The Proclaimers Essentials

The Proclaimers are best known for “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”, a 1988 single that, upon its 1993 reissue, became one of the period’s most iconic pop/rock tunes. But the Scottish duo have had a long, rich career that has impacted both alternative and mainstream music. Twins Craig and Charlie Reid, born in Leith in 1962, played in punk bands before starting The Proclaimers in 1983. The brothers’ 1987 debut album, This Is the Story, presents a vocal blend so seamless only twins could produce it, buttressed by an acoustic blend of folk rock, punk-informed energy and American roots music influences. The more fully fleshed out Sunshine on Leith includes the aforementioned hit, which went on to be covered by Todd Rundgren, Imagine Dragons and others. The Proclaimers’ later songs would address increasingly complex social and political issues, inspiring both a musical theatre piece and a film adaptation.