Sam Shackleton (VHS HQ live series) // GemsOnVHS™

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Published 2023-11-10

Some of y'all may remember our banjo playing Scotsman friend Sam Shackleton from his previous many appearances on the channel ( • Sam Shackleton, "House Carpenter," //... , or his many viral TikTok clips. His banjo, guitar and whistling skills have become renowned throughout the world, and in this installment of our new VHS HQ series, he stopped in Nashville, Tennessee on his very first USA tour. He was gearing up for a string of shows with The Mary Wallopers. I actually had introduced them myself in Ireland, and Sam hit it off with the Wallopers over some late night pints and folk songs. That culminated in a nice bunch of shows, including these USA ones.

While Sam was at my house in Tennessee, we did a little tour of Appalachia, heading up to Kentucky to meet Benjamin Tod, to Elmwood to meet a sheep herder named Briar, and to Villa Acres farms in Sparta for some porch pickin. There really is a connection between Scotland and these Appalachian areas, and Sam often remarked how far he was from home, yet how comfortably familiar the character of the people was. I gave him the best little vacation I could out here, and hope he had as much fun as I did. Sam is one of the nicest fellows in the world, and I expect his star will only continue to rise over the years. I'll just be glad to say I knew him back when.

Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, VJ Arizpe, Mr. Free and Rusty Shackleford.

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0:00 (Intro)
1:08 Wild Bill Jones
4:26 (Sam's time in America)
5:07 The Overgate
7:47 (touring with Pokey LaFarge)
8:16 (Trawler's Lullaby introduction)
8:45 Trawler's Lullaby
12:28 (Scotland and America's folk traditions, and advice for the kids)

All Comments (21)

@GemsOnVHS 7 months ago

We're getting our field recordings on Spotify for y'all! Check 'em out at open.spotify.com/artist/7t78CwAbQIA6DKAKUKBYgl?si=…. You can find all of Sam's tunes at www.samshackleton.com/music and you can find him on Instagram at @sorleythebard.
@tommymarsh9257 7 months ago

I love you GemsOnVHS
@a.p.rodgers 6 months ago

Sam is one of my favorites right now. I just can't get enough of his songs.
@andyj9599 6 months ago

Never in a million years did I think I hear a song about the Overgate in Dundee on Gems!!!!
@moffphc9864 1 month ago

Sam i a real gem form edinburgh, still need to pop in and see him play in Sandy Bells ;) He would work so well in Greyfriars Kirk ;)
@Cexlbr 7 months ago

This guy is just unconditionally great no matter what he’s playing. Thanks for recording and sharing!
@pokeemann1306 7 months ago

SORLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a FANTASTIC tour!
@yannickjantje4098 7 months ago

Yes man. Love sam shackleton
@JDiaz21 7 months ago

Yeahhhhh! Focking Goodjob Mr.Sam , thanks GemsOnVHS🤠
@ciran1ne 7 months ago

So glad that Sam got visit Gems. He's been one of my favorite artists in the past few years.
@scottb5067 7 months ago

I was lucky enough to catch a live show of Sam and The Mary Wallopers when they came through my city, and it was one of the best shows I have seen this year. I want to thank Gems on VHS because they do a great service in introducing all of us to wonderful music that we might not even know exists without their hard work.
@reliablechild 7 months ago

The advice question. 💥
@meatcreap 7 months ago

Sam's fkn deadly, man. I love it
@scottkidwell3601 7 months ago

Thanks, y'all 🙏🏻🤍 What a treat! Love the songs, and the American accent was great 😂
@henddaer 7 months ago

Nice seeing the Scottish and Irish lads link up with you the other side of the pond, rad!
@cormackjames 5 months ago

This was amazing, and first time I've seen a Scot on Gems. Brilliant stories, I just found your music and I am not surprised to find out you know Benjamin Todd and Lost Dog. Respect! Please play in Indianapolis some day, I can help. If you have appeared on Gems you've made it! And Pokey, holy shite, no wonder I found you.
@bobbycrispy5459 7 months ago

Sam has the best qualities of all my favourite artists, really is treat t listen too
@spudelrudel2979 5 months ago

that version of The Overgate is intense:) Keep on doing what you do Sam
@sethmountain 7 months ago

This new program format is superb. First two episodes are incredible, Anthony! Sam was such a hoot here.
@viggalvens 7 months ago

Great version! Thanks for sharing ❤