Andy Irvine in Chicago

Andy Irvine is an Irish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist, born in London in 1942, whose bouzouki and mandolin work connects Irish traditional song with Balkan musical traditions. He played in Sweeney's Men before becoming a founding member of Planxty, and later worked with Patrick Street and Mozaik. His key recordings include Andy Irvine/Paul Brady, while “West Coast of Clare,” “Never Tire of the Road” and “My Heart’s Tonight in Ireland” are central songs in his catalogue. During the 1970s, Planxty toured Britain and continental Europe, establishing the ensemble as the main stage for much of his early live work. The group returned for concerts at Vicar Street in Dublin in 2004; eight years later, the same venue hosted his 70th-birthday concerts with musicians including Paul Brady and Dónal Lunny. His 80th birthday was celebrated with concerts at the National Concert Hall in 2022.