Grappelli, U2, Prince Rainier, James Galway, Kate
Bush, Terence Trent D`Arby, UB40, Nigel Kennedy, Van Morrison, Peter O`Toole and a host of
Statemen, Lord Mayors, Civic Dignitaries and other millions of music fans throughout the
world. The Dubliners popularity is unguestionable and their contribution to the world of
folk music is unparralleled. After thirty-five of globe trotting they have never
compromised trough ever-changing musical fads. They are probably the best accident to
happened to the world of folk music and contribute to it not only with their superb
voices, but also with their exceptional talent as musicians and entertainers.
They achieved their success and chart popularity without ever
compromising their music, and they have made folksongs a part of the musical diet of the
man in the street. In doing so they unconsciously paved their way for the emergence of
other bands such as Planxty, Moving Harts, De Dannan, The Pouges, U2 and others to
numerous to mention. In those Halcyon days of the early 60`s The Dubliners popularised
Irish music and songs among the masses. As we now had changed to a new millennium the
lads, who where such an important part of the British "folk revival", continue
to play sellout concerts all over the world, whilst many of their contemporaries remain
but a distance memory.
I 1996 Ronnie Drew left the group to pursue a solo career and was
replaced by the man many consider the best ballad singer in Ireland today, Paddy Reilly, a
remarkable singer with a huge legion of fans of his own right. A new CD entitled
"Further Along" was released to mark the occasion. Paddy has the enviable
distinction of holding the record for the longest single in the Irish Charts. The song
"The Fields of Athenry" was a number one hit and remains in the top 20 for an
incredible 23 months.
This year The Dubliners itinerary will bring them on their regular
tours of all over the world. They recently released a double album recorded live in
Germany - entitled "Alive Alive O" which truly captures the excitement of a live
concert in Germany.
The Dubliners remain an institution. They have filled our lives with
songs of love, life, drink, and tales of the emigrant. Theirs instrumentals have inspired
many musicians to kick a little excitement into their own performance of tunes. In their
music and their personalities The Dubliners epitomise the essence of the great City of the
banks of the Liffey. Over the years the line-up has changed, two of them following the
premature deaths of Luke Kelly and Ciaran Bourke. Yet on every occasion they march forward
as good as, if not better than before. Long may the magic continue. On the stage in
Vikedal you will se:
John Sheahan
Barney McKenna
Sean Cannon
Eamonn Campbell
Paddy Reilly
