THE IRISH ROVERS

"Throughout the years, these international ambassadors of Irish music have maintained their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer - one that will soon have you singing and clapping along. Their songs have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans." - BELFAST TELEGRAPH The history of The Irish Rovers is story for the big screen; three award-winning television series, topping the music charts again and again, several episodes as musical bank robbers on “The Virginian”, and more than 45 years of touring the world. The lads were also the inspiration for one of the world best-known party anthems. The boys in the band have lived large. This year they celebrated their 45 years of music with a tour of sold-out dates across Canada and the US, and with the release of their new CD, “Gracehill Fair”. The Rovers’ freedom to produce their own music, combined with their years of experience, one of the industry's most prolific singer/songwriters, and an All-Ireland Champion in their ranks, has ensured their success. Originally formed in Toronto, the lads, all émigrés from Northern Ireland, played in their early days in Calgary, Alberta at The Depression Coffee House. That eventually led to their first record deal with Decca four years later. After their monster worldwide hit, Shel Silverstein's fable of Noah's ark, "The Unicorn", the boys in the band were headed for stardom. It was one evening while driving down the highway on tour, that the guys realized it was in fact, their recording of "The Unicorn" playing on the radio. They jumped out of the van and tossed their clothes as dancing Rovers filled the street. Life was about to change. In 1968, the band won a(predecessor to) JUNO Award for “Folk Group of the Year”. During the 1970s, the Irish Rovers hosted the most popular variety show of its time. CBC-TV series, The Irish Rovers Show ran for 6 seasons, winning an ACTRA Award for Best Variety Performance. Between rousing Irish folk songs, the guys might leap about in leprechaun costumes or play host to guests like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, or their friends, Irish music legends, Makem and Clancy. In 1974, the Rovers often filmed on location throughout Canada. The CBC also sent them to Ireland for a musical tour of their homeland. Their magic continued with another television series on the Global Network in conjunction with Ulster Television in Ireland. The Rovers enjoyed life to such an extent, that their notorious partying inspired their next hit in ‘81. They soared to the top of the pop and country charts with "Wasn't That A Party" which their friend, Tom Paxton wrote after he witnessed one of the band's famous post-show parties. Also in '81, the group starred in their second Canadian TV series: "The Rovers Comedy House", A 7-part CBC series of comedy, shenanigans and boisterous Irish music. Their holiday hit, "Grandma Got Run-Over By A Reindeer" followed in 1982, and their output was frenetic throughout the 80's. Several chart topping and award winning back-to-back albums included 'The Rovers' (1980), 'No More Bread And Butter' (1981) and 'It Was A Night Like This' (1982). In 1984 to '86, The Rovers starred in their third Canadian musical-variety TV series — "Party With The Rovers". In '89, their 25th Anniversary Collection Album featured the backing of The Chieftains and songs written by Randy Bachman, Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Canada’s Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau personally asked the band members if they would “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada around the world. By 1989 they had recorded 25 albums and had represented Canada at no less than five world Expos - Montreal (1967), Osaka, Japan (1970), Okinawa, Japan (1976), Vancouver (1986), and Brisbane, Australia (1988). In recognition for their quarter century of contributions to the International music world, they won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) prestigious 'Harold Moon Award'. Original member, Will Millar left the group in 1993, and sadly founding member Jimmy Ferguson died in 1997. In 2005 Joe Millar also retired from the band. George, Wilcil and the remaining members of the band continue, while touring in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Founding member, George Millar continues as a prolific songwriter for the band, and The Irish Rovers have released 9 albums including "The Irish Rovers' Gems", "Come Fill Up Your Glasses", "Down by the Lagan Side" and "40 Years a-Rovin'". Recently, their recording of "Drunken Sailor" has gained much attention on YouTube. With the present line-up George Millar, Wilcil McDowell, John Reynolds, Ian Millar, Sean O'Driscoll, Fred Graham, The Irish Rovers recently celebrated their 45 years of music together with a tour of sold-out concerts throughout Canada and the United States. They mark this milestone with the release of their new CD, “Gracehill Fair” which was recorded in Canada and Ireland. September 2010, The Rovers returned to their roots, playing and filming live on location in Northern Ireland for their new DVD/television special, "Home in Ireland".