The Chieftains
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About The Chieftains
The Chieftains were a traditional Irish folk band formed in Dublin in 1962 by Paddy Moloney, Seán Potts, and Michael Tubridy. Their sound, built around the uilleann pipes, became synonymous with traditional Irish music. Over six decades, they played a pivotal role in bringing Irish music to a global audience. The band won six Grammy Awards and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2002.
Their album The Long Black Veil (1995) featured several of these collaborations and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Notable performances include playing for Pope John Paul II in 1979, a historic concert on the Great Wall of China in 1983, and a performance during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ireland in 2011.
The band's final performance took place in Philadelphia on St. Patrick's Day in 2020. Following the death of Paddy Moloney in 2021, The Chieftains concluded their journey as a band.
What are The Chieftains' most popular albums?
Some of their most acclaimed albums include The Long Black Veil (1995), Irish Heartbeat (1988) with Van Morrison, and Voice of Ages (2012), which featured collaborations with contemporary artists.
Who were the key members of The Chieftains?
The founding members were Paddy Moloney, Seán Potts, and Michael Tubridy. Other notable members included Matt Molloy, Kevin Conneff, and Seán Keane.
Did The Chieftains collaborate with other artists?
Yes, they collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, including Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and Luciano Pavarotti.
Are The Chieftains still active?
No, following the death of Paddy Moloney in 2021, The Chieftains concluded their journey as a band.
