The Wolfe Tones’ lead singer Brian Warfield says he has learned not to respond to critics as the band marks 60 years of music in farewell Belfast concert.
The group will perform their last Belfast show at the SSE Arena on Sunday as part of their farewell concert tour.
More: The Wolfe Tones and Celtic Symphony: Why is the song contentious?
The song has drawn criticism due to lyrics which make reference to the IRA, however Warfield has previously said that those who are offended are misguided on its meaning.
The song has been the target of criticism at the band’s performances at Féile an Phobail in Belfast in recent years.
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Warfield said: “No matter what answer you give, it’s not going to satisfy them.
“You’re only wasting your breath on somebody that’s not going to listen, so what’s the point?
“I learned that as time went on.
‘Grace, just hold me in your arms…’
— Féile an Phobail (@FeileBelfast) August 10, 2024
Incredible noise at Féile in the Falls Park Belfast tonight as the Wolfe Tones sing the famous Irish ballad ‘Grace’!
Over 10,000 people singing along. Wonderful!!! pic.twitter.com/iD3XS7SjQ9
“Our group has a high standing and a great reputation around the world – I don’t think it’s worth answering.”
The singer said that the band, which first formed in 1964, has been no stranger to challenges throughout their long career – most notably, fighting against a radio blacklist on their music.
However, he credits the arrival of the internet for ushering in a new wave of younger fans who have helped make the band as successful as ever.
This included a headline gig at Finsbury Park in London this summer and a record crowd at Electric Picnic.
“I think the internet made the revival of the Wolfe Tones, more than anything else,” he said.
“The young people, as you see in many of the shows, were the majority of the people attending,” he said.
Once their music became readily available online through streaming, he says the younger audiences “were on to it”.
While the internet may account for recent success, the band has long been renowned around the globe, performing on stage with everyone from Status Quo to the late Kris Kristofferson, creating years of special memories.
“I always remember standing on the stage in Carnegie Hall and saying, ‘Oh my god, how did I get here?’” he laughed, reminiscing about playing in the iconic New York venue.
“It’s amazing what happened and how popular we became across the world.
“We did have those moments – I’ll always cherish and remember them.”
The band’s relationship with the “unbelievable” Belfast crowds has only grown stronger over time after their first show at the Ulster Hall in the late 1960s.
“We’ve had fantastic nights at the Féile,” he said, “The Belfast crowds… you cannot beat them. Absolutely fantastic.”
After six decades in music, 78-year-old Brian said that the band decided it was time to say farewell - their final Belfast show is to be followed by three last Dublin concerts next weekend.
“It’s very sad; it’s a bittersweet moment, you might say.
“We’re 60 years on the road and it’s impossible to keep going forever. It’s probably a good way to go out, but we’re not going forever – the music’s still there.”
