The Black family is one of best-selling musical brands of Ireland, one whose origins began in the humble tradition of performing in the Dublin folk clubs as a family affair. That became a springboard not only to bigger and greater things for the likes of Mary Black and her sister Frances but also a leap into the more contemporary singer songwriting world building new audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Although Mary joined a traditional Irish band in 1977 (General Humbert) it wasn’t until 1983 that she released her eponymous solo debut, it was her most folk-orientated album. That unforgettable honeyed voice which blended both the traditional and contemporary took her to #4 in the Irish album charts. Her follow up release ‘Without the Fanfare’ (1985) saw her team up with producer and guitarist Declan Sinnott, the album had a more contemporary sound which paved the way for her future releases.
Mary has gone on to release eleven studio albums all of which achieved platinum sales status, an Irish national treasure who clearly deserves a well-earned break. The Last Call Tour will be Mary’s last tour outside Ireland. Having already visited North America, Germany, Holland and Belgium, these May dates will be Mary’s final UK concerts.
Talking of her rich musical journey thus far to her fans she said: “Music has been so good to me, I’ve loved touring the world for the last 30 years….I have made so many friends and have countless fond memories from different corners of the globe. So to my fans everywhere I’d like to thank you. Le gach dea-ghuí (with every good wish/prayer)”
Here she is performing with Frances and her brothers: Michael, Shay & Martin
Mary Black with Emmylou Harris and Dolores Keane – Sonny (1991)
The Last Call Tour
April
30 – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
May
01 – Reading, Hexagon
02 – Guildford, GLive
03 – Basingstoke, The Anvil
05 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
06 – Llandudno, Venue Cymru
07 – Leicester, De Montfort Hall
09 – Glasgow, Lomond Auditorium
10 – Edinburgh, Queens Hall
12 – Leeds, Town Hall
14 – Warwick Arts Centre
15 – Cardiff, St. David’s Hall
16 – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
17 – Northampton, Derngate