Mary Black to perform final solo gig in Vicar Street

One of Ireland's most beloved singers, Mary Black, is set to perform her final solo gig tonight at Dublin's Vicar Street, marking the end of her 'Slán tour'. The tour has seen the Irish folk and contemporary artist play sold-out shows across the country, with additional dates added due to high demand.

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I know the time is right to close this chapter.

Black, a multi-award-winning musician, described her decision to retire from performing after a career of over 40 years as a choice made after much deliberation. "While it’s not easy to say goodbye," she stated, "I know the time is right to close this chapter." She expressed gratitude to her "loyal band" and the fans who have supported her throughout her extensive career.

Born in Dublin in 1955 to musical parents, Mary Black first gained prominence in folk clubs during the late 1970s, initially performing with the group General Humbert. Her distinctive, crystal-clear singing voice and her ability to deliver emotionally resonant interpretations of both classic and new songs quickly set her apart.

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I have been thinking "long and hard" about retiring and had "finally decided that the time has come for me to step away from life on the road".

Her solo career began in earnest in 1983 with a collaboration with guitarist/producer Declan Sinnott, leading to her first solo album, 'Mary Black'. She also spent time with the popular Irish folk group De Dannan. A significant breakthrough came in 1985 with her second solo album, 'Without The Fanfare,' which achieved gold sales. Subsequent albums, including the multi-platinum 'By The Time It Gets Dark' (1987) and the hugely successful 'No Frontiers' (1989), cemented her popularity, with the latter staying in the Irish charts for over a year and achieving triple platinum sales.

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While it’s not easy to say goodbye, I know the time is right to close this chapter.