, then Highlander is a show not to be missed. The band was formed in 2005 by Justin Body after the original Highlander band ended due to a struggling performance line up. The new line up included Shane Crooks on bass, David Hollis on guitar, Michael Parkes on drums and Nikalla Garrett on fiddle. The band was named Highlander Celtic Rock Band Australia to appeal to a world wide fan base. With a string of high profile shows, touring and a new fan base, the band went from strength to strength. After 2 years, Shane & Nikalla left the band due to other commitments and Scott Rankin joined on fiddle and Andrew Hoffman on bass. In 2008 the band played its first international show in Jakarta headlining the annual ‘Scotland in Concert’ which helped establish the band as an international act. Highlander received a standing ovation with the organisers claiming the band was one of the best acts. In 2010, the album “North of the Wall” was released being a testimony to the bands commitment to explore and produce rich and vibrant music. The band then commenced playing high profile Celtic events in Australia including the ‘Australian Celtic Festival’ in Glenn Innes, the ‘National Celtic Festival’ in Portarlington and the ‘Bundanoon Highland Gathering’ in the Southern Highlands. The fan base also increased world wide thanks to internet radio. In 2013, Nate Downie on fiddle / mandolin and Chris Davidson on drums joined the band. In 2014 the band released their second album, “The Dark Island“, which received best Instrumental and best traditional song in the 2014 Australian Celtic Music Awards. In 2015, Daniel Kidston joined the line up on bass. For several years Highlander has been stepping into writing and recording original material. “Start the Fire”, released in April 2022, takes the band further into this dream with three new original songs and an instrumental. This step has breathed new life and direction into the band. Hopefully the new music will reengage our followers and provide an opportunity for the band to tour internationally after two long and challenging years.
