Legends and Heros

Not everyone has the privilege of becoming a legend in their own lifetime but there is one sure thing, this can certainly be said of the Wolfetones. They have endured for forty years despite being ignored by radio stations controlled by producers who deliberately omitted them from the airwaves. They endured despite the media bashing they got at times, the begrudgery, the jealousy and a cynical press who tried to write them out of existence. This was because they had a huge adoring loyal fan base that saw through the bias and were never influenced by what was said in the press.

They bought their CD’s and Tapes and played them in their cars and personal stereos when the music of their choice was denied to them on the radio. They were aware of the blacklisting etc. and continued to support and follow the Tones who went on from strength to strength.

They have succeeded in bringing every generation along with them. So what is the secret of their success, how did they do it? What have they got that others don’t have? Many groups started during the ballad boom of the sixties and have all more or less sang themselves out of existence but not the Tones.

They are still on top. I put these questions to Brian who said, “ The Wolfies are an unique blend of talents and ingredients our voices blend so well it creates a sound that’s instantly recognisable. We all have a passion for what we do. We are all sincere about what we sing about. We all love performing on stage. We never let anyone down. We have never disappointed. There is Tommy’s voice, Noel’s enthusiasm and humour as well as my energy and song writing. I have always believed that creativity was instrumental in keeping the group fresh; we were constantly bringing out new and exciting songs throughout the years while others stood still“. And I should mention these songs have become standards in Irish ballads books and are covered by many other acts worldwide.

Brian continues “Our stage show is strong in that it lasts for two and a half hours. Other groups are off before you even know they were on 50 minutes or an hour. Perhaps I believe we give value for money. These are just some of the things that made the Tones a lasting entity.”

There is no doubt they are a very talented group of people and could have made it in any musical field. They choose Irish music and ballads; a difficult genre to make your name in. “There were very few platforms” said Brian “and not many role models to follow. You might say we took it from scratch, created our own platforms, made our own brand of entertainment and in a short period of time we became one of the most successful acts to come out of Ireland.”

The Wolfetones were signed by Fontana records in early 1964 and were probably one of the first Irish groups to get a recording contract. “It was an exciting time,” said Brian. “We took the boat called The Princess Maude to Holyhead; I’ll never forget the journey. The boat was packed mainly with emigrants. We had the craic; we played a few songs, drank a few pints and got sick with all the rest of the passengers. We were all glad to see the other side. We continued by train to London and there in Phillips studios in Marble Arch on the following morning we recorded our first album. It was recorded in a day. We thought it was just the rehearsal. “Next song” said Mr Baverstock, the A and R man, “Fine now, next one” and so on. “That’s great!” he said “all done. You’ve just cut your first record”. They launched it soon after with a half page ad in the NME, a review of the album and full-page article about the group. The Tones were on their way. As well as the Tones, Fontana’s label boasted hit groups like, The Pretty Things, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders and a group called Dave, Dee, Dozy, Becky, Mitch, and Tich. All of these groups are well forgotten and have found a place on the musical scrap heap but the Tones are still going strong.