Fiddlee diddlee deidely dee, in November 2014, 25 years after Larry Kirwan and his band of Irish brother’s Black 47 came together, indeed 24 years after I first saw em at Paddy O’Reilly’s 20 something and 2nd and became a lifelong fan (more or less), Black 47 are disbanding.
I say I was a fan and I was, it is hard to not admire and love Larry, he is so smart and such a lad. However, Black 47 were not the Pogues, they were just a little off. The last time I saw em was St. Pattys 2012 and see here how confused I was. Still, the world will be worse without Larry around.
The thing is, Kirwan is a real artist, a really smart and caring guy. From early on he added rap into the mix, I mean before rap had already crossed over, and in his earlier bands he was always the cool outsider even if he looked so much like, well, Larry Kirwan.
So no more funk cielli guys, see them while you can.
Here is his statement:
“In early November 2014, exactly 25 years after our first gig, Black 47 will disband.
There are no fights, differences over musical policy, or general skulduggery, we remain as good friends as when we first played together. We just have a simple wish to finish up at the top our game after 25 years of relentless touring and, as always, on our own terms. The last gig we played at the South Buffalo Irish Festival was as good as any we’ve ever performed. Our goal now is to play another full year plus and dedicate all of those gigs to you who’ve supported us through thick and thin. Rather than just running out the clock we will be recording “Last Call,” an album of new songs in November and as usual will be working out the material onstage. We would like to say goodbye to you all personally and will make every effort to come play in your city, town, college, pub, club, performing arts center and should you wish to alert your local promoter you can download booking particulars here
Black 47 has always been more than a band, we’ve spoken out for the nationalist population in the North of Ireland, against the war but for the troops in Iraq, for our gay brothers & sisters, immigrants, legal and undocumented, as well as for the voiceless of 1845-47; but in the end it all comes down to the music, the songs, and the desire to give audiences the time of their lives and send them home smiling and, perhaps, with a question on their lips. We look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming gigs. Thanks for the support and the memories – lets make many more over the next year”