THE CHIEFTAINS will release a new album this weekend marking the 60th anniversary of the formation of the legendary Irish band.
Founding member Paddy Moloney, who died in October, was instrumental in putting together the new release Chronicles: 60 Years of The Chieftains.
The project had been in production for the last twelve months but was postponed following the untimely death of the group’s founder and leader.
Paddy Moloney founded The Chieftains in 1962However, following consultation with Paddy’s family and the remaining members of The Chieftains, the project has since been completed as Paddy wished - with the original artwork, track list, liner notes and footage.
And with the blessing of the Moloney family, the album will be released on November 12 through Claddagh Records – featuring over 60 audio and visual tracks from the world’s most celebrated traditional Irish band.
“Over the last few months Paddy was instrumental in putting the Chronicles project together,” a statement from the Moloney Family and The Chieftains confirmed.
“Whether it was choosing versions of a recording to include, working on the track list, or approving the artwork – he really enjoyed being involved and it meant so much to him seeing this come together on Claddagh Records, The Chieftains first ever record label, and one which Paddy ran for several years, producing much of its catalogue.
“We are so happy that he got to see the final version.
“The album is a fitting tribute to Paddy and The Chieftains.”
In advance of their 60th anniversary next year, The Chieftains released Chronicles: 60 years of The Chieftains on November 12.
Chronicles: 60 Years of The Chieftains is released on November 12The release marks the first time ever a complete career retrospective from The Chieftains has been released and includes tracks from across the band’s discography - from their very first album release Chieftains 1 right up to their most recent studio album release Voice of Ages.
It also includes seminal collaborations with The Rolling Stones, Paulo Nutini, Diana Krall, Alison Krauss, Van Morrison and Sinéad O’Connor.
Paddy Moloney passed away in OctoberPreviously unreleased recordings from Live at The Royal Albert Hall, Live at The Cambridge Folk Festival and footage and recordings from the BBC and RTÉ archives is also included in the album.
Founded in 1962, winners of six Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, The Chieftains have popularised traditional Irish music across the world during their 60-year career.
In addition to the audio recordings, Chronicles: 60 years of The Chieftains also includes a bonus DVD that gives an insight to the visual history of the band.
The performers’ hairstyles and fashions may have evolved down the years, but even now as they approach their 60th anniversary, that magical experience The Chieftains give their listeners, is as strong and as vibrant as ever.
Chronicles: 60 years of The Chieftains is available to preorder here.
