They plan to end their career with final shows in Belfast and Dublin in October 2024. The group, formed in Dublin in 1963, has been a source of controversy in recent years, particularly due to some of their song lyrics, such as the chant "Ooh, aah, up the 'Ra" from their song "Celtic Symphony." This chant has led to complaints from IRA victims and unionist politicians.
The band's decision to retire follows an incident where the Republic of Ireland's football association was fined for their women's senior team singing "Celtic Symphony" after qualifying for the World Cup.
The group, named after Theobald Wolfe Tone, a leader of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, has had a significant impact on Irish music. Their version of the Irish republican song "A Nation Once Again" was voted the world's top tune in a BBC World Service poll in 2002.
The current members, Tommy Byrne, Brian Warfield, and Noel Nagle, aim to "go out on a high." Byrne, who is turning 80 next year, expressed that this would be the right time to stop.
The group's promoters, DMC Promotions, are looking forward to giving The Wolfe Tones a deserving send-off in 2024, celebrating their remarkable career and legacy in Irish music.