In 1968, the predecessor of the Juno’s named The Irish Rovers Canada’s, “Folk Group of the Year”, and the following year, they received a Grammy nomination for “Folk Performance of the Year”.
As hosts of three national television series in Canada and Ireland, through the 1970's and 80s, The Irish Rovers increased the popularity of Irish music by way of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, personally asked the band if they could “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada throughout the world. Since then, they have represented Canada at no less than five world Expos, and in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the International music world, The Irish Rovers won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) 'Harold Moon Award'.
Although all members of the band hail from Ireland, a number of their biggest hits were often "non-Irish". Their own rousing, traditional Irish compositions, however, do comprise the bulk of their music.
By the 90’s, their songwriting was even more prolific than their early years, and production of albums wasn’t about to slow down. Since they desired the freedom that as a younger band, they could not afford, in ’93 The Irish Rovers established their own record company, Rover Records. Their songs tell the story of the Irish, whether it’s a lost love, a sailor on leave, or the simple good taste of a Guinness. Rover Records has put out their last eleven albums, including Celtic Collection, Come Fill Up Your Glasses, Down by the Lagan Side, Another Round, Still Rovin', a Christmas album, and their greatest hits, 40 Years A-Rovin'.
Founding member George Millar is from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena, and percussionist Fred Graham is also from Belfast.
Former members include founding member Jimmy Ferguson who passed away in 1997 and Joe Millar.
The Spey And Spate
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
As there are no lyrics for The Irish Rovers's song Rovers Fancy, it is difficult to provide an interpretation of the song in terms of its lyrics. However, we can analyze the song's instrumental components to understand it better. The instrumental itself is lively, energetic, and upbeat, with a fiddle as the prominent instrument. The fast-paced fiddle notes are accompanied by various percussion instruments, including a bodhran, which provides a steady rhythm. Other instruments, such as flutes and whistles, join in at various points, enhancing the overall melody of the song.
The song may serve as an anthem for The Irish Rovers, who are a popular Irish-Canadian folk group. The lively nature of the instrumental track is reflective of the band's energetic performances and is sure to get audiences dancing and tapping their feet. It exemplifies the traditional Irish folk music style that The Irish Rovers have become well-known for over the years.
Contributed by Caroline G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Keith Hanley
I've been wanting to see this again - in its entirety - for a very long time, so thank you so much for posting this. The Irish Rovers were (and still are) my favourite band. Thank you again.
bibae bätze
A lot of talking and less music
Paul Beckhurst
This old unicorn still enjoys the Irish Rovers. and still enjoy them more than ever from Australia
simon Dufek
Thank you so much for sharing these rovers videos. I would love to see more of them. It's great to see them again.
Loqutis Borg
I'm from Newfoundland and I couldn't wait for them to come on CBC television. Oh, the memories.
D Sherry
Thanks so much for sharing these. I'd love to see more of the old rovers cbc shows.
Majella Mcclenaghan
I love real old days of these singers
NoPCsHere
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this! I have been wanting to see it again for years!
Mike Parish
The songs that are featured on this video clip are on the album The irish rovers Hardstuff.
D Sherry
I would like to see a special the Irish Rovers did called Salty Dogs if you have that. Thank you so much for sharing them.