Renowned Irish-American Supergroup THE OLLLAM reconvenes for 2025.
the olllam, the critically acclaimed, genre-defying Irish-American fusion group, has announced an exciting 12-date UK and Ireland tour for early 2025. Known for their trailblazing blend of traditional Irish instruments with lonmg, cyclical melodies, fusing jazz, and psych-post-rock, the olllam continues to push musical boundaries.
This tour again features Scotland’s whistle ace Ross Ainslie up front with Irish piper John McSherry, while bass supremo Joe Dart (Vulfpeck, Fearless Flyers), Detroit drummer Michael Shimmin and keyboard player Joe Hettinga all return, joining Limerick guitarist Seán O’Meara. The 2025 tour follows sell out shows at Barrowlands during Celtic Connections and at London’s Jazz Cafe in 2024. It comes on the heels of the band’s recent collaboration with Grammy-winning electronic artist Zedd on his latest album Telos, adding to the group’s ever-expanding sonic palette.
Fans can expect electrifying performances, featuring new material as well as classics from their discography.
2024 marked an exciting change for the olllam as they welcomed renowned Scottish musician Ross Ainslie (Whistles, bagpipes) to the lineup, replacing founding member Tyler Duncan for live shows. Ainslie, known for his work with Treacherous Orchestra and Salsa Celtica, brings his distinct whistle-playing to the band, enhancing the already intricate interplay of long, cyclical melodies for which the olllam is famous.
the olllam are:
John McSherry (Uilleann pipes, whistles)
Ross Ainslie (Whistles)
Michael Shimmin (Drums)
Joe Dart (Bass)
Joe Hettinga (Keys)
Seán O’Meara (Guitar)