The legendary Irish duo, Tir na nOg, are returning to Liverpool after a gap of 40 years and are appearing at The Lantern Theatre on Sunday, 17thMarch – St Patrick’s Day!
Tir na nOg have been described as Alt Folk, Prog Folk, Psych Folk, and even Space Folk! However, the duo, formed by Leo O’Kelly and Sonny Condell in 1970, transcends all these categories. What is not in doubt is that they are two of the most original and influential songwriters and performers Ireland has ever produced.
They were signed to Chrysalis Records in May ’70 within days of arriving in London, suitcases and guitars in hand! Tir na nOg recorded three timeless albums for the label, recently re-issued by Cherry Red/Esoteric Records. John Peel championed the duo from the start, recording many Peel Sessions with them. They toured with bands as disparate as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Jethro Tull, Procol Harum, The Who and Roxy Music in the 70s, as well as headlining their own theatre, college and club gigs, garnering a large cult following.
After a lengthy absence of fifteen years, 2010 saw the return of Tir na nOg to these shores and more U.K. tours quickly followed. Fans, new and old, are revelling in the opportunities of seeing Leo and Sonny again. As quoted by the Irish Times – ‘Sonny Condell and Leo O’Kelly continue to defy real time!’
Tickets for Tir na nOg are available from The Lantern Theatre Box office. Tickets are priced at £12 with concessions available at £10.