When and why did you start playing?
I started playing in my early teenage years. My father played the mandolin and my mother played the piano and they both sang songs, so the house was always full of music. My grandmother gave me an Italian mandolin when I was around 8 years of age which meant there was one sitting in the house, which was an easy progression.
Which instruments do you play?
Mostly mandolin and Bodhran
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
Sean South from Garryowen
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Last week on St Patrick’s Day, we had the honour of being invited to perform for the President & The Vice President of the United States along with our Taoiseach, Gerry Adams, Congressman Peter King, Nancy Pelosi and many other Irish dignitaries along with some very famous names including Pierce Brosnan. We were invited by the speaker of the house John Boehner. It was great to see them all singing and clapping along to “On The One Road”, which shows how popular our Irish Ballads are worldwide. We are the first Irish Ballad band to perform at this function since The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem in 1962.
Watch the video of their performance at the 2015 Friends of Ireland Luncheon
How did The Young Wolfe Tones come about?
In 2004, along with the suggestions of many people I decided that it would be worthwhile forming a band with young people to help keep our Irish Songs and Ballad tradition alive, particularly its patriotic aspect. We perform at many colleges and Universities in Ireland and it never ceases to amaze me how many young people know all the words to our songs and this with very little radio or media promotion. The Young Wolfe Tones have revived my energy and passion for Irish Song & Music more so than ever. They keep me Young.
You have been on tour in the United States. How has it gone?
I have just finished the tour which, I’m delighted to say was highly successful. Weather made the travel a little difficult at times but people still came out in full force for every show, rain, hail or snow which is a fantastic testament to the band, our music and Irish America.
You played in Tampa, Flordia on St. Patrick’s Day. What was that like?
We played in Tampa Florida on March 16th, flew up early on March 17th to perform for the Friends Of Ireland Luncheon with the President & Vice President of the USA, we then flew back down to The Four Green Fields in Tampa for the evening show and we received the most rapturous and enthusiastic reception you could imagine. Especially as the owner and many of the staff had helped us plan the logistics in getting to Washington to perform for the President.
Do you have plans for the 1916 commemoration celebrations in Ireland next year?
Yes we are currently working on a new album, which I wont reveal too much about yet but we are planning some very special tracks never before recorded. We will also be involved in an ongoing show in the New back room of the Celt Bar in Talbot St, telling the story of the 1916 uprising through our songs, stories, poems and music www.theirishrebellionshow.com
We are also bringing a tour of people from the USA and worldwide to Ireland during Easter 2016 to learn some history and visit many sites that the tourist board might not always bring you to.
Have you another album planned?
When we are at home in Ireland we are always recording and eventually we will look at the tracks and say “Yes we have enough for a new album” this way we are not rushing to meet deadlines and can give the album the space and time that our music and songs deserve. At the moment we probably have enough material for another 3 albums so lets see what the next few months bring.
What can people expect at your gig at The Civic?
Top quality songs, ballads, music, humour and fiery introductions. Every person always leaves our shows with a sense of pride and greater appreciation and value of our musical heritage. People come up to me after every show and comment “I didn’t know that” or “Thanks for bringing that to my attention” which is something we are all very proud of.
We hope to bring this sense of pride and appreciation to every person whom attends our show at The Civic
www.facebook.com/theyoungwolfetones
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Derek Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones are performing at The Civic on Thursday, 9th April 2015 at 8pm.
Tickets are €25 & €22.50 concession. Book online here or phone 01 4627477.
