In 2009, during their electrifying Live From Ontario concert, international sensation Celtic Thunder delivered a powerhouse performance of “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” breathing new emotional depth into the iconic ballad originally made famous by Chicago. Known for blending powerful vocals with rich storytelling, Celtic Thunder transformed the classic soft rock anthem into a stirring showcase of heartfelt remorse, strength, and vulnerability.
Performed by Ryan Kelly and Keith Harkin, two of Celtic Thunder’s most charismatic and vocally contrasting members, this live rendition stood out as one of the evening’s most gripping moments. Backed by a dramatic orchestral arrangement and moody stage lighting, the performance added new layers of tension and intimacy to a song already loaded with emotional weight.
The performance opened with Ryan Kelly at center stage, bathed in a spotlight. His smooth, melancholic baritone set the tone as he sang the opening lines with a quiet urgency:
“Everybody needs a little time away… I heard her say, from each other.”
His delivery was tender but aching, immediately drawing the audience into the emotional struggle of the lyrics. As the music swelled, Keith Harkin joined him for the harmonies, his voice adding brightness and intensity. The blend of Ryan’s soulful phrasing and Keith’s raw energy created a perfect dynamic for a duet rooted in both regret and hope.
The strength of the Celtic Thunder version lies not only in vocal execution, but in the emotional authenticity of the performance. Each note felt lived-in. Every word seemed deeply personal, as though both performers were drawing from their own experiences of love lost or apologies left unsaid.
The band’s live arrangement elevated the song further. Rather than mimic Chicago’s original ‘80s production, the Celtic Thunder team opted for a more theatrical and orchestral sound, with piano, strings, and subdued percussion creating a dramatic backdrop. The subtle Celtic instrumental touches added a unique flair while respecting the original spirit of the song.
Visually, the performance was just as compelling. The lighting shifted between shadows and soft golden tones, mirroring the emotional shifts in the song—from distant sorrow to impassioned reconciliation. The audience remained silent and focused, until the soaring bridge and final chorus brought the room to life.
By the time Ryan and Keith hit the iconic line:
“After all that we’ve been through, I will make it up to you…”
the emotion was palpable. You could see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices, and feel it in the room.
The crowd erupted as the final chord rang out. Cheers, applause, and a standing ovation followed—a clear testament to the performance’s emotional impact. For many fans, this version of “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” became a favorite, not just for its vocals, but for its honesty and sincerity.
Celtic Thunder’s 2009 Ontario performance was more than a cover—it was a reinvention that paid tribute to a classic while making it feel entirely new. And for anyone who’s ever struggled to say the words, this performance offered a voice to that silence.
