Black 47 (band)

Black 47 was an American Celtic rock band from New York City, formed in 1989 by Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne,[1][2] and derives its name from a traditional term for the summer of 1847, the worst year of the Great Famine in Ireland.

[2] The band began to play three to five nights a week,[6] and garnered praise for both the socio-political lyrics and "off-the-wall" live shows,[5] quickly drawing a fan base from both the political left and right.

[8] They went on to open for The Pogues at Brixton Academy in December of the same year,[9] and following the collapse of Murray's label the band released an eponymous independent album in 1991, which brought them to the attention of EMI.

[10] They went into the studio with Ric Ocasek of The Cars,[2] where they re-recorded parts of their self-titled album for the 1992 release of Fire of Freedom,[10] which was described as "the most fun you can squeeze out of a five-inch disc."

Elvis Murphy was generally well received, as despite the lyrics at times having literary 'problems'[21] it was considered challenging yet enjoyable[22] and for making "real emotional sense" and touching both the heart and soul.

[21] Bittersweet Sixteen was praised for being both a great introduction to the band and a treasure for seasoned fans, containing rare tracks such as the original version of "Funky Céilí".

[24][25] When the invasion was announced they were playing live, and due to the political mix the band attracted some fans begun to scuffle and walk out in response to the left-leaning lyrics of the anti-war songs.

[24][25] Inspiration for the lyrics came from Kirwan's communication with fans serving on the front line, as a significant demographic of the fanbase is young men who enlist to fund their futures.

[1] Kirwan called the album a response to the war being forgotten about, as stories moved away from the front pages, drawing similarities in the way violence in Northern Ireland became 'acceptable'.

[26][27] Kirwan relates his noted ability and passion in biographical songs such as "Bobby Sands MP" to his time spent as a playwright, likening his performance singing them to method acting.

Black 47 has always been more than a band, we've spoken out for the nationalist population in the North of Ireland, against the war but for the troops in Iraq, for our gay brothers & sisters, immigrants, legal and undocumented, as well as for the voiceless of 1845-47; but in the end it all comes down to the music, the songs, and the desire to give audiences the time of their lives and send them home smiling and, perhaps, with a question on their lips.

"[28] In an early interview Kirwan spoke of the British "attempt at racial cleansing" and exploitation in Ireland,[3] and many of the band's songs directly relate to Irish republicanism, such as "James Connolly", "Bobby Sands MP" and "Vinegar Hill".