Brian Warfield

Brian Warfield is the vocalist, banjo, harp and bodhrán player and lead songwriter with long-standing Irish band The Wolfe Tones.^[1] Since the departure of his brother, Derek Warfield, Brian introduces many of the songs at the Wolfe Tones live concerts.

Warfield has written many songs for the Wolfe Tones, notably "Let the People Sing", an Irish rebel song dedicated to those Irish ballad singers who were banned from singing Irish songs. It has been performed by many Celtic and Irish Rebel bands, including Celtic band Charlie and The Bhoys. The song is popular among fans of Celtic F.C. and a version performed by The Malleys, omitting the second verse, is played at Celtic Park on match days.

Warfield's affiliation with Celtic Football Club led to him being asked to write a song for the Club to celebrate its 100th Anniversary. As a result, Celtic Symphony was composed; a song popular with many Celtic fans, but controversial due to its chorus including the Pro-IRA line "Ooh ahh up the 'Ra". As a staple of their live show, The Wolfe Tones typically perform the song twice in their set - especially when in Scotland.

As a songwriter, Warfield's writing is typically a social commentary on Ireland and its issues. For the 2012 album, Child of Destiny, Warfield composed 'Swing A Banker', which refers to Irish bankers as chickens. The music video was recorded outside the Treasury Building in Dublin.

He continues to tour with The Wolfe Tones with Tommy Byrne (musician) and Noel Neagle, although it was announced they will cease touring after their 50th Anniversary Tour in November 2014.

References