Written By Olena Riznyk
AILSA CRAIG – Bagpipes, drums and a busy dance floor filled Ye Olde Towne Hall on April 18 as Mudmen returned to Ailsa Craig for a lively night of Celtic rock.
Before the show, Robby Campbell, one of the band members, said communities like Ailsa Craig have always played an important role in the band’s success. “We’re from small towns,” Campbell said. “Too often the big bands forget about the small towns on their way to bigger places.”
He said Mudmen learned early that smaller communities often gave the band some of its strongest support. “The small towns have kept us alive,” he said. “People are real and they want something to come to their town. They appreciate it.”
Mudmen was formed in 1998 in the Alvinston-Petrolia area, with brothers Robby and Sandy Campbell among the founding members. Since then, the band has released 11 studio albums, performed across Canada and played more than 3,000 shows.
Over the years, the group has also appeared at major events, including performances connected to Queen Elizabeth II, Grey Cup celebrations, Canada’s Walk of Fame ceremonies and Special Olympics opening events.
Even with those larger stages, Campbell said the band still values the atmosphere of smaller towns. “Sometimes in a small town, you can be the event of the week, the day, the month–sometimes the year,” he said.
Sandy Campbell said one reason the band has lasted so long is the connection members try to keep with audiences. “When the show is done, the big star runs off and hides, and the Mudmen are down in the crowd meeting,” he said.
He said the group often hears from people who first saw a live concert at a Mudmen show in a small-town arena or hall.
Mudmen also praised those working to keep Ye Olde Towne Hall active as a local venue. “They’re working hard to keep this old hall going,” Sandy Campbell added.
For Ailsa Craig, the evening drew another strong turnout at one of the region’s best-known community halls, where live music continues to bring people through the doors.
Asked for a final message to fans, Robby Campbell returned to the importance of supporting local communities. “If you don’t help your community grow and stay alive, it won’t stay alive,” he said. “Don’t forget where you came from.”
