Changing Musicians

The Chieftains roll call of musicians

The line-up of The Chieftains has changed over the years.

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However, considering their careers span some 50 years, the changes have been minimal in comparison to many other bands.

In addition to the full time members listed below, the band have also collaborated with a host of the world’s top performers on singles, albums and film scores.

The original members of the Chieftains in 1962

• Paddy Moloney - uilleann pipes and tin whistle,
• Martin Fay – fiddle
• Sean Potts - tin whistle
• Michael Tubridy - flute
• David Fallon - bodhran

1966 David Fallon left the band. He was replaced by Peader Mercier on bodhran.

1968 Sean Keane joined to play fiddle alongside Martin Fay.

1973 Derek Bell joined the band, playing harp. He was a member of the BBC orchestra. He had played with The Chieftains occasionally before.

1976 Peader Mercier left and was replaced by Kevin Conneff on bodhran and vocals.

1978/9 Two of the original members, Sean Potts and Michael Tubridy left in 1979 left to pursue other musical directions.
Matt Molloy joined to play flute.

The Chieftain band members from 1979 – 2002

During this period, apart from occasional variations, the band consisted of:

• Paddy Moloney - uilleann pipes, tin whistle, button accordion and bodhran
• Martin Fay - fiddle
• Matt Molloy - flute
• Kevin Conneff - bodhran and vocals
• Sean Keane - fiddle
• Derek Bell – harp

2002 Martin Fay retired. Tragically, Derek Bell died at the age of 66.

From 2002 to the present day

• Paddy Moloney
• Matt Molloy
• Kevin Conneff
• Sean Keane

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Changing Musicians
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