The Proclaimers facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids The Proclaimers
Craig (left) and Charlie on stage in 2005
Background information
Born	(1962-03-05) 5 March 1962 (age 63) Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Origin	Auchtermuchty, Fife, Scotland
Genres	Alternative folk alternative rock Celtic rock country folk folk rock post-punk rhythm and blues roots rock
Instruments	Vocals acoustic guitar harmonica tin whistle tambourine
Years active	1983–present
Labels	Chrysalis Cooking Vinyl Parlophone

Members	Charlie Reid Craig Reid Backing band Steven Christie (keyboard) Clive Jenner (drums) Garry John Kane (bass guitar) Zac Ware (electric guitar)

The Proclaimers are a Scottish rock duo. They were formed in 1983 by twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid. The brothers were born on March 5, 1962. They became famous with their 1987 song "Letter from America". This song reached number 3 in the United Kingdom. Their 1988 song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was a huge hit. It topped the music charts in Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand.

Their most popular album, Sunshine on Leith (1988), sold over 2 million copies worldwide. About 700,000 of these were sold in the United States. The Proclaimers have sold more than 5 million albums around the world. They started as an acoustic duo in 1983. Later, their music became more rock-focused. Their style mixes influences from country, folk, and punk rock. Their songs are known for their strong Scottish accents. The Proclaimers often tour internationally. They have released 12 studio albums since 1987. Their most recent album, Dentures Out, came out in 2022. They have also released three compilation albums and a DVD.

Their Story
Their Causes
Their Music Style
Albums
Images for kids
See also

Their Story

Early Life

Craig and Charlie Reid were born in Leith, Scotland, on March 5, 1962. They grew up in different places, including Edinburgh, Cornwall, and Auchtermuchty. When they lived in Auchtermuchty, they went to Bell Baxter High School.

Starting in Music (1970s–1982)

The brothers got into music because of punk rock. Craig got a drum kit, and Charlie got a guitar. They played in punk rock bands with names like Black Flag and Hippy Hasslers. Craig Reid said he loved punk bands like The Clash and the Sex Pistols. He also liked bands from the mid-1960s, such as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

Becoming The Proclaimers (1983–1987)

In 1983, the Reid brothers decided to play as an acoustic duo. They called themselves The Proclaimers. Their early music was a mix of post-punk and folk. They gained many fans in Scotland, especially in Inverness. Many of their songs, like "Letter from America," were written during this time. This song was about unemployment in 1984.

The Proclaimers made a demo album with help from Kevin Rowland of Dexys Midnight Runners. This demo was heard by the band the Housemartins. They invited The Proclaimers to join their 1986 tour. This tour gave the duo a chance to perform on the TV show The Tube in January 1987. Soon after, Chrysalis Records signed them.

In 1987, their first album, This Is the Story, was released. It had a simple but energetic sound. The song "Letter from America" was remixed for release as a single. It reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. The duo appeared on Top of the Pops for the first time in December 1987. The album This Is the Story also sold very well, earning a gold award.

Sunshine on Leith and Later (1988–2001)

The Proclaimers in a publicity photo, 1988

Their next album, Sunshine on Leith, came out in 1988. This album had a more rock sound. It was the first time The Proclaimers worked with a full band. The album included the hit songs "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" and "I'm on My Way". "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" became number one in Australia and New Zealand. Sunshine on Leith was very popular in Australia in 1989. It sold 2 million copies worldwide. Critics also loved the album.

The Proclaimers toured after Sunshine on Leith. They played at the 1989 Glastonbury Festival for over 65,000 people. Their short album (EP) King of the Road reached number nine in the UK in 1990. The song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" became a hit in the United States in 1993. This happened after it was featured in the movie Benny & Joon. It was their only song to chart in the US. Because of this, The Proclaimers opened for the band Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden.

Their third studio album, Hit the Highway, was released in 1994. It continued their rock sound. The album had the hit song "Let's Get Married". The Proclaimers also recorded a cover of "Get Ready" for the movie Dumb and Dumber. After 1994, The Proclaimers took a break from the public eye. This was mainly to focus on their families.

Return to Music (2001–2005)

After seven quiet years, they released their album Persevere in 2001. This album was recorded in the United States. The duo toured North America with the band Barenaked Ladies.

Their first collection of greatest hits, The Best of The Proclaimers, came out in 2002. It reached number 5 in the UK and sold very well. The Proclaimers' fifth studio album, Born Innocent, was released in 2003. This was their first album released on their own label, Persevere Records. It was praised as a "return to form."

New Songs and More Success (2005–2012)

The Proclaimers performing live in 2008

Their sixth album, Restless Soul, was released in 2005. In 2007, a new version of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was recorded for Comic Relief. This version reached number 1 on the UK Singles Chart. It featured guest singers from popular TV characters.

Their seventh studio album, Life with You, came out in 2007. The main song, "Life with You," reached number 58 in the UK. The album itself was their highest-charting in 13 years. It reached number 13. Critics generally liked Life with You, especially its political messages.

The Proclaimers with Lulu (center) at the opening of Scotland House, 2012

The Proclaimers toured the US to promote Life with You in 2008. Their eighth album, Notes & Rhymes, was released in 2009. It included acoustic and live tracks. In 2009, they toured Australia and New Zealand with the B-52s.

Like Comedy, their ninth album, was released in 2012. It was their first album with Cooking Vinyl records. The Proclaimers toured the United States as an acoustic duo in 2013. They also played at music festivals in the UK and Canada that summer.

25th Anniversary and Recent Albums (2013–present)

The Proclaimers performing in New Zealand, March 2023

A third collection of their best songs, The Very Best Of: 25 Years 1987-2012, was released in 2013. In 2014, their song "Cap in Hand" became popular again. This was during the Scottish Independence Referendum. The song is known for its message about Scottish independence.

Their tenth studio album, Let's Hear It for the Dogs, came out in 2015. It was recorded in Wales. Their eleventh album, Angry Cyclist, was released in 2018. This album had political lyrics about Brexit and the Trump administration. Critics praised Angry Cyclist.

The Proclaimers toured the UK, Asia, Canada, and Australia to promote Angry Cyclist. They played for over 400,000 people. They also performed at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. In 2022, The Proclaimers announced their twelfth album, Dentures Out. It was released in September 2022. The album includes a collaboration with James Dean Bradfield.

Their Causes

The Reid brothers are big fans of Hibernian Football Club. The song "Sunshine on Leith" has become a special song for the club. In October 2022, The Proclaimers even sponsored the Hibernian Girls Academy Under 12s football team.

The brothers also strongly support Scottish independence. They have been active supporters of the Scottish National Party. In April 2021, they supported the Alba Party. The group has also shown support for Welsh independence.

In 2006, the twins helped in a campaign to free Kenny Richey. He was a Scot on death row in the United States. They performed at a charity concert for him. In 2007, Kenny Richey was released and returned to Scotland. In 2010, they joined Billy Bragg in a show to support Reprieve. This charity works to end the use of the death penalty.

Their Music Style

What Influenced Them

Craig Reid has said that 1970s punk rock was a big influence. He mentioned bands like Buzzcocks and The Clash. Punk bands encouraged The Proclaimers to make their own music. They used their own accents and style. Other influences include music from the 1960s, like The Beatles and Bob Dylan. They also liked American artists from the 1950s, such as Ray Charles and Jerry Lee Lewis.

When talking about their favorite lyricists, The Proclaimers mentioned Kevin Rowland of Dexys Midnight Runners. They also liked Ian Dury and Joe Strummer of The Clash.

How They Sound

The Proclaimers' music mixes many styles. These include country, folk, pop, punk rock, and rock. Their music has been called alternative folk, alternative rock, and folk rock.

A key part of The Proclaimers' sound is their clear Scottish accents when they sing. Craig Reid explained that they consciously chose to sing in their own accents. This was because they were singing about their lives and where they lived.

Their Impact

Many bands and artists have said The Proclaimers influenced them. These include Barenaked Ladies and Belle and Sebastian. Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies felt a connection to The Proclaimers. He said their acoustic style with harmonies was perfect for his band.

Many artists have also covered songs by The Proclaimers. These include Imagine Dragons and Todd Rundgren.

A stage musical called Sunshine on Leith was created using The Proclaimers' songs. It was named after their album. The musical first opened in 2007. A film version was made in 2013. It was very successful in the UK.