KILRUSH
The whales tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth BY FRED REA
In 1961 four Irishman clad in fisherman’s sweaters appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in the USA singing a brand of Irish music that had never been heard in that form before. From that point on the career of The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem became an industry. The years that followed were hectic ones for them with concerts all over America, Ireland and the world. Following the success of the Clancy’s, in 1968 Tommy Makem began a solo career would sell out concerts. Liam Clancy went solo in 1972, while still doing shows with The Clancy Brothers. As a duo, Tommy and Liam found themselves by accident while singing at the same folk festival in Ohio in 1975. They decided to do perform together, and the result was electric. The audiences applauded for five minutes before a the next song could be sung. Makem and Clancy were born. Now back together again, and touring, these two fine 58 | THE IRISH SCENE
Tommy Makem & Liam Clancy
entertainers appeared all over North America and Ireland. Both were well qualified. Tommy and Liam came from families steeped in the folk traditions of Ireland. Each spent early years involved in folk music, theatre and research. Liam and Tommy were more than just folksingers and when they combined their talents it was something special after years apart. When they performed, it much more than just another Irish music concert. In 1976 Makem and Clancy toured Australia and performed at the Perth Concert to a sell out audience. At the time I was a member of a local Irish band The Quarefellas and we were lucky enough to be the support act. Those of you who attended that night would remember Liam’s unforgettable rendition of the Eric Bogle song The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. During the singing by Liam, Tommy was back-stage directing the lighting to create the moods of the lyrics, amazing! It was unforgettable night and without doubt the highlight of my time with The Quarefellas. Following the Perth concert, Tommy asked me where he might find a shark’s tooth for one of his
The Quarefellas: Anita Webb, Fred Rea, Alan Ferguson and Mick McAuley RIP
sons. All I could offer him was a whale’s tooth I had bought at the Albany Whaling Station the year before, 1975, when honeymooning with Lilly. (In 1978, the Albany Whaling Station, the last shore based whaling station in Australia closed and 178 years of whaling in Albany waters came to an end). Tommy appreciated my offer and I drove to my home and collected the tooth. I handed it over to Tommy and he showed his appreciation by signing a program. Not sure where the whale’s tooth is now but for me it carries a wonderful memory of sharing the stage and meeting two fine men who played a major
