The Wolfe Tones (IE)

About

Also known as: The Wolf Tones, The Wolfe Tones, The Wolfetones, Wolf Tones

Few Irish folk acts carry the political charge of the Wolfe Tones. The Dublin group has been performing rebel songs, historical ballads and traditional Irish music since 1963, taking their name from Theobald Wolfe Tone, a leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Their version of 'A Nation Once Again' was voted the world's favourite song in a 2002 BBC World Service poll, and the band has received the keys to the cities of New York and Los Angeles. They also scored a surprise chart moment in January 2020 when 'Come Out Ye Black and Tans' hit number one on both the Irish and UK iTunes charts amid controversy over a government commemoration. Brian Warfield has been the chief songwriter, responsible for 'Celtic Symphony', written for Celtic Football Club's centenary in 1987, and the deeply personal 'Irish Eyes', written as a tribute to his mother. Their 1982 track 'Admiral William Brown' salutes the Irish born Argentine naval hero of the same name. After announcing their retirement and a 60th anniversary farewell tour, the band ultimately stepped back from the stage before reversing course and announcing further shows, proving that saying goodbye is harder than it sounds.