Colin Randall writes: when artists announce their retirement, it is not unusual to raise a sceptical eyebrow. Just the prelude to a comeback tour, you may think. But Oysterband, who recently completed a marathon "Long, long goodbye" trek around northern Europe to climax a 47-year career seemed to mean it (the Faceebook group is already metamorphosing into the John Jones Trio or Oysterband's John Jones Trio group to promote his new projects).
And now Mary Black looks determined to call it a day. Just a couple of weeks after Salut! Live named her Artist of the Month she has announced that her forthcoming tour, scheduled for April, May and June next year, will be the last. She's even calling it her Slan tour, using an Irish word often used to say goodbye. All the dates are in Ireland, except for one night (May 1) at the Tivoli concert hall in Utrecht, Netherlands . The tour starts vin Kilkenny on April 24 and ends in Cork on June 3 and tickets will go on sale via the venue websites from Friday (Sept 12.
Here is how Mary put it in a message posted at Facebook:
A Special Announcement from Mary…
I’ve been thinking long and hard about retiring and have finally decided that the time has come for me to step away from life on the road… this next Irish tour will be my last: The Slán Tour.
It’s been an incredible journey over the past 45+ years, full of highs, some challenges, and many unforgettable moments. While it’s not easy to say goodbye, I know the time is right to close this chapter.
To everyone who’s supported and followed me down through the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to my loyal band: Bill Shanley, Pat Crowley, Richie Buckley, Nick Scott and Liam Bradley, whose amazing talents and friendship enriched my touring life. With these great musicians by my side again, I intend to make this final tour very special and one to remember! Hope you’ll join us for this last farewell.
Love,
Mary X
I feel privileged to have known Mary Black for decades and delighted that she almost certainly saw my Artist of the Month piece (I alerted her husband and manager Joe O'Reilly to it and he responded warmly). She has given enormous pleasure over the years, her exceptional voice and great charm gracing venues large and small.
The announcement does not specifically rule out all further performance, in the recording studios or in TV and radio for example, but we will just have to watch this space.
For now, bravo Mary, enjoy the rest and – why not? – Slan.
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