[Photo courtesy of The Fureys]
Music Report by Paddy McCarthy
Yes, The Fureys are alive and well. When I say “alive,” I mean that they are touring all over Ireland. And the group will be in Scotland and England during 2025. This Irish folk band, originally formed in 1974, are survivors with endurance and produce of it.
Initially consisting of four brothers who grew up in Ballyfermot, Dublin, the group joined the ranks of middle of the road, folk and traditional bands racking up a series of hits. Fureys classics include such songs as “I Will Love You”, “When You Were Sweet 16,” “Red Rose Café,” “Leaving Nancy,” “The Old Man,” “From Clare to Here,” “Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway” and “The Green Fields of France.” They have produced the soundtrack to the lives of their many fans all over the world. The Fureys’ indelible musical footprint has been substantiated by a vast collection of personal stories of their musical experiences and friendships, gathered by Eddie and George Furey along their amazing 48-year journey which shows no sign of abating.
But here’s the origin story and more.
Oldest brother Eddie left home in 1966 and traveled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where, with brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell — now all famous in their own right. In 1969, Eddie and Finbar were special guests for the Clancy Brothers throughout the USA and Canada. In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote “Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway” for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year.
In 1973, the Fureys moved to mainland Europe where they toured for a number of years, building up a huge following, particularly in Germany, releasing many LPs. By ’76, George, Paul, Davey Arthur and Brendan Leeson were playing with their own band, the Buskers, in Denmark. While touring Germany, Eddie and Finbar were involved in a road accident. When their brothers got news of the accident, they immediately traveled there to be with their brothers. With that, they decided that they all should play together and this was the start of the Fureys & Davey Arthur. They’re particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as “I Will Love You” and “When You Were Sweet Sixteen.” This in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.
The Fureys will jump at any chance to play — not just on stage. Stories of the band’s spur-of-the-moment music sessions with fellow performers are legendary. Joe Dolan, Philomena Begley, Tom O’Connor, Chris Rea, the Chieftains, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Liam Clancy and Sean Maguire are just a few of those who have joined The Fureys for their spontaneous sessions, each one with a story begging to be told. The late actor Geoffrey Hughes — the “Coronation Street,” “Royal Family,” “Keeping Up Appearances” and “Heartbeat” star — had a keen interest in Irish music and would play the Bodhran with the band. He once joined them for a legendary all-night session in the Europa Hotel Belfast after starring in the Christmas pantomime at the Grand Opera House next door. The Fureys also struck up an unlikely music session with Kool & The Gang, Ultravox ’s Midge Ure and other major music co-stars backstage during an episode of “Top of the Pops.” At then time, there was a BBC strike and all of the show’s artists found themselves at a loose end.
Alas, there are no recordings of this fusion of styles. Eddie Furey has recalled how, “many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents’ collection.” The Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey. Inevitably changes have occurred over the years.
Brother Paul died suddenly in June 2002, Finbar left the band in December 1996 and Davey got a stroke in March 2014. However, George and Eddie have continued to delight audiences on their tours and releasing CDs.The Fureys are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination.
Their folk-based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents, Ted and Nora, who were well-known musicians themselves. They encouraged their sons to play music from a very early age and there was live traditional music in their house almost nightly. Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.
Hopefully, they’ll make it over to North America in 2025 to perform. The Fureys are still the greatest Folk and traditional group in Ireland and touring nonstop. I know they’ll sell out every concert that will be scheduled when, hopefully, they tour in the U.S.A. again. A Fureys concert is always a night to remember!