The Bothy Band
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Dónal Lunny |
| Defunct | 1979 (initial disbandment) |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
| Products | Irish traditional music albums and live performances |
The Bothy Band emerged as a prominent Irish traditional ensemble during the mid-1970s. They rapidly established themselves as one of the most impactful groups within the Irish traditional music scene, leaving a lasting legacy that extended far beyond their dissolution in 1979.
Origins
The band was created in 1975 by bouzouki player Dónal Lunny shortly after his departure from Planxty to launch his own label, Mulligan.[1] Lunny assembled a lineup including uilleann piper Paddy Keenan, flute and whistle virtuoso Matt Molloy, fiddler Paddy Glackin, and accordionist Tony MacMahon. They were later joined by siblings Mícheál Ó Domhnaill (acoustic guitar) and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (clavinet, vocals), both formerly of Skara Brae. Initially called Seachtar—the Irish term for seven—the group adopted the name The Bothy Band after MacMahon departed to join the BBC. Their inaugural concert took place on 2 February 1975 at Trinity College, Dublin.[2]
Discography and recordings
The Bothy Band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1975 through Mulligan Records in Ireland, Green Linnet Records in the US, and Polydor Records in the UK. It was acclaimed by RTE as a 'fiery blend of dynamic folk-rock rhythms' and recognized as a transformative force within Irish traditional music.[3] Their follow-up album in 1976, Old Hag You Have Killed Me, was hailed as a milestone for the genre,[4] further broadening their fan base. The 1977 release Out of the Wind – Into the Sun marked their final studio production, succeeded by the live recording After Hours (Live in Paris) issued in 1979.[1]
During their four-year existence, fiddler roles saw changes: original member Glackin was replaced by Donegal fiddler Tommy Peoples for their first album, who was subsequently succeeded by Sligo-style fiddler Kevin Burke on the second record.[2] Their last performance with this configuration occurred at the 3rd Boys of Ballisodare Festival on 10 August 1979.[5][6]
Post-disbandment activities
Following their split in 1979, members continued to exert considerable influence in Irish traditional music circles. Lunny reunited with Planxty alongside Molloy before co-founding the Celtic rock ensemble Moving Hearts. He also pursued producing roles and later formed Mozaik with Andy Irvine, releasing two albums in 2004 and 2007. Molloy became a member of The Chieftains after contributing to two Planxty albums. Burke initiated the group Patrick Street with Irvine and Jackie Daly, formerly of De Dannan. Meanwhile, Ó Domhnaill and Ní Dhomhnaill collaborated to create both Relativity and Nightnoise.
In 1994, previously unreleased live recordings from the 1970s were made available under the title BBC Radio One – The Bothy Band Live in Concert. These featured performances recorded at the BBC's Paris Theatre in 1976 and Kilburn's National Club in 1978. Notably, Peter Browne filled in for Paddy Keenan on pipes during the Paris Theatre sessions.
2007 Commemorative Concert
Following the passing of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill in 2006, the remaining band members came together once more for a special event titled "Ómós- A Gig for Mícheál" held on 24 May 2007 at Vicar Street, Dublin. The event's earnings were donated to the Irish Traditional Music Archive.
2023–2024 Reunion
In 2023, the group reunited initially to participate in a documentary project, which was succeeded by an extensive Irish tour in 2024 showcasing all living members. This lineup featured both Paddy Glackin and Kevin Burke on fiddle, alongside guest guitarist Seán Óg Graham. Unfortunately, the tour was abbreviated due to health complications experienced by Dónal Lunny, with intentions to rearrange the concerts for 2025.
Discography
- The Bothy Band (1975) Complete track details at Irishtune
- Old Hag You Have Killed Me (1976) Track listing of the 1982 reissue at Irishtune
- Out of the Wind – Into the Sun (1977) Track listing of the 1985 reissue at Irishtune
- After Hours (Live in Paris) (1979) Track details of the 1984 reissue at Irishtune
- The Best of the Bothy Band (1980) Track listing of the 1988 reissue at Irishtune
- The Bothy Band Live in Concert (1994) Full track list at Irishtune
Band members
Current lineup
- Dónal Lunny – bouzouki, vocals, guitar, bodhrán, synthesizer (1975–1979; 2023–present)
- Paddy Keenan – uilleann pipes, whistle (1975–1979; 2023–present)
- Matt Molloy – flute, whistle (1975–1979; 2023–present)
- Paddy Glackin – fiddle (1975; 2023–present)
- Kevin Burke – fiddle (1976–1979; 2023–present)
- Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill – harpsichord, clavinet, harmonium, bodhrán, vocals (1975–1979; 2023–present)
- Seán Óg Graham – guitar (2023–present)
Previous members
- Tommy Peoples – fiddle (1975–1976; deceased 2018)
- Mícheál Ó Domhnaill – vocals, guitar, keyboards (1975–1979; deceased 2006)
Touring personnel
- Peter Browne – uilleann pipes, flute (1976)
Timeline
Active years: 1975 to 1979
See also
External links
- - available on YouTube via Compass Records
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedLarkin - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedallmusicbio - ↑ Smith, Ruth (2018-08-09). "Simply Folk Recommends: The Bothy Band 1975 by The Bothy Band".
- ↑ The Bothy Band - Old Hag You Have Killed Me Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic
- ↑ "The Boys of Ballisodare 3rd folk and traditional Music Festival (1979)".
- ↑ "The Bothy Band Setlist at Ballisodare Festival 1979".