MONROE - The Irish Rovers will play a sold-out show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center in what will likely be the group's last American tour.
The Rovers formed in 1964 and have been playing a classic style of Celtic music for more than 50 years. All the band members originally hail from Ireland, but the band began in Toronto. George Millar and Wilcil McDowell are the remaining original members paired up with Sean O'Driscoll, Ian Millar, Fred Graham, Geoffrey Kelly, Morris Crum and Gerry O'Connor for this last tour.
George Millar, composer/singer/guitarist, said the secret to staying together as a band is getting along with each other. "If you want longevity, you have to enjoy yourself. It's like a marriage, there's lots of give and take."
The Rovers began in Canada but quickly took their music across the world everywhere from Australia to California.
"They love us in Australia for some reason; besides the 20-hour flight, it's a great place to be," Millar said. "It's like Boston on St. Patrick's Day."
Millar said he often goes back to Ireland where his sister lives. He said it's the best way to recoup his inspiration for songs. "I do lots of trips far away from my troubles and strife. It's easy to write when I have nothing to worry about."
The show has already sold out, but the Rovers' latest album "The Irish Rovers 50 Years," is now available and features old favorites as well as new tunes.
Millar said after this tour the band won't retire but will likely play a handful of festivals and special gigs.
"We are not young men anymore; a different hotel every night, our backs are aching," he said.
But he added he wouldn't mind having a lengthy stay in Reno, Nev. and playing Celtic music.
"There's no mandatory 65 retirement for us, we consider ourselves blessed to do a job we like," he said.
The Rovers have gained a new youthful audience thanks to Youtube and Millar said he couldn't be happier.
"With all these young people coming to our shows, I'm never going to retire," he said.
Millar said the Rovers' live show involves a lot of dancing and somber songs as well.
"Our shows are like going to the psychiatrist, but we're half the price."
The Rovers formed in 1964 and have been playing a classic style of Celtic music for more than 50 years. All the band members originally hail from Ireland, but the band began in Toronto. George Millar and Wilcil McDowell are the remaining original members paired up with Sean O'Driscoll, Ian Millar, Fred Graham, Geoffrey Kelly, Morris Crum and Gerry O'Connor for this last tour.
George Millar, composer/singer/guitarist, said the secret to staying together as a band is getting along with each other. "If you want longevity, you have to enjoy yourself. It's like a marriage, there's lots of give and take."
The Rovers began in Canada but quickly took their music across the world everywhere from Australia to California.
"They love us in Australia for some reason; besides the 20-hour flight, it's a great place to be," Millar said. "It's like Boston on St. Patrick's Day."
Millar said he often goes back to Ireland where his sister lives. He said it's the best way to recoup his inspiration for songs. "I do lots of trips far away from my troubles and strife. It's easy to write when I have nothing to worry about."
The show has already sold out, but the Rovers' latest album "The Irish Rovers 50 Years," is now available and features old favorites as well as new tunes.
Millar said after this tour the band won't retire but will likely play a handful of festivals and special gigs.
"We are not young men anymore; a different hotel every night, our backs are aching," he said.
But he added he wouldn't mind having a lengthy stay in Reno, Nev. and playing Celtic music.
"There's no mandatory 65 retirement for us, we consider ourselves blessed to do a job we like," he said.
The Rovers have gained a new youthful audience thanks to Youtube and Millar said he couldn't be happier.
"With all these young people coming to our shows, I'm never going to retire," he said.
Millar said the Rovers' live show involves a lot of dancing and somber songs as well.
"Our shows are like going to the psychiatrist, but we're half the price."