I loved the Irish Rovers when I was growing up. I still find myself humming their songs as I go about my day.
The Irish Rovers is a group of Irish musicians that formed in Toronto, Canada in 1963 and named after the traditional song "The Irish Rover". They are best known for their international television series, contributing to the popularization of Irish music in North America, and for the songs "The Unicorn", "Drunken Sailor", "Wasn't That a Party", "The Orange and the Green", "Whiskey on a Sunday", "Lily the Pink", "Finnegan's Wake" and "The Black Velvet Band".
The primary voices heard in the group's early songs were Will Millar (tenor), Jimmy Ferguson (baritone), George Millar and Joe Millar, and in the last twenty years, also John Reynolds and Ian Millar. Wilcil McDowell's accordion was a signature sound of the band for more than fifty five years, until his retirement in 2020. Jimmy Keane joined the group on accordion the following year
In the 1980s, the group briefly renamed itself The Rovers. During this period, their song "Wasn't That a Party" led to crossover success in the country rock genre.
The Irish Rovers have represented Canada at five World Expos, and in 2018 were honoured as one of Ireland's greatest exports at Dublin, Ireland's EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.
In 2023, they celebrated their 60th Anniversary, and their song, "Hey Boys Sing Us A Song" was nominated for Single of the Year in the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
The brothers George Millar and Will Millar were both born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The children grew up in a musical household as their father Bob played button-key accordion for several bands throughout the years. Their cousin Joe Millar, who also sang, took part in the family kitchen parties playing button-key accordion and harmonica. As children, George and Will performed with their sister, Sandra Beech as "The Millar Kids" in Ireland, before the family emigrated to Canada.
With the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has not taken a break from touring since 1965. Joe Millar retired from the band in 2005 when his son, Ian took up the family ranks. Ian performed with his Dad once on stage before taking over his father's spot. With the recent departure of Wilcil McDowell from touring, the present line-up leaves co-founder George Millar as the only remaining current member tied to the 1960s lineup.
The COVID-19 pandemic cut short the 2020 release of "Saints And Sinners" album which George wrote and featured "The Banshee's Cry" and "Band Without A Country", both released with videos. During Covid, bandleader George Millar wrote and produced their latest album, "No End In Sight" which features, "The Wellerman" and "Hey Boys Sing Us A Song", which was nominated Canadian Folk Music Awards Single of the Year.
The sold-out 2023 tour was one of the most extensive tours of the last decade.
(Wikipedia)
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