Sharing a casual conversation with George Millar of The Irish Rovers, one realizes that theirs is a story for the big screen: three television series, topping the music charts again and again, and gigs as musical bank robbers on "The Virginian". They were also the inspiration for one of the world best-known party anthems. The boys in the band have lived large.
They celebrate 45 years of music with a tour, the release of their latest CD, "Gracehill Fair", now the release of a new DVD, "Home in Ireland" filmed entirely in Northern Ireland.
Today, the boys are again causing a sensation - this time on YouTube, gaining mammoth attention on various YouTube sites with their highly recognizable recording of "Drunken Sailor".
In 1968, the band won a JUNO Award for "Folk Group of the Year". During the 70s, and 80's The Rovers were enjoying 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 buddy, Tom Paxton wrote after he witnessed one of the band's famous post-show parties. During the 80's, they also hosted their second television series, "The Rovers Comedy House". Their holiday hit, "Grandma Got Run-Over By A Reindeer" followed in 1982. 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). From '84 to '86 they hosted yet another hit variety show, "Party With The Rovers" which was produced for Global Television in conjunction with Ulster Television in Ireland, and syndicated around the world.
The present line-up George Millar, John Reynolds, Wilcil McDowell, Ian Millar, Sean O'Driscoll and Fred Graham, continue to tour in Canada, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As of 2010, The Irish Rovers celebrated their 45 years of music together. They mark this milestone with the release of their latest CD, "Gracehill Fair" which was recorded in Canada and Ireland, and a tour of concerts throughout Canada and the United States.
In September, 2010 they wrapped filming for their DVD/television special, "Home in Ireland", shot entirely on location in Northern Ireland; while sharing the beauty of their homeland with the world, they bring their music to their favorite childhood locations with musical special guests and in-depth interviews.
Much of their trip to Ireland was caught on camera in many "Behind the Scenes" vignettes which can be found on their website as well as on YouTube.
An Irish Christmas - Tour Schedule includes a Thursday, December 8th at the Painted Hand Casino in Yorkton.
