(Paul McIlroy, Tony Fisher & Damien
McIlroy)
2014 marks a special landmark for South Africa’s much-loved
Blarney Brothers, the legendary Durban-based Irish group.
Now celebrating their 40th Anniversary, the indefatigable
three-man musical outfit have been at the heart of South Africa’s music scene
for four decades, livening up parties and gala events with their own special
brand of music, including Irish ballads, catchy pub songs, popular ‘newies’ and
the occasional Irish jig.
Comprising siblings Paul and Damien McIlroy and fellow band
member, Tony Fisher, who all settled in South Africa in the 70’s, the three
Irish-born musicians joined forces to form their own professional band in
August 1974, landing a six-month contract to perform six nights a week at
Durban’s Astra Hotel in Russell Street.
With a swiftly growing fan base, they moved on to the Pool
Bar at the Lonsdale Hotel, then on to the Killarney Hotel. Thereafter, they
signed up as an entertainment act aboard a cruise ship, Oceanic Independent,
heading for Cape Town in 1976.
They stayed on in the Mother City to perform at the
Elizabeth Hotel, before signing on with the Holiday Inn Group. This led to a
Blarney Brothers deal being struck with Southern Suns to appear on their
national entertainment circuit, touring up and down the country at regular
intervals over the following number of years.
Blarney Brothers leader Paul McIlroy recalls “We came in for
a lot of publicity when we were invited to perform on the same bill as Pat
Boone and his daughter, Debbie Boone, during their South African tour. This was
in 1977, the year Debbie Boone hit the big time globally with her rendering of You Light Up My Life”.
Shortly after this, with their children at school-going age,
the Blarney Brothers settled in Durban. They took up artistic residence at The
Barn, the entertainment venue at the then Athlone Hotel, now the Riverside
Hotel. This became closely linked with their brand at home, as for some 12 or
13 years the group appeared here every Wednesday and Friday, regularly pulling
full houses.
Other associated venues were the River Gardens in
Amanzimtoti, and Father’s Moustache at the Malibu Hotel opposite Durban’s South
Beach.
A career highlight during the following decade was a
commission to make the seven-part television documentary series, You Don’t Have To Be Irish. This saw the
Blarney Brothers taking a month off to film in Ireland for SABC 3. The series
was screened in South Africa in 1986 over six weeks.
Since the early 90s, the group have undertaken numerous
international tours. Besides appearing in the United Kingdom, they have visited
the Far East frequently, appearing in Singapore, Shanghai, Macau, Taiwan, Kuala
Lumpur, Penang and Australia. They have performed in many world famous venues,
notably the Excelsior Hotel’s Dickens Bar in Hong Kong during the Hong Kong
Rugby 7th every March. Last December saw the group performing at the
prestigious annual South African Shang Hai Ball.
“We are always game for a party and look forward to renewing
ties with old friends as well as meeting new ones. During our 13 years at The
Barn we played to an average of 1,200 people a week. A lot of couples met each
other during our shows. Many of them still come back to see us perform,
bringing their children and grand kids to meet us” says McIlroy. While scores
of Blarney Brothers fans need no introduction to the famous group, new recruits
can log onto www.blarneybrothers.co.za
for perspectives on their rich performance history, as well as the titles of their
CD’s, and other information.
Performances take place at the three Rhumbelow Theatres as
follows:
Durban (Rhumbelow
Theatre, Cunningham Avenue, Umbilo): September 26 to 28. Friday and Saturday at
20h00 and Sunday at 14h00 and 18h30
Pietermaritzburg
(Alan Wilson Shellhole): October 5 at 14h00 and 18h30
Westville Country
Club: November 2 at 14h30 and 19h00
Take food picnic baskets to the Durban and Pietermaritzburg
venue only. There are braais at the Durban venue only. Westville Country Club
offers a minimum meal option at R50. No alcohol may be taken to any of the
venues. Cash bars will be available as well as limited secure parking.
Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners). Booking is essential through
Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636 or email: roland@stansell.za.net For more
information visit www.rhumbelow.za.net
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