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Hadrian's Wall

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“Such a professional group of people producing a sound with songs and musicianship that are unique in so many ways among the artists playing the festival circuit. Infectious, danceable, original and really fun.”

— Stewart Park Festival

Hadrian's Wall

Canadian Celtic Band • Glengarry County, Ontario • Established 1995

Touring North America since 1995, Hadrian’s Wall blends powerful vocals, soaring fiddle and memorable songs into dynamic live performances. From festivals and theatres to concert series and corporate events, the band has built a reputation as one of Canada’s enduring Celtic bands.

Current Touring Lineup

Neil Emberg • Ashley MacLeod-McRae • Richard Irwin

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Touring North America since 1995

• 45,000+ albums sold

• 1 million+ streams

• Featuring Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame inductees Neil Emberg and Ashley MacLeod-McRae

• Festivals, theatres and concert series across Canada and the United States

SELECTED SHARED STAGES

Over three decades, Hadrian’s Wall has shared festival stages or appeared alongside artists including Great Big Sea, The Commitments, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Barra MacNeils, David Wilcox, Solas, Battlefield Band, Beòlach, David Francey, John McDermott, Bruce Guthro, Seven Nations, Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain, The Skydiggers, John Allan Cameron.

SELECT APPEARANCES

CityFolk (ON) • Stewart Park Festival (ON) • Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival (CO) • Syracuse Irish Festival (NY) • Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (MA) • Canmore Highland Games (AB) • Glengarry Highland Games (ON)

STYLE & SUITABILITY

Celtic • Contemporary • Professional Touring Act

Perfect for St. Patrick’s celebrations, folk and multicultural festivals, summer concert series, theatres, and corporate showcases.

Expect tight musicianship, soaring fiddle, powerful vocals and a dynamic repertoire of Celtic favourites and original songs, delivered with energy, authenticity and the confidence that comes from more than three decades of live performance.

Neil Emberg

Vocals - Acoustic Guitar - Songwriter

Singer, Songwriter, and Canadian recording artist Neil Emberg grew up in Glengarry County, Ontario, where strong Scottish and Irish traditions shaped his roots-driven sound and storytelling style. Known for his authentic vocals and engaging stage presence, he is also the longtime lead singer of the Celtic group Hadrian’s Wall.

With over ten albums recorded between his solo work and band projects—and new music arriving in 2026—Neil’s repertoire blends heartfelt originals, Celtic roots, and acoustic classics.

Neil delivers story-driven performances that are energetic, genuine, and built for real connection. Equally at home on festival stages, in pubs, or at intimate gatherings, he brings a warm, engaging presence that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Ashley Macleod-McRae

Fiddle - Piano - Vocals

Ashley MacLeod-McRae is one of Canada’s accomplished Celtic fiddlers, known for her expressive playing, versatility, and captivating stage presence. A longtime member of Hadrian’s Wall, she has performed throughout Canada and the United States for more than two decades, bringing energy, authenticity, and musicianship to every performance.

Her career highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall as part of the 9/11 Memorial Concert, appearing with Johnny Reidon CMT, and receiving an early invitation to the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship Junior Showcase. A respected composer and multi-instrumentalist, Ashley blends traditional Celtic influences with contemporary flair, creating performances that are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.

As a proud inductee of the Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame, Ashley continues to celebrate the rich musical traditions of Glengarry while helping shape the evolving sound of Hadrian’s Wall.

Richard Irwin

Drums - Percussion - Vocals

Richard Irwin is one of Canada’s most accomplished drummers, bringing decades of international touring, recording, and performance experience to Hadrian’s Wall. An original member of the band, he has played on every Hadrian’s Wall recording, helping shape the group’s signature sound for more than 30 years.

Known for his versatility and musicality, Richard has performed throughout North America and Europe with artists spanning jazz, pop, rock, and Celtic music. His career has taken him to renowned venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott’s, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

A graduate of McGill University with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance, Richard has appeared on more than 60 recordings, including Grammy- and Juno-winning projects. His dynamic playing and deep musical instincts provide the rhythmic foundation that has helped define Hadrian’s Wall for more than three decades.

Press photos

Ashley MacLeod-McRae, Richard Irwin, & Neil Emberg

Neil Emberg & Ashley MacLeod-McRae

Neil Emberg

Music

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  1. 1
    Gerry O'Neill 2:40
    Gerry O'Neill
    by Hadrian's Wall

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  2. 2
    Glengarry To Maidstone 4:11
    Glengarry To Maidstone
    by Hadrian's Wall

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    0:00/4:11
  3. 3
    Your Man From Thomastown 2:39
    Your Man From Thomastown
    by Hadrian's Wall

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    0:00/2:39
  4. 4
    5 No Longer Mine (Hector the Hero) 4:01
    5 No Longer Mine (Hector the Hero)
    by Hadrian's Wall

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    0:00/4:01

Video

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