Finbar Furey was, for many years, the lead singer and front man for the legendary Irish band, The Fureys. An acclaimed Irish Folk artist, Finbar was awarded Irish Music Magazine's "Album of the Year" for "Chasing Moonlight" and his latest album “Once When I Was…” is Finbar’s fifth solo album and includes a mix of brand new compositions such as “The Dark Side Of The World” (a duet with UK X-Factor winner Shayne Ward) & “Walking With My Love” (a duet with Mary Black), along with his take on such classics as Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In The Wind” and traditional favourites “Dan O’Hara” & “Waltzing Matilda”.
An accomplished singer songwriter/banjoist/guitarist/flautist/tin whistler, Finbar is hailed as Ireland’s “Prince of Pipers” having won every known uilleann pipe title, including three all Ireland Championships. Finbar popularised the pipes worldwide while on tour with his brother Eddie. Many bands followed in their wake.
The duo were awarded best Single of the Year by John Peel entirely because of the unique sound the uilleann pipes and whistle made. They received many other accolades because they were the spearhead of Irish contemporary music at that time. They brought a new Irish hipness to a worldwide audience and blended their music into a kind of "world" and popular music. It became once again, the music of youth and revolution, a means of dealing with political and social problems which the world faced in that, it was a way for 'common folk', to stand together against real world injustices, such as pollution and abuses of government power. The illumination they brought to a generation cannot be overstated.
Subsequently of course the format was used everywhere from Planxty to River Dance, Braveheart to Hailey Westenra. The name Furey has become part of Ireland's musical history. In 1993, with The Fureys at the height of their international popularity and after nearly thirty years as the group's front man, Finbar decided to pursue his solo career, and to present his definitive one-man show. He wanted to explore new pastures as a singer, producer and writer. Since making this decision Finbar's reputation has increased with every performance.
He has also forged an impressive career in films and appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs Of New York” and “Paris Sexy” . He recently appeared as the featured guest on RTE’s Gay Byrne Show and has had a documentary made covering his life and career.
"Not only does Finbar Furey play pipes with a wildness and passion ……there’s also a pioneering virtuosity that is unsurpassed" ………………… Irish press
“Quite simply, he is a one-off. An original, acclaimed and revered by audiences and his musical peers”………Irish Independent
“Finbar Furey in full flow is one of the most exciting sounds in music…and at his most poetic, one of the most moving… As Dublin as James Joyce, as unpretentious as a pint of Guinness…an evening of pure pleasure”…………………Daily Mail
Finbar has toured extensively, bringing his rare talents to the world-wide stage, treating audiences to evenings of pure Irish magic, great music, good humour, and the charm and wit associated with one of Ireland's most beloved storytellers. A man of great musical passion and a pioneer for the cause of Irish music, Finbar Furey has carved a special place for himself in the world of music and in the hearts of millions of people.
He returns to tour Australia in March 2013 for The Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, The National Folk Festival and more.
He’s like a great red that just keeps getting better!
For further information and tour dates go to : www.finbarfureytour.com.au
