Biography (Courtesy of the Artist's site, 2005)

The first of the full-time professional Celtic bands to arise on the international scene - - now occupy a unique position of respect in the world of traditional music. They have completed fifty-one tours of the USA and recently celebrated their 30th anniversary as a band.

Since the first tour in 1967 the Boys have travelled extensively in their mission to gain traditional music a wider audience and respect. Their warm and vital performances have won them friends from the village halls of Scotland to international concert and festival stages.


Music that tastes of itself
The first of the full-time professional Celtic bands to arise on the international scene, BOYS OF THE LOUGH now occupy a unique position of respect in the world of traditional music. They have completed fifty-four tours of the USA and their performances and recordings are spread over five decades.

The Boys have established a reputation for technical brilliance and integrity in their performance of Irish and Scottish music. A ready wit and sense of fun enliven their onstage performance while their original arrangements and dynamic interactions between the two major strands of the Celtic tradition keep the music always bright and fresh.

A hallmark of the band�s approach has been their refusal to dilute their music with the addition of inappropriate vocalists or electric instruments or percussion. They prefer the natural tone colours of their acoustic instruments, traditionally played. Almost alone among Celtic groups they truly play �music that tastes of itself�.

Since the first tour in 1967 the Boys have travelled extensively in their mission to gain traditional music a wider audience and respect. Their warm and vital performances have won them friends from the village halls of Scotland to international concert and festival stages, establishing a precedent that many others have followed.

The music of the Boys of the Lough ranges widely through the fiddle, flute, piping and vocal traditions of Ireland and encompasses the fiddle music of Kevin Henderson�s native Shetland and also Scotland and North America. Although sometimes melodically complex and difficult to play, the music remains at all times easily accessible to the listener through the compelling dance rhythms, which give it such life. Contrast this with evocative slow airs and beautifully structured songs, some in the Irish language. Add the range of tone colours available from the band's acoustic instruments and it is easy to see the great appeal of their lively performances!