Ceilidh band

The Big Shoogle

Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
(5.0)Read all 13 reviews
Watch
Booking protection
Secure online payments
Free 48hr cancellations
Support available Mon-Sat
Like The Big Shoogle?
Watch & Listen
Watch
Listen

About The Big Shoogle

25+ yrs of high energy rock-infused ceilidh! From global stages to intimate gigs, The Big Shoogle gets everyone dancing with cheeky charm.
Ceilidh band
Glasgow
Public liability insurance of £10 million

The Big Shoogle is a top-notch, high-energy ceilidh band with rock influences and over 25 years under their belt. With experience playing at prestigious venues and for blue-chip clients worldwide, they started their journey at renowned ceilidh venues. Regular gigs at places like The Riverside Club in Glasgow, Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery and more recently Stramash and The Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh, skyrocketed their reputation, making them a sought-after act for weddings, parties, and corporate events in the UK and beyond. Their musical footprint spans the globe. They've mesmerized audiences at numerous Caledonian society events, weddings, corporate shows, and festivals across Russia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Italy, France, Denmark, and The Channel Islands. That's not to mention their extensive tours all over the UK and Ireland. A highlight? Headlining T in the Park’s Ceilidh Tent multiple times and performing at Stirling Castle for over 6,000 New Year's revellers. Their motto? “All dances called. Tunes murdered. Guests insulted indiscriminately!” But don't be alarmed; it's all in good fun. While they're all about top-tier performance and professionalism, they infuse their shows with a dose of light-hearted banter. Their tongue-in-cheek mic chats and fantastic audience rapport are a testament to that. They're passionate about ensuring everyone feels included on the dance floor. But a word of advice? If you're hesitant to join the dance, brace yourself for some playful jibes! They genuinely believe if The Big Shoogle can't get you dancing, no one can. Their unique sound is a blend of contemporary vibes with pronounced rock influences but with the roots still firmly grounded in the Scottish tradition. Ever heard rock anthems fused with traditional jigs and reels? That's the Big Shoogle specialty. While they're adept at keeping the ceilidh spirit alive all night, they also boast a robust collection of live-played rock and pop covers. This ability to strike a balance and switch seamlessly between styles ensures every evening with them is a fresh experience. In terms of instrumentation, their core lineup is a powerful quartet: accordion with midi bass/keyboards, electric/acoustic guitar, fiddle and drums, complemented by two vocals and a ceilidh dance caller. Davie has over 25 years’ ceilidh-calling experience and takes great pride in making sure that the dancefloor is full and that everyone has fun!

The Big Shoogle
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
13 verified reviews
Satisfaction
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Professionalism
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Communication
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Punctuality
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0

The Big Shoogle's Reviews

From Encore customers:

SM
Samantha M
23 days ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Davie and the Big Shoogle were absolutely outstanding!! We had guests from quite literally all over the world and each and every one of them was up dancing at some point and fell in love with a good old fashioned Scottish ceilidh! There was a great mix of dances from the basic of the gay Gordon’s to what can only be described as flying planks! All our guests had a ball which is down to the upbeat and charismatic craic of Davie and his band. We were officially Shoogled!

Reply from The Big Shoogle
22 days ago

Hi Samantha and Jack! Thanks so much for your kind words. Delighted that you and all your guests had a ball, as we did, our job made so much easier due to the enthusiasm and participation of you and your guests. We loved every minute. Flying planks!! I've never heard it described like that but I love it! Hahaha! Congrats again and wishing you all the very best for your future together. Davie, Gordon, Stevie and Dave

SM
Scott M
4 months ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

The Big Shoogle were absolutely fantastic and brought exactly the kind of energy and generous, playful hosting to the ceilidh - that really makes them special on celebratory occasions - that I was hoping for, and more! I could not have been more satisfied with their playing on the evening, their professionalism and communication before the event: I'd thoroughly recommend them to anyone planning a ceilidh hoping for the same. Many, many thanks for all that you brought to the night!

Reply from The Big Shoogle
4 months ago

Thank you so much, Scott, for your very kind words. It was our pleasure to meet and play for you all. Congratulations again on the success of your project and all the good work you've done and that you're continuing to do. All the boxes were ticked for us thanks not least to the enthusiasm and participation of you and your colleagues and friends. Thanks too to Clarry and the staff at Civic House for looking after us. Good luck and best wishes, Davie, Gordon and Stevie

From other customers:

RB
R.D. B
1 year ago, for a Bar / Club / Venue event in Wester Cleddens Rd
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

For 13 years I have coordinated highly successful ceilidh dances in Bishopbriggs High School and now the new Bishopbriggs Academy. These Christmas dances are the culmination of 3 weeks of social dance with all year groups and it it a priority of mine that we have live music to create an upbeat atmosphere. I consider it part of my job to ensure these traditional dances are taught in school in a way pupils will enjoy and will perpetuate. This year I secured the services of The Big Shoogle Scottish ceilidh band for our S5/6 dance. The evening was a fantastic success and enjoyed immensely by pupils and staff alike. The band worked a perfect blend of traditional Scottish dance tunes with contemporary music the pupils are familiar with, which heightened their participation in – and positive attitude to – “social dancing”. I have already asked the band to perform at next year’s S5/6 dance in the school. I know it will be a special occasion. I recommend The Big Shoogle unreservedly to anyone hosting school dances, weddings or any kind of function.

PM
Paula M
1 year ago, for a Wedding in United Kingdom
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Davie, I don’t know where to start by thanking you boys for fri night. There was over 100 peeps there and I would say nearly everyone has commented on how brilliant you were and how you made the night. Big Andy(the big fat loud boy) thinks you’re even better now compared to the wedding and we thought you were awesome then.. Everybody had a great time which is mainly down to you guys. We’ve not stopped talking about it since. Hopefully our paths will meet to let us get Shoogled once more. Pass our regards to the boys. Hope you get an awesome venue for Hogmanay, you certainly deserve it. Thanks a million Paula

Read all 11 reviews
Encore badges
5 gigs
Experienced: 5 bookings through Encore
1st Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over a year

The Big Shoogle's Song list

- CEILIDH DANCES
DASHING WHITE SERGEANT
CANADIAN BARN DANCE
CIRCASSIAN CIRCLE
CIRCLES FOUR
CUMBERLAND SQUARE EIGHT
EIGHTSOME REEL
EVE THREE-STEP
GAELIC WALTZ
HIGHLAND SCHOTTISCHE
VIRGINIA REEL
THE GAY GORDONS
THE RIVERSIDE JIG
THE SIEGE OF ENNIS
THE SWEDISH MASQUERADE
ST.BERNARDS WALTZ
STRIP THE WILLOW
THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
PRIDE OF ERIN WALTZ
MILITARY TWO-STEP
ORCADIAN STRIP THE WILLOW
-SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCES -
(We can play for these dances but don't "call" them,
so if the people in the company know the steps then we can play for them).
THE REEL OF THE 51st DIVISION
HAMILTON HOUSE
THE DUKE OF PERTH
POSTIE'S JIG (OLD-TIME DANCE)
FOURSOME REEL
- ROCK & POP COVERS
10 OUT 0F 10 – PAOLO NUTINI
500 MILES – THE PROCLAIMERS
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL – PINK FLOYD VS DASHING WHITE SERGEANT MASHUP
BAD MOON RISING – CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL
FOLSOM PRISON BLUES – JOHNNY CASH
CHELSEA DAGGER – THE FRATELLIS
DIRTY OLD TOWN – THE POGUES
HIGHWAY TO HELL – AC/DC
HYSTERIA – MUSE VS THE CIRCASSIAN CIRCLE MASHUP
HONKY TONK WOMAN –THE ROLLING STONES
YOU NEVER CAN TELL – CHUCK BERRY (PULP FICTION)
I SAW HER STANDING THERE – THE BEATLES
LOCH LOMOND – (BLUESY VERSION)
OH MARY DON’T YOU WEEP – BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
PENCIL FULL OF LEAD – PAULO NUTINI
SMOKE ON THE WATER – DEEP PURPLE
THE GALWAY GIRL –STEVE EARLE
THE WALK OF LIFE – DIRE STRAITS
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE – QUEEN
DAKOTA – STEREOPHONICS
I FEEL FINE – THE BEATLES
SATISFACTION – ROLLING STONES
IT’S ALL OVER NOW – ROLLING STONES
ROCKIN ALL OVER THE WORLD – STATUS QUO
WILD MOUNTAIN THYME – THE SILENCERS
Customer questions

Can you perform covers?

Yes! We have a selection of rock and pop covers that we can play if so required, generally in the latter part of the evening but not strictly, since of course no two weddings or events are ever the same. As well as the covers we are well-known for our mashups with rock riffs and songs mixed in amongst the traditional jigs and reels so it's full of surprises!

Do you have different line-up options?

We go out mainly as the 4-piece band comprising Accordion (with midi bass and keyboards), Electric Guitar, Fiddle, Drums, 2 vocals and ceilidh dance caller. However, occasionally we go out as a 3-piece which is the same as above but just without the fiddle player so it's still a very big sound as the 3-piece.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Things can and do change and we always do our best to be flexible to ensure that your special event runs as smoothly as possible so if the timings need to be tweaked please just get in touch and let us know.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes. We have an iPod with playlists that we use during breaks between sets for example during the buffet break at weddings. If you have your own playlist we're happy to connect your device to our sound system. We can also provide a DJ. A tried and tested balance is ceilidh and disco. Ceilidh from the start up until the buffet and Dj from buffet til the end

How much time do you need to set up?

Generally we arrive at a venue 1.5 hours before the performance time. However, there are so many different venues with different means of access so we may need to arrive on site earlier. We always research any new venue to us beforehand. For some events, we may need to set up in the afternoon, before guests sit to dinner and return to play afterwards.

Do you provide a caller?

We always have a caller. Davie, our accordion player and MC has over 25 years’ ceilidh-calling experience and takes great in making sure that the dancefloor is full and that everyone has fun! No previous ceilidh experience is required, so if you don't know the difference between a Dashing White Sergeant and a Haggis Supper, do not fear! Help is at hand!

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Our set list is crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event. Our cover songs setlist is not huge but by all means of there's any song in there that you want us to play, just ask!

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA) included in your quote?

Yes. We are 100% self-sufficient with PA/sound system and all stage lighting.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

We're happy to discuss but bear in mind that we're first and foremost a ceilidh band with Accordion, Guitar, Fiddle, Drums, Vocals so although we do some great versions of classic rock and pop songs, some songs are highly produced with multi-layered parts and don't lend themselves to interpretation, so if we feel we can't do justice, we'd opt not to play it
Musicianship
Genres:
Ceilidh, Folk rock, Traditional Scottish folk, Folk, Rock, Pop
See all genres
Types:
See all types
Event types:
Wedding, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types