The MacDonald Brothers

The MacDonald Brothers
Background information
Origin	Ayrshire, Scotland
Genres	Pop, rock, pop rock
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Evosound
Website	Official website
Members	Brian MacDonald Craig MacDonald

The MacDonald Brothers are a pop folk duo from Ayrshire in Scotland, consisting of brothers Brian and Craig MacDonald. They first rose to prominence in the third UK series of television talent show The X Factor in 2006,^[1] and have since gone on to release four albums.

The brothers are currently signed to Evosound, Hong Kong under their new name "The Macs" but remain living in Scotland. As well as singing, both Craig and Brian play a range of instruments including the violin, accordion, guitar and piano.^[2]

Music career

X Factor

The MacDonald Brothers are Brian (born 28 November 1986) and Craig (born 16 December 1985). They auditioned for The X Factor in 2006 in Glasgow, Scotland singing "Don't Worry Baby" originally by The Beach Boys,^[3] and the judges comments were positive, with Sharon Osbourne saying "You made that song not sound Californian, you made it sound Scottish ..." and Louis Walsh added "Which Was Good!". The band received three positive votes from the judges Simon Cowell, Osbourne and Walsh. Throughout the show, the boys were mentored and coached by Walsh.

The brothers finished in fourth place, with Leona Lewis being the eventual winner. The Macdonald Brothers signed a recording contract with Syco Records, along with Sony Music Entertainment. Following this they signed with Scottish Independent label "The Music Kitchen" who released their debut album.

The MacDonald Brothers (2006–2007)

After The X Factor, the band recorded their debut album, The MacDonald Brothers, which was released on 2 April 2007, produced by Stuart John Wood of Scottish super group The Bay City Rollers. The album entered the UK Album Charts at No. 18.^[4] The album also charted at No. 1 on the Scottish Albums Chart outselling the likes of "Kings of Leon" and "The Proclaimers" on their week of release in Scotland. The album consisted mainly of covers including "Real Gone Kid", "Shang-A-Lang", "When You Say Nothing at All" and "Bye Bye Baby" and "500 Miles".

This album was later released by BIG-JOKE records in conjunction with Sony BMG Australia for the Australasian market in 2009.

The World Outside (2007–2008)

Their second album, The World Outside was released on 15 October 2007 and included a few of the Macs own songs as well as a track "Runaway (Do You Love Me)" written and given to them by Sir Elton John.. The album peaked at No. 41 on the UK chart.^[5] It entered the Scottish album charts at No. 2, just being pipped to the post by the "Stereophonics" on the week of release.

"Runaway (Do You Love Me)" was released as a download single, which was written by Elton John.

With Love" (2008)

The third album, With Love was released on 18 February 2008,^[6] as a limited edition album for mothers day. It featured many love songs including "Wonderful Tonight" and "Unchained Melody." The limited copies of the album sold out within the first two weeks.

Young Celts" (2008)

Their fourth album, Young Celts was released on 13 October 2008 which saw the Macs return to their Scottish roots featuring tracks such as "Loch Lomond" and "Flower of Scotland," as well as some well known covers such as "So Young," by the Corrs. "You Can Always Come Home Son" was released as a download single. The album, distributed only in Scotland peaked at No. 8.

Merry Christmas" (2010)

The MacDonald Bros recorded a Christmas album in the summer of 2010 which featured 19 tracks including many popular classics such as "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," "Last Christmas," and "Merry Christmas Everyone." Originally it was recorded to go on sale exclusively during their "X-MAS" tour in Nov – Dec 2010, however the album later was brought to the market on download only.

Various Albums

"The Great Big Scottish Songbook" (2008)

The Great Big Scottish Songbook was released on 26 May 2008 by EMI and featured a few of The MacDonald Bros tracks as well as some of Scotland's most well known artists including "KT Tunstall," "The Proclaimers," "Simple Minds," and "Runrig."

"Scotland Scotland Scotland: Remember 67" (2010)

'Scotland Scotland Scotland: Remember 67,' released in May 2010, is packed full of Scottish pop hits and traditional Scottish classics including '500 Miles' by The Proclaimers, The live Hampden remix of 'Loch Lomond' By Runrig with the Tartan Army and 'Fishermans Blues' by The Waterboys. The MacDonald Bros version of "Flower Of Scotland" featured on this album.

"The Broons Family Album" (2010)

The Broons Family Album, released Sep 2010 which The Music Kitchen has been closely involved with in its development alongside EMI and owners DC Thomson is an almighty five CD collection of The Broons Favourite Tunes. In addition to many Scottish favourites the album contains 27 original UK No1’s as well as over 50 film and TV classics mainly from the sixties and spans over 6 hours of great listening. The MacDonald Bros had two Scottish traditional tracks (accordion & violin) on this album which appeared in the national charts.

Concert Tours

X Factor Live 2007

In 2007, "The MacDonald Bros" appeared in some of the UK's largest arenas along with other X Factor contestants on The X Factor Live tour. They closed the first half of the show with their most popular performances from the show, "Shang A Lang," "Cant Take My Eyes Off You," and "500 Miles."

WESTLIFE Tours (2007, 2008, 2010 & 2011)

Immediately after X FACTOR arena tour the Macs were delighted to be asked to support Irish superstars Westlife on their "Love" tour of the UK picking up the Scottish dates in Glasgow's SECC and Aberdeen Exhibition Centre. In 2008 the MacDonald Bros toured the length and breath of the UK in support of Westlife which saw them hit every major area in the UK. In 2010 the Macs were invited to support Irish superstars Westlife for their Scottish dates in Glasgow SECC and in 2011 the brothers supported Westlife at Cawdor Castle, Inverness alongside girband "Wonderland."

"An Evening With…..The MacDonald Bros 2007

Next on the agenda was the Macs own headlining tour, where the lads took the road travelling the length and breadth of Scotland performing to sell-out crowds at over 20 of Scotland's most prestigious venues.

SECC, Choices for Life (2008, 2009, 2010)

The MacDonald Bros were approached to take part in a Scottish Government drug awareness campaign, which saw them take to the stage to perform to thousands of children during this special event which promoted lessons that would help you wise up on issues like drugs and bullying. Venues included Glasgow's SECC, Aberdeen Exhibition centre and various other venues around Scotland.

Highlands & Islands Tour (2008)

After another busy year of public appearances throughout the UK, the Macs set off again on another sell-out tour, this time heading for the "Highlands & Islands" of Scotland performing at over 15 venues around the country.

Young Celts Tour (2008)

Due to the success of their previous tours and the release of their new album "Young Celts," the Macs added another 11 dates to their touring schedule to complete the year

The MacDonald Bros "Xmas Show"

The Macs once again hit the road with their new festive show in late November and December performing 9 select gigs throughout Scotland coinciding with their new Christmas album launch.

Instruments Used

• Brian MacDonald – Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Accordion
• Craig MacDonald – Vocals, Violin

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

• "You Can Always Come Home Son" (2009)
• "Runaway (Do You Love Me)" (2008)

Trivia

On 19 March 2008, the Unofficial MacDonald Brothers Fan Club was formed by Lyndsey Boyle of Norwich, England.

References

External links

• Official website