The Bothy Band return for a special documentary

TG4 have announced a documentary featuring the iconic Irish traditional music band, The Bothy Band, set to air on Easter Sunday at 9:30 pm.

Formed in 1975, The Bothy Band rose to prominence with a dynamic approach to Irish folk and traditional music. Despite their brief three-year run, the band's impact holds strong to this day.

Surviving members Matt Molloy, Dónal Lunny, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Kevin Burke, Paddy Glackin, and Paddy Keenan reunite for the first time since 1978 in a performance captured for this documentary which was filmed in Dublin's inner city, where the band first performed.

"Is cosúil nach raibh muid scartha óna chéile riamh" ❤️🎶

'An Bothy Band' 🎬

Domhnach Cásca 31/03 ar TG4 📺@_BigMountain pic.twitter.com/hUkea9wnt1

— TG4 (@TG4TV) February 17, 2024

The documentary offers valuable insights into the band's formation and the influence they had on traditional and folk music. Interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal archives will give viewers a complete look at the band's contribution to Irish culture.

“Watching that clip of The Bothy Band in action brings it all back,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes observes. “They may only have been active for three years – but what glorious years they were! Back in the 1970s, The Bothies were a real powerhouse of innovation in the world of Irish folk and traditional music. They took the music out of the drawing room and into a more contemporary, less cloistered frame. This was the music of the people, arranged in a new and powerfully dynamic way. As an ensemble, they combined virtuoso musicianship with a raw, propulsive, elemental energy that sparked a marvellous, celebratory sense not just of Irishness, but also of our connectedness to nature and to the natural world. It is great to be reminded of just how gutsy – and hugely influential – they were.”

Viewers can expect a blend of performance, reflection, and storytelling as the band members share their personal experiences. The documentary also features appearances by musicians such as Paul Brady, Moya Brennan, Dr. Liz Doherty and actors Patrick Bergin and Stephen Rea.

This one-off event will appeal hugely to fans of Irish traditional music and, indeed, to anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Ireland. Fans can tune in to the broadcast of The Bothy Band documentary on TG4 this Easter Sunday at 9:30 pm.

For ticket holders seeing The Bothy Band this spring, April dates have moved to July 27th & 28th. See post below: 

Ticket holders will have already received notification that The Bothy Band April dates @NCH_Music have moved to July 27th & 28th. August dates remain the same. pic.twitter.com/hDAKpXfuk1

— Foggy Notions (@foggynotions) March 21, 2024