The most influential Irish trad band of all time - The Bothy Band - reformed at the Waterfront Hall on 25 February 2024 for their first Irish concert since 1979. The special, unforgettable reunion was part of Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend and saw Matt Molloy (The Chieftains), Donal Lunny (Planxty, Moving Hearts), Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (Skara Brae), Kevin Burke (Patrick Street), Paddy Glackin (Ushers Island), and uilleann pipe supremo Paddy Keenan come together, whilst Sean Óg Graham supported on guitar.
The Bothy Band’s Donal Lunny said, “Reuniting with such exceptional musicians after over four decades is a testament to the enduring power of our musical connection and the timeless appeal of traditional music. Belfast holds a special place in the heart of Irish musical history, and the Waterfront Hall provided the perfect canvas for our first Irish reunion concert. The echoes of the past blended with the vibrant energy of the present as we brought The Bothy Band's distinctive sound back to life.”
The reunion concert, attended by 2,000, was a rare opportunity for traditional Irish music fans to experience the talents and enduring legacy of these legendary figures in a live setting.
Belfast TradFest Artistic Director Dónal O’Connor said, “The Bothy Band's influence on the landscape of Irish folk music is immeasurable, and to witness their magic after nearly half a century was a rare and extraordinary opportunity. The reunion was not merely a concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy reborn, and Belfast TradFest were honoured to be part of this historic event.”
The iconic Waterfront Hall - a venue steeped in history and at the centre of live entertainment – perfectly matched the significance of the evening. It provided a pristine acoustic backdrop for the band to raise the roof with their soul-stirring melodies and songs and lively jigs and reels.
Charlie McCloskey, Director of Events and Customer Experience at Waterfront All and Ulster Hall said, “The Bothy Band’s reunion performance will go down in history as one of the most significant moments in traditional Irish music. We were proud to host the band on our stage and welcome their enduring fans to our venue. The success of the live entertainment industry is built on moments like this, and we look forward to continuing to provide a dynamic and diverse programme of events throughout the year.”
In 2021, Belfast became the UK’s third City of Music, thanks to its rich heritage, traditional music scene and acclaimed music venues.
Charlie continued, “The contribution of the arts to our economy and our communities cannot be underestimated. The beauty of music, drama, comedy – whatever the preference may be – is that everyone is invited to participate. We take our role within Belfast’s rich heritage in the arts seriously, and as we already know, community cohesion and fellowship are vital to the success of our city.”
If you attended The Bothy Band, it is highly recommended that you attend Frankie Gavin & Dé Dannan | Karen Matheson in Belfast's iconic Ulster Hall on Saturday 16 March 2024.
