The Fureys - one of Ireland’s most acclaimed and influential folk and traditional bands of all-time - have brought to life one of their most famous tales from 45 years of touring outside the Waterfront Hall where they take centre stage on Friday 5th January.
While these iconic international ambassadors for Irish folk music have enjoyed standing ovations in the world’s most prestigious venues, they have never been too precious or proud to turn up as surprise guests at a music session or strike up one of their all-time classic tunes in the most unlikely of locations. They simply love to play and having already wowed audiences across six decades, remain one of the most prolific bands on the live music scene.
So, when founders and leaders, Eddie and George Furey paid a flying visit to Belfast, they stopped off at the Waterfront Hall to revive and honour a famous story that perfectly sums up the band’s down to earth approach to their music and their love of playing live... anywhere and everywhere.
One cold New York morning while on tour, The Fureys found themselves with some free time on their hands. While many music stars may have opted to remain in their plush hotels or gone on a shopping spree, The Fureys had other ideas, instead deciding to busk outside the world-famous Carnegie Hall where they had headlined the night before.
Armed with a music catalogue packed with hits and future classics in the making, they stood outside the landmark venue playing for unsuspecting passers-by. As the small gathering of admiring onlookers turned into a crowd, one new-found fan approached the mystery buskers and declared: “We enjoyed that. You’ve really got something. If you play your cards right, you might even get to play in there one day!”
And so Eddie and George Furey decided to bring that cherished memory back to life outside the Waterfront Hall and give a sneak peek of what fans can expect when the full band takes centre stage in Belfast this January.
Eddie and George Furey busking outside the Waterfront Hall in Belfast
What motivates Eddie and George Furey to keep touring night after night after all these years? Eddie: “I am still having a great time singing and playing music and will continue for as long as my health stays good.”
George: “The friends and fans we made that have followed us over so many years, they are the people that keep bringing us back. We love playing concerts and music keeps us young.”
Fureys fans will be taken on a compelling music journey That will include classics like I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Café, Leaving Nancy, From Clare to Here and The Green Fields of France when the legendary folk band play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Friday 5th January.
Tickets available at www.waterfront.co.uk
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For more information and to request interviews contact:
Nicholas Sadlier
T: 07926 527700
The Fureys management:
Joe McCadden
T: 0035387 2579019