Take two kilt-wearing brothers of sizable stature, throw in the bagpipes for each, and then let them do their thing, backed by very talented musicians, and a unique sound and energy that’s as fresh as it is likely.
Back in 1998, that scenario played out in southwestern Ontario’s Lambton County, forming the genesis of Mudmen. Fast forward 27 years later, and founding members Robby and Sandy Campbell are still in the mix, with the band’s over-the-top Celtic rock sound continuing to resonate with music fans across the country.
So it was that when Peterborough Musicfest first considered presenting Irish Week as a nod to the year-long commemoration marking the bicentennial of the arrival of Irish emigrants to these parts, Mudmen checked a very big box in terms of the Celtic feel and sound sought.
On Wednesday (August 6), Mudmen will headline the summer music festival at Del Crary Park, with Peterborough’s very own Irish Millie opening the 8 p.m. concert. Admission, as always, is free, thanks in no small way to the support of numerous sponsors, kawarthaNOW again among them.
Robby and Sandy Campbell’s musical journey began as The Campbell Brothers before they hooked up with Zoy Nicoles, Lonny Knapp, Tommy Skilton, and Ryan McCaffrey to form Mudmen — the band name born from the brothers’ previous job of mixing mortar for bricklayers.
Along with the Campbell brothers, the band’s current lineup is Colin Amey, Andy Gingerich, Alex Showdra, and Emmett Glancie.
VIDEO: “Who My Friends Are” – Mudmen
2001 saw the release of the band’s debut self-titled album — the first of 11 albums, the most recent being 2022’s Farmer’s Tan.
Influenced by traditional Scottish music as well as hard rock bands such as AC/DC, Mudmen’s raucous sound struck a chord, not only with its fan base but with event programmers and video game producers looking for something refreshingly different. As a result, Mudmen’s music has staked its place in popular culture.
For example, the single “Lost” from the band’s debut album was featured in a promotional video for the 2007 NBC television show The Black Donnellys while the single “Animal” has been featured as part of the soundtracks for video games and a number of Don Cherry’s hockey videos. Mudmen also wrote and recorded the ring entrance music for WWE wrestlers The Highlanders.
Career highlights include meeting and performing for Queen Elizabeth II on Parliament Hill, and performing at the 1984 Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup team reunion, seven Grey Cups, three Memorial Cups, 12 Canada Walk of Fame ceremonies, and two Special Olympic opening ceremonies.
Singles-wise, “5 O”Clock,” “Saturday,” and “Drink And Fight” come to mind quickly, along with their frenetic Celtic sound-infused covers of songs such as Spirit of the West’s “Home For A Rest” and AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll).”
In a May 2023 interview with Canadian Beats, the Campbell brothers told Jenna Melanson that their involvement in the band is all encompassing.
“Robby and I are the managers, booking agents, and the roadies, so there’s a lot of work behind the scenes that no one sees,” said Sandy.
“The actual performing part is awesome, and meeting people is one of the best parts of our job. When we go on stage at some of these large festivals, it’s a great feeling to see people really into the music and the moment. We’ve really been enjoying the theatres too, where people come only to see Mudmen and are there for no other reason than the music and the band.”
VIDEO: “Farmer’s Tan” – Mudmen
“Playing Celtic music is fun,” Sandy added. “It usually raises people’s spirits, or tends to make people drink more spirits. The awesome part about being in a touring band is seeing new places and new faces in big and small venues, and performing with my brother 25 years after we started Mudmen.”
In terms of early influences, Robby cites Stompin’ Tom Connors, in particular his “connection with the common man. He was real and lived the dream, tough as nails, and wouldn’t quit for nothing.”
For Sandy, it’s The Irish Rovers.
“We grew up watching them on TV. They were our mom’s favourite band and the first band we performed with. To me, being a good person is very important and these guys were great. It was an amazing experience joining them onstage for the first time at Hamilton Place with over 2,000 people in attendance. They are a big reason we pursued this career.”
As for advice for those starting their own musical journey, the brothers’ voice of experience is as timeless as it is invaluable.
“You need a day job and you’ll need to find your wallet. This is going to be very hard if you want to do original music. Spend within your budget, and keep your eyes peeled for the crooks and players in the business. They prey on young inexperienced people, tell them everything they want to hear, and then sell them the dream.”
“And make sure the people in your band are compatible and can work well together. If one person is shining, they are helping elevate the band, so don’t be jealous. Be thankful. And if you want to shine, then up your game.”
VIDEO: “Gramma” by Natalie McMaster – Irish Millie
Among those young performers who could benefit from the Campbell brothers’ good advice is Peterborough native Irish Millie, although the fiddling sensation is already well on her way to becoming a success nationally.
Inspired at just three years old by a live performance given by Nova Scotia fiddler Natalie MacMaster, Amelia Shadgett decided early on what she wanted to do, and has since done so in spades, performing anywhere and everywhere, most often accompanied by her guitar-playing father Murray.
A five-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Irish Millie blends old-time fiddling with bold creative flair and original songwriting. At just age 19, she has recorded three albums — Thirteen, Grace, and Between Then And Now — and, as The Receivers along with Ottawa-area sisters Fern and Willow Marwood, released the EP The Trilogy.
Currently studying music industry and technology at the University of Toronto, Irish Millie continues to captivate a growing audience with her talent and passion.
Irish Week at Del Crary Park will conclude on Saturday (August 9) with The Celtic Tenors, that trio making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland to Peterborough — much the same as some 2,000 settlers did in 1825, albeit much faster and in considerably greater comfort.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 38th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until Saturday, August 16th.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2025 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2025 season.
