'We will never see their likes again' - Wolfe Tones announce retirement after 60 years

Legendary rebel band The Wolfe Tones have announced their retirement after 60 years playing together. 

The group, whose hits include 'Come Out Ye Black and Tans', 'Celtic Symphony', 'Grace', and 'The Men Behind the Wire', confirmed the announcement yesterday (November 13). 

According to The Sun, singer Tommy Byrne made the decision to bow out with the agreement of fellow members Brian Warfield and Noel Nagle. 

Tommy told The Irish Sun: “I never thought that we would go on so long. It’s been absolutely amazing, but I’m 80 next year and I think that would be a good time to stop.

"I brought this motion to Brian and Noel and they agreed. To go out on a high like this would be a great tribute to the band." 

According to Tommy, the travelling "wears you down" despite his insistence that he's currently fit and healthy. 

The news broke yesterday (November 14), with the band's promoters, DMC, stating they were happy the group will go out on their own terms with "massive arena shows in Belfast and Dublin" to look forward to next year. 

DMC stated, "What a career, what a group, we will never see their likes again. Bring on 2024 as we give this most legendary of Irish groups the send off they so rightly deserve!" 

The band played to a packed crowd of 30,000 at Electric Picnic, drawing the biggest crowd ever in the Electric Arena, and made headlines after singing their controversial song 'Celtic Symphony' at the festival. 

The song has come under fire before by critics both at home and abroad for the inclusion of the lyrics "Ooh, ah, up the Ra!" 

In 2020, the band's 1972 song 'Come Out Ye Black and Tans' reached the number one spot on the Ireland and UK iTunes charts in the wake of the Irish government's plan to commemorate the RIC. 

After attracting huge crowds at this summer’s Electric Picnic, The @wolfetones have announced a show in Galway Airport as part of the Galway Summer Sessions on Friday 23 August 2024

Tickets on sale this Friday at 10am - https://t.co/WrmplBbKcS pic.twitter.com/ArTPmK0BS4

— Ticketmaster Ireland (@TicketmasterIre) November 13, 2023

As well as their concerts in Dublin and Belfast, another show in Galway has been newly announced. 

The group will play in Galway Airport as part of the Galway Summer Sessions on Friday August 23 2024, with tickets going on sale this Friday at 10am.