The Boxtones: Dubai's Rock Sensation
Dubai's vibrant music scene boasts numerous talented bands, but few achieve the international success of The Boxtones. The Scottish-Canadian rock band has shared the stage with iconic performers such as Bryan Adams, Pharrell Williams, and Liam Gallagher. The story of The Boxtones is an inspiring example of how Dubai can elevate a talented band and transform the lives of artists.
The Beginnings: From Scotland to Dubai
The band members – Gary Tierney (singer, songwriter and composer), Louise Peel (lead singer), Gill Janssen (drummer), and Will Janssen (keyboardist) – decided to leave the United Kingdom and try their luck in Dubai. According to Gary, the UK music market was saturated, making it challenging to stand out among the many talents. Dubai, however, offered entirely different opportunities, hosting music labels like Sony and Universal, and providing numerous performance opportunities in cafés, clubs, and private events.
"We also performed in Bahrain previously, but Dubai is a larger market with many more opportunities," recalls Gary. Their decision proved correct: in 2013, they founded their event organizing company, The Boxtones FZE, a significant milestone in their career.
Success in the Shadow of World Stars
Although The Boxtones do not regularly play in packed stadiums, over the years, they have performed at several high-profile events. They have opened for internationally renowned bands such as The Who, Def Leppard, and the iconic Europe, one of the most famous bands of the 1980s. A high point in their success was performing in front of 45,000 people at the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix as the opening act for Def Leppard.
Among the band's accolades are the Rolling Stone 'Street to Stage' award and the album Home released by Universal Music Mena, another milestone in their career. According to Louise Peel, Dubai played a special role in successfully financing her daughter Rosie's university studies in the UK.
A Family Business Success
The members of The Boxtones are not only bandmates but also part of a large family. "It's a family business; we do everything together," says Louise. Over the years, Dubai has become significant not only for their career but also for their personal lives. Will Janssen, the Canadian member of the band, originally arrived in Dubai on a tourist visa but eventually became part of the family and the band. "I originally intended to go back to Canada, but fate had other plans for me. I met Gill here, fell in love, and have been here ever since," explains Will.
Why You Should Pay Attention to The Boxtones
The key to The Boxtones' success is their passion for music and strategic thinking. While Dubai offers many opportunities for performers, band members highlight the necessity of perseverance and hard work. Their journey from café performances to large stage events has proven that Dubai is the perfect venue for those serious about their musical careers.
What Does the Future Hold?
The band continually works on new projects, aiming to achieve even more international recognition. In Dubai, many exclusive performances await them, and they aim to support the local music community by inspiring the new generation.
Summary
The story of The Boxtones is an excellent example of how to build a musical career in Dubai if one has the right attitude, talent, and business acumen. The band members now function as a family, supporting each other not only in music but in every aspect of life. Not only has Dubai changed their lives, but they also contribute to the city's vibrant music scene.
