Kieran Leonard

Chloë Agnew, Celtic Woman, Independent

Kieran is an Irish drummer, percussionist and bodhrán specialist currently working between Ireland, London and the USA. As a member of the Grammy nominated group ‘Celtic Woman’, he has toured all over the world and has just finished their 20th Anniversary 79 date tour of the USA and Canada in 2024.

Post Covid, in 2023, he joined the Grammy winning group 'Clannad' for their Farewell tour in the sold out 3Arena Dublin, and played on their last ever show in a sold out Royal Albert Hall celebrating their Grammy winning success of 1999 and the award winning soundtrack ‘Legend’.

In 2022 he joined signer songwriter Chloë Agnew as her drummer and musical director. Plans for 2025 include the release of an exciting new album currently in production. This year (2024) Kieran was headhunted to work with the Grammy winning production, ‘Riverdance’, currently celebrating their 30th Anniversary.

Other international acts include the contemporary folk pop duo, The Brave Collide and the award winning Irish Traditional Group, ‘Goitse’. He is also a founding member of the contemporary Irish quartet NxNW (North by northwest).

As one of the worlds leading exponents of the Bodhrán, his solo film credits include, Academy Award winning composer John Powell’s ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ soundtrack as well as Thomas Newman's 'Victoria & Abdul' recorded at Abbey Road studios in 2017. He was back in Abbey Road in October 2018, again working for John Powell on his ‘How To Train Your Dragon 3: The Hidden World’ film score. Live recordings include "Lost: In Concert" with composer Michael Giacchino.

An in demand session musician, Kieran runs his own recording facility with credits including, ‘Hope Street’ Justine Barker & Anthony Eve (BBC), ‘Rainbow Six Siege Siege’ Jon Opstad (Ubisoft) ‘Anatomy’ Sally Potter and all of Celtic Woman’s albums over the last 5 years including the ‘20th Anniversary’ ‘Postcards from Ireland’ & ’Magic Of Christmas’ (Capitol Records & Manhattan Records).

Kieran Leonard'S SETUP:

  1. 15" Avedis Vintage Hats
  2. 18" Avedis Medium Thin Crash
  3. 19" Avedis Medium Thin Crash
  4. 19" Paper Thin Crash
  5. 20" K Cluster Crash
  6. 20" K Custom Light Ride
  7. 22" K Custom Medium Ride
  8. 17" K Custom Dark China

* May be prototype

Kieran
Leonard's
IN 3

Kieran Leonard's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    I feel incredibly privileged to make my living playing the drums. As a freelancer, inspiration comes in many different forms, but each project brings with it a renewed sense of gratitude. Working with different artists across a range of genres means I'm constantly adapting and trying to be versatile. My most recent project, working with singer songwriter Chloë Agnew is one I'm really passionate about. The live shows are spectacular, but we're also working on a new record, so being involved at those early stages of pre production is incredibly stimulating. I'm very fortunate to be surrounded my amazing people both personally and professionally, so my family will always be my biggest inspiration.

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    Do your prep! From experience, coming in on shows with little or no rehearsal time, you have to put the hours in learning the material before getting in the room. It'll allow you to play at ease and show yourself as an individual instead of just 'surviving'. There are of course cases where survival is necessary, but listening to the music beforehand (a lot!) is the key to knowing the gig, and allowing the band to trust you immediately. Away from playing, just be a good hang! It's a given you can play if you're on a gig or tour, but being polite, chilled, and respectful to others, particularly on the tour bus, is what'll really help you settle and get asked back!

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    I've always loved the Avedis series. They're the perfect sound and feel for my 'Celtic' gigs, so I always carry 18" & 19" Medium Thin crashes. The cymbals with me the longest is a set of 15" vintage hats I believe from the late 60's or early 70's. My dad picked them up for me as a child and I've used them on virtually every show since!

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