It's a homecoming' with the Mudmen at the Legion

(Contributed Photo).

Ben Andress

For the past 26 years, Canadian Celetic rock band Mudmen have been building a legion of fans across the globe with extensive touring, paired with their inviting and inclusive concerts that are reminiscent of family reunions.

"It's a homecoming. You cannot forget where you came from," explains founding member and bagpiper Robby Campbell. "We are seeing the pass-down effect. Grandpa brought his son and now he has brought his son. We now have three generations at a show."

Mudmen also features founding member and bagpiper Sandy Campbell, lead vocalist and guitarist Colin Amey, drummer Andy Gingerich, bassist Emmett Glancie and guitarist Alex Showdra. Even with two-and-a-half decades of filling seats and notable live gigs, including performing for the Queen of England on Canada Day and dozens of televised events, the members of the Mudmen always find their way back to Tillsonburg.

Coming up on the 30th anniversary of the band, Campbell reflects rather humbly, "As long as they are still coming to the show, that is what counts."When asked about the resurgence of vinyl and if we would ever see Mudmen songs on a record, Campbell answered, "We rerecorded and remixed our album Farmer's Tan and we will have that soon."

Music industry data from November 2024 shows that vinyl sales have increased 27.6 per cent in Canada from a year ago, according to entertainment industry data, analytics, and insights company Luminate.

"However, our fans want new. We are writing a new album while working on a book," Campbell said. The band has also been storyboarding ideas for a documentary movie.”Now an independent band, the members of Mudmen are no strangers to the music industry with years of working with different labels, management and booking agents while having their songs featured worldwide in hit TV shows like Showtime's Shameless and popular video games like EA Games' Burnout 3: Takedown.

When asked about the current climate of the music industry, and if there was any advice he would give to new artists starting out, Campbell answered, "It's better to stay smaller instead of hanging around people who can end your career....your life." 

You can be a part of the family and celebrate an evening of songs and stories with Mudmen on Friday, Nov. 29th at the Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 located at 16 Durham Street in Tillsonburg. Doors open at 7 p.m., with an 8 p.m. showtime. Tickets are available in advance for $25 by calling the Legion at 519-842-5281 or by visiting online outlet Ticket Scene. Tickets will also be available the night of the show at the door for $28, subject to availability. This is a licensed 19+ event. Wear your plaid shirt to show your Mudmen support and bring cash for the Mudmen merch booth.

More details can be found by visiting mudmen.ca or Tillsonburg Legion #153's Facebook page.