The Irish Rovers

I was very small when the Irish Rovers' TV show was running on the CBC, but I can still remember seeing them. Those guys knew how to put on a great show. In addition to the music, I can still remember the comedy sequences featuring Jimmy, George & Will in the guise of wily, mischievous leprechauns. Most of all I can still remember a sequence where a group of Irish dancers joined them in the studio, when Anne Murray was a guest on their show in her early days, and a show that featured them back in their home sweet home - Ireland, singing 'Lord of the Dance' in the Glendalough monastic site - a site that I visited almost 30 years later when I went to Ireland! It still looked as marvelous as it had when they filmed that episode. I also was lucky enough to see them live - at Will Millar's last appearance with them in March of 1995. Even 40 years after they started performing, I still have a special feeling for these guys & their songs. I would love to see at least 1 or 2 of the seasons released on DVD. Think about it, CBC - it might appeal to a whole new group of people!

We got it in the 70s here in Maine. Those boys knew how to entertain. They had Ann Murray on the show in the beginning of her career. She sang Snowbird. It was a good show. Things were simpler back then and more innocent and we could certainly use shows like this again. Where it was a Canadian show I doubt it will ever be on TVland, but it would be a good choice. They did a follow up in the early 80s called Party With the Rovers. Not quite as good but still entertaining. They also did several CBC specials. I used to pick the up off the airwaves, it was snowy but you could get them. The group is still performing but Jim Fergusn died in 1997 and Will Millar left in 1995. I haven't seen them in their new form but I've heard they're as good as they ever were.

A CBC staple(Canadian Broadcasting Company) for years, the Rovers came over in the late 60s and basically have put out some fine Celtic/Irish Pop stuff, with an emphasis on kid appeal. They did some early form videos-playing leprechauns and the like, natch-to go with fine concert footage and etc. Check out tunes like 'the Wind that Shakes the Corn', 'Winkin Blinkin and Nod' and 'Minstrel of Cranberry Lane'...