Posted on April 2nd, 2012 at 4:56 pm

The Irish city that built the Titanic is still dealing with its role in the historic disaster 100 years later, CBC's Susan Ormiston reports. Features George Millar of The Irish Rovers, and their new song "The Titanic" which honors the Titanic and its birthplace in the shipyards of Belfast. View documentary.

Posted on March 28th, 2012 at 12:28 am

In this interview…

• George Millar talks about the latest Irish Rovers DVD and album.
• We talk about the success of the Drunken Sailor song with The Irish Rovers.
• Recording today versus the days of Wasn’t That A Party.
• The next Irish Rovers tour dates coming up.

Posted on March 28th, 2012 at 12:12 am

DRUNKEN SAILOR - THE IRISH ROVERS' new album hits traditional and online retail outlets across North America this week and already the CD, which includes the single, The Titanic, is making waves on both sides of the Atlantic. The Canadian/Irish music icon's single will also be featured on a national documentary.

Posted on March 24th, 2012 at 10:20 pm

ULSTER- Musical icons the Irish Rovers have recorded a song telling the story of the Titanic with its beginnings in Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast.

Rovers’ founder George Millar, a Ballymena man domiciled for most of his life in Canada, says: “Irish pride was at its highest, and the sinking devastated the Belfast shipyard and its workers. To this day they say with a wry smile – ‘she was all right when she left here’.”

Posted on March 21st, 2012 at 10:16 am

CONCERT REVIEW: By the second song,  they were clapping and singing along with a spirit that didn’t wane throughout the 25-song, 90-minute concert (plus an intermission). And fun it was - rousing and roaring. With George Millar’s introduction of “Are you ready? So are we,” the band kicked into their namesake tune, “The Irish Rover,” Banjo/mandolin player Sean O'Driscoll was especially funny on “The Wife is Mad.” “Whores and Hounds” from the new disc was bawdy and fun...

Posted on March 16th, 2012 at 8:59 am

From the recent resurge in popularity of The Irish Rovers, it would seem the lads themselves have returned to their glory days, and are still charging. April 14 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on its maiden voyage, so paying tribute to the event with an album of sea shanties titled "Drunken Sailor" might raise an eyebrow or two.

Posted on March 15th, 2012 at 9:52 am

“It would probably be a bit much for me being a rocker at this stage,” Millar said while calling from Atlanta. “It’s perfect for me playing this kind of music because I don’t have to be 110 pounds...

Posted on March 8th, 2012 at 9:55 am

"One day I was writing about sailors getting drunk onshore and betting on the whores and the hounds," Millar says during a telephone interview from his home on Vancouver Island, "and the next day I was writing about Jesus and the baby in the manger.

Posted on March 2nd, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Throughout their legendary career, The Irish Rovers have been regarded as cherished music icons, and have touched three generations of music lovers.

Posted on March 1st, 2012 at 9:48 pm

Apparently time is running out for the act, which predicts after it celebrates its 50th anniversary in a few short years it’ll call it quits. The only thing remaining will be the legacy of the Irish Rovers...

Posted on February 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm

“After more than four decades, this group is still very popular.

“I’ve had occasion to see them perform many times over the years and I think they’re a lot like the whiskey that Ireland is famous for-they get better with age.”

Posted on February 22nd, 2012 at 8:44 am

The sinking of the RMS Titanic is one of the largest peacetime maritime tragedies in history. Original Rover, George Millar shares his birthday of April 14, with the date the ship met its icy end on her maiden voyage a century ago. The legend of this mighty ship has both haunted and intrigued George all these years...
 

Posted on February 22nd, 2012 at 8:20 am

"Being from Northern Ireland and born on April 14th, the legend of the Titanic has been with me all my life. It took the labour of fifteen thousand men to build her - she was the pride of Belfast," says George.

Posted on February 9th, 2012 at 11:46 pm

The release of their 40th North American album was spurred on by the fact that their recording of “Drunken Sailor”gained over 3 million hits on various YouTube sites. That number has now reached over six million. No one was more surprised to learn this than the Rovers themselves, but they’re happy knowing that their particular brand of Celtic music is now reaching a younger audience. The new album includes the much-anticipated single, “Whores and Hounds,” as well as a tribute to the great ship, “Titanic” on its 100^th Anniversary.

Posted on January 18th, 2012 at 4:48 pm

 It was the 1970s and many households got just the one channel—CBC. And that was just fine with one folk band, because it meant a captive audience for The Irish Rovers Show, which ran for six seasons. “We’re like a gab fest. We’re like old cronies sitting at Tim Horton’s talking about what we’ve missed. We’ve always enjoyed the music, each other and what we do on stage...

Posted on January 18th, 2012 at 4:40 pm

There aren't many groups in Canada that can match the legacy of The Irish Rovers. TV stars, huge concerts draws, and three major memorable hits. Plus, you have the longetivity. This is the group's 45th year together. And their popularity continues. They are on a national tour, have a brand new Christmas CD, and a TV special filmed in Ireland coming up.

Posted on January 18th, 2012 at 4:21 pm

Throughout their legendary career, The Irish Rovers have been called a Canadian institution, and have touched three generations of music lovers. These Irishmen became so much a part of the Canadian culture that Prime Minister Trudeau personally asked them to become Canadian, in order to officially represent Canada throughout the world.

Posted on December 23rd, 2011 at 11:36 pm

You won’t be seeing members of The Irish Rovers on the slopes of Mount Washington any time soon.

The band attempted skiing recently while filming a Christmas show in Banff Alberta and George Millar admitted it wasn’t pretty.

Posted on December 23rd, 2011 at 12:03 am

They made Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer a Christmas staple and now the Irish Rovers release their first album of Christmas music in more than a decade.

Posted on December 18th, 2011 at 4:58 pm

The fact of the matter is, if longevity in the music business could somehow translate into having a say in the weather, The Irish Rovers would be one of a handful of acts to have an ‘in’ with Mother Natures. After 45 years of recording and travelling the world...

Posted on December 18th, 2011 at 3:36 pm

They are expected to release a new Christmas CD this year and their following album, Drunken Sailor in the new year. This release was spurred on by the fact that their recording of Drunken Sailor recently gained over three million hits on You Tube. Now they're back on national television with a new special, Home In Ireland, filmed entirely on-location in Northern Ireland.

Posted on December 15th, 2011 at 7:48 am

The songs on it fit that title to a T. Songs such as Must Be Santa, Christmas At The Ale House, Three Jolly Rogues, Christmas In Killarney, That Marvellous Toy and many more Irish, high-energy tunes with lyrics that quicken the blood and make you feel life's really worth living...

Posted on December 13th, 2011 at 9:14 pm

The fact of the matter is, if longevity in the music business could somehow translate into having a say in the weather, The Irish Rovers would be one of a handful of acts to have an ‘in’ with Mother Natures...

Posted on December 7th, 2011 at 3:20 pm

To those who call Grandma “a horrible song,” the 64-yearold Rover sets them straight. “It's a funny song, so lighten up! If you listen to the song, you just make sure your granny doesn't go out drinking on Christmas Eve,” he said with a laugh.

Posted on December 6th, 2011 at 9:07 am

5 Stars! The Irish Rovers "Merry Merry Time of Year" captures the spirit and magic of Christmas...The song "Must Be Santa" - definitely a classic that could become as popular as The Irish Rover's 1980's hit "Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer"...

Posted on December 5th, 2011 at 4:56 pm

The 60-member entourage arrived and the space was transformed into a Celtic Christmas wonderland...Lesley Grand, theatre manager said the filming was, "crazy exciting,"...

Posted on December 4th, 2011 at 8:28 am

A CREW of nearly 70 people flew in from Canada, the U.S. and Ireland to transform the Capitol Theatre into a Celtic winter wonderland to film The Irish Rovers concert. Just last week, they filmed at various locations at Banff National Park, including the Banff Centre and Sunshine Village ski resort where they were joined by Crazy Canuck Dave Irwin for some comedic sequences on snow.

Posted on November 30th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

Here is a link to an interview on CTV with Fred about making and playing the Bodhran. And, of course, playing with the Irish Rovers! Be sure to click on the title once on the page.

Posted on November 30th, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Two Chatham school choirs will be sharing the stage with the iconic folk group the Irish Rovers, and Canadian crooner John McDermott.

If that's not exciting enough, the concert is being filmed for a DVD/television special, titled "An Irish Rovers Christmas.

Posted on November 30th, 2011 at 1:59 pm

The Irish Rovers kick off their Christmas Tour with a Fundraiser for Outreach For Hunger and the OSPCA! Wednesday, November 30th, at 7:00 at Chatham's beautiful Capitol Theatre. In addition, we will collect non-perishable food items to fill the shelves of the food bank.

Posted on October 11th, 2011 at 1:19 am

Life is good for the group these days, Millar says. The Irish Rovers are going to retire from the road in 2015, the year of their 50th anniversary. They may still do albums or special events, but the time has come for the music to speak for itself, the group's leader admits.

Posted on October 11th, 2011 at 12:30 am

Millar’s proud the Grammy- and Juno-nominated Rovers weathered the global grind after 45 years of clubs, pubs, studios and soft-seat houses.

“As my mother says, ‘There’s no rest for the wicked.’”

Posted on October 4th, 2011 at 12:36 am

 With a diverse fan base ranging from families in their living rooms to beer-swilling carousers in their favourite pub, it’s no wonder these Irish lads have been roving for 4½ decades.

With dozens of such tours under their belts, founding member and predominant songwriter George Millar said the band is “still amazed” at the sold-out crowds that come out to see them, noting a diverse cross-section of ages among those attending their live shows...

Posted on October 4th, 2011 at 12:29 am

Legendary band The Irish Rovers will bring their familiar tunes to Surrey this weekend, when they perform at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, in celebration of the group’s first-ever recording in the late ‘60s.

The Red Deer Advocate reported the band announced they will be retiring from touring soon.

Posted on October 4th, 2011 at 12:10 am

What was it like to have a massive hit record in Shel Silverstein's "The Unicorn Song"?

Millar: "I have this Billboard magazine from back then, and the Beatles were No. 1, we were No. 2 and The Strawberry Alarm Clock were third on the charts. To this day, I shake my head and wonder at it; for that record we had Glen Campbell playing lead guitar, and a bass player we picked up, and there we were next to Sgt. Pepper's. The charts are so strict now that it could never happen again."

Posted on October 4th, 2011 at 12:01 am

Happy tunes saving band from 'real jobs'

"AH, it won't do them any harm at all," George Millar, a founding member of The Irish Rovers, says he assures his North Vancouver daughter regarding his grandkids' love of dancing around to hit "Drunken Sailor." Even if we're singing about some poor fellow who got drawn and quartered and hung in 1798, it's still such a happy tune, people are smiling and clapping, and I'm thinking, 'They don't know a bloody thing we're singing about,' but that's okay if they're happy."

Posted on September 21st, 2011 at 1:17 am

The story of the Irish Rovers is one for the big screen; hosting three award-winning television series, topping the music charts repeatedly, several appearances as musical bank robbers on The Virginian, and more than 45 years of international recordings and touring. Their music has steadily become the soundtrack to parties around the world, and that’s fine by Millar.

Posted on September 21st, 2011 at 1:15 am

After 45 years on stage, most bands might have had enough of the touring life, but it seems the Irish Rovers have a few more years and a few more albums in them.

Posted on September 21st, 2011 at 1:11 am

With a new album and a new television special, the lads are making waves once again. They've been busy preparing and, for the first time in 25 years, they'll be back on television with Home In Ireland. 

Posted on September 21st, 2011 at 1:00 am

Some people use the Rolling Stones as the poster child for long, accomplished musical careers.

But those people obviously haven't looked too deeply at the musical discography of Canada's own Irish Rovers.

Posted on September 21st, 2011 at 12:31 am

"It is not a farewell tour at this point, but we have been going steady for almost 46 years now and when we get to 50 we are going to retire," said George Millar, one of the founders of The Irish Rovers.

Posted on September 19th, 2011 at 8:38 pm

The Irish Rovers charmed with their effortless musicality, uproarious wit and winsome ways.
The six musicians elicited claps, hoots and cheers throughout both sets...

Posted on September 14th, 2011 at 2:38 pm

The Rovers are still a hard working band with more than 30 albums, and they have hosted three award-winning TV series. “We’re getting close to the end of when we want to travel. We’ve been in it now for 46 years and we’re going to retire the band when we reach the age of 50..."

Posted on July 1st, 2011 at 11:15 am

The Irish Rovers who have been based on Vancouver Island for the past 20 years won Song of the Year, and Island Classic awards at the 2011 Vancouver Island Music Awards held at the Sid Williams Theatre.

Posted on July 1st, 2011 at 10:21 am

Irish Rovers won SOCAN-sponsored Song of the Year honours for "Gracehill Fair"...

Posted on June 16th, 2011 at 10:34 am

It was the ideal fit for both parties, and after much anticipation, the collaboration between these two exciting events will come to full fruition before you can say "Wasn't that a Party?" ...And speaking of the Irish Rovers, the 40-year veterans and four-category nominees will be honored in a special moment during this year's ceremony at the Sid Williams Theatre June 23.

Posted on May 1st, 2011 at 11:41 am

1964: THE FOLK SINGING “BOOM” in the States and Canada has proved profitable for three young Ballymena men who form the nucleus of a popular, Toronto-based group who call themselves “The Irish Rovers.”

Posted on April 9th, 2011 at 3:54 pm

The Irish Rovers have become underwriters of The Maui Celtic Radio Show. The program plays the best of Celtic music from The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem, The Dubliners and Jimmy Shand to the new generation of Celts including, The Battlefield Band, Lunasa, The Makem and Spain Brothers, and even Scottish-punk musicians, The Real McKenzies...

Posted on March 17th, 2011 at 12:58 am

"There are still a few copyright clearances we need to obtain before we can release any of the old shows on DVD," he says.

Asked who left the biggest impression on him of all of the guests that appeared on the show, George doesn't hesitate in giving his answer: Bobby Darin...

Posted on March 15th, 2011 at 12:13 pm

Bobby (Darin) passed away approximately two months after he appeared on our show and was just such a talented man...

Posted on March 10th, 2011 at 9:00 pm

By Graham Rockingham

The song was recorded by a Celtic pub band from Toronto called the Irish Rovers. Through steady touring they had established a solid reputation for toe-tapping songs from the old country, mostly about whisky and … um … drinking whisky...

Posted on March 10th, 2011 at 8:44 pm

You don't have to look like Mick Jagger and weigh 90 pounds when you're in a Celtic Band.

The receding hairline and the gut growing over your belt buckle is just fine, said George Millar, founder of The Irish Rovers, which has been recording music for more than 45 years...

Posted on March 10th, 2011 at 8:33 pm

Over its phenomenally-long existence, the group has appeared on three award-winning national and international television series including The Irish Rovers Show. They have represented Canada at no less than five world expositions and received Canada's Harold Moon Award in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the international music world...

Posted on March 10th, 2011 at 3:47 pm

“You can’t go in and do all the new songs,” says Rovers co-founder, George Millar. “You have to do a mixture — the old songs to please the crowd, and the new ones, to keep our sanity.”

Posted on March 9th, 2011 at 8:15 pm

“A lot of you Canadians didn’t have much choice,” said Millar. “You only had one channel — it would be the Wonderful World of Disney, Irish Rovers, and then the Beachcombers. I like to think it was like Irish brainwashing...

Posted on March 2nd, 2011 at 8:04 pm

Back in 1967, when Sgt. Pepper's and psychedelia ruled radio, a cute little children's song called The Unicorn worked its way up the pop charts.

Millar recalls the producer asking a question that would have far-reaching consequences. "Do you have any songs that aren't about whisky?"...

Posted on February 25th, 2011 at 4:04 pm

After 45 years, there may be an end in sight for the Irish Rovers. The band's founder, George Millar, said he is hoping to retire from touring in about five years.

"You don't want to do it too long," said Millar from his home on Vancouver Island. "We'll be 50 years old as a band. We'll maybe still put out a CD every now and again, but I'd like to get off the road."

Posted on February 23rd, 2011 at 11:49 pm

The band will wrap up its Home in Ireland tour in Bracebridge next month. On March 26, the band will play Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre at 7:30 p.m., the second last show in a 12-stop Ontario tour.

Posted on February 20th, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Irish Rovers Kick Off 45 Year Anniversary with New CD, DVD & Tour starting March 7: One of Canada's favorite music groups is coming to Cornwall Ontario and a town near you...After 45 Years – They’re Still Spreading The Luck o’ the Irish with their latest CD, Gracehill Fair, a new DVD, Home in Ireland...

Posted on February 17th, 2011 at 3:33 pm

The Irish Rovers began in Ontario and now they return to celebrate 45 years in a tour that includes Showplace on March 21.

Posted on February 9th, 2011 at 4:22 pm

The Irish Rovers - Still Spreading the Luck o' the Irish with their latest CD, Gracehill Fair, the release of a new DVD, Home in Ireland, and the 2011 Tour

Posted on December 28th, 2010 at 12:05 am

Posted on December 27th, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Celtic Music Radio - Gracehill Fair, Album of the Week: Ross Macfadyen of Celtic Music Radio spoke with George Millar of The Irish Rovers last August, about their new CD album.

Posted on December 13th, 2010 at 4:59 pm

George Millar's waterfront home in Nanoose, where he’s lived for 20 years, is also a source of inspiration for songwriting, while Rick Salt’s studio in downtown Nanaimo is the place to record the results. The last 10 or so albums were recorded in Nanaimo, including their latest Gracehill Fair...

Posted on December 13th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

EDMONTON JOURNAL - An Irish Christmas, 8-10 p.m. Canadian music legends, The Irish Rovers celebrate 45 years of music with a new CD , new DVD and An Irish Christmas Tour. The Irish Rovers support the Edmonton Food Bank by encouraging everyone to bring non-perishable food items to the SOLD OUT SHOW. Century Casino will also be donating $500 to this worthy cause.

Posted on December 13th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

For two weeks in September, George Millar, Wilcil McDowell, John Reynolds, Ian Millar, Sean O'Driscoll and Fred Graham of the legendary Irish Rovers enjoyed the land that they love, while filming their DVD/television special, Home in Ireland.

With these guys, it’s always lots of laughs and plenty of straight talk. In last month’s issue of The Celtic Connection, we covered the first half of the adventure – now for part 2.

Posted on December 12th, 2010 at 1:10 am

The Irish Rovers are encouraging all ticket buyers to their Sold Out Concert, Monday December 13th, at Century Casino to bring items for the Edmonton Food Bank. The Century Casino is in great support of the Rovers' efforts, and are themselves donating $500 to this worthy cause.

Posted on December 12th, 2010 at 12:00 am

Sharing a casual conversation with George Millar of The Irish Rovers, one realizes that theirs is a story for the big screen: three television series, topping the music charts again and again, and gigs as musical bank robbers on “The Virginian”. They were also the inspiration for one of the world best-known party anthems.  The boys in the band have lived large...

Posted on December 11th, 2010 at 10:23 pm

Irish Rovers still roaming - By Lisa Wilton, Calgary Sun

Here, they met up with Millar’s older brother Will, who was presenting a children’s TV show called Just 4 Fun.

“We went on the show and sang, Whiskey You’re the Devil,” Millar recalls. “There were these little five-year-olds sitting on the floor in front of us. Of course the switchboards lit up...

Posted on December 8th, 2010 at 1:14 am

Celtic Connection - “George Millar, you are an absolute rock god!”, says Ivan Martin as he opens the mike for an interview at the Belfast UTV radio studios. He was referring to the entourage that had just walked in, and to over two million hits The Irish Rovers have been receiving on You Tube for their usual show-closer, Drunken Sailor.

George was at the studio to talk about their latest CD, Gracehill Fair, and the filming of the upcoming DVD, Home in Ireland...

Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Feel free to share your photos of the band's live concert on our Facebook page. The tour is off to a fantastic start and many locations are sold out while others have only a few tickets left. Come out and enjoy a Celtic Christmas and bring a camera! You can access our Facebook page and upload photos by clicking here.

Posted on December 4th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

Winnipeg, Moose Jaw and Regina and Edmonton concerts SOLD OUT - others are going fast - check "On Tour Page" for ticket links to concerts near you - we hope to see you soon for our Irish Christmas Tour!

Posted on December 4th, 2010 at 1:39 pm

One year ago today, we lost an old friend, one of The Greats...

Liam Clancy
1935 - 2009

Liam was the youngest, and the last living member, of the Clancy Brothers of Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary, Ireland.

While still in his teens, Liam explored writing and painting, though he was particularly drawn to the theatre. Before he was twenty years old, Liam had founded the local dramatic society and had produced, directed, set-designed, and starred in J. M. Synge's "The Playboy of the Western World".

Posted on December 4th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

The Irish Rovers' Christmas hit "Grandma Got Run-Over By A Reigndeer" is featured on Show Stopping Entertainment/Universal's Christmas Hits 2. Alongside The Rovers are other prominent artists including Diana Krall, The Beach Boys, Michael Buble, Bob and Doug McKenzie, Sarah McLachlan, and many more... For more information you can vist Show Stopping Entertainment.

Posted on November 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 am

Gary Grattan heads up the Antrim Coast to Carnlough where he joins multi-million selling group The Irish Rovers on location for the filming of their new DVD.

Posted on May 17th, 2010 at 9:24 pm

"As you get older, the parties are not quite as crazy," says George, "but the parties are still there."

Pausing for a moment, he laughs. "It's actually some of you Maritimers, like the Irish Descendents and Great Big Sea that have been a terrible influence on us in terms of parties."...

Posted on February 21st, 2010 at 7:49 pm

"As you get older, the parties are not quite as crazy," says George, "but the parties are still there."

Pausing for a moment, he laughs. "It's actually some of you Maritimers, like the Irish Descendents and Great Big Sea that have been a terrible influence on us in terms of parties."