Del.icio.usThe Dubliners
The Dubliners formed in 1962, in the city of Dublin. Their originial members were Ronnie Drew (vocals, guitar), Luke Kelly (vocals, guitar), Barney McKenna (banjo), Ciaran Bourke (tin whistle), and John Sheahan (fiddle). Originally called "The Ronnie Drew Group", they changed their name to "The Dubliners", named after the James Joyce novel, Dubliners, which Kelly was reading at the time. Their first UK hit was Seven Drunken Nights.
The group has undergone several personnel changes over the years. Ronnie Drew left the group for a time in the 1970s, and was replaced by Jim McCann. Ciaran Bourke collapsed on stage in 1974 from a brain hemmorage, and never recovered (he eventually died in 1988). Luke Kelly died in 1984. They were replaced by Sean Cannon and Eamonn Campbell. After 34 years, Drew left the band for good and was replced by Paddy Reilly.
The Dubliners have recorded dozens of albums over the years, and have released albums commemorating their 15th, 25th, and 30th anniversaries together. They have recorded with many other musicians, most notably The Pogues.