Fisherman’s Friends is a British a cappella vocal group from Port Isaac, Cornwall who sing sea shanties and folk songs. The group was formed in 1995 and originally consisted of 10 fishermen. They have gone on to achieve great success, performing all over the world and releasing several albums.
How did Fisherman’s Friends get started?
The group was formed in 1995 when a few local fishermen were singing shanties and folk songs in the harbor of Port Isaac. A producer happened to hear them and thought they had potential. He invited them to perform in the village hall, which was a great success. This led to them being asked to perform concerts locally and eventually nationally and internationally. Their authentic style and charismatic performances of traditional shanties made them stand out on the folk music scene.
What is the current lineup of the group?
Over the years the group has seen some changes in membership due to retirements and other commitments. The current lineup consists of:
- Alan Rowe
- Jeremy Brown
- John Lethbridge
- Robert Mansell
- Toby Lobb
- Billy Hawkins
- Gareth Brown
- Jon Cleave
Founding member Trevor Grills sadly passed away in 2013. While the members have changed, the heart and soul of Fisherman’s Friends has remained the same.
How successful have they been?
Fisherman’s Friends have achieved phenomenal success that no one could have predicted when they first started out. Some highlights of their career so far include:
- Performing in front of tens of thousands at festivals and concerts across the UK and Europe
- Releasing 10 studio albums plus several live albums
- Having a Top 10 UK album – their album Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends went Gold with over 100,000 sales
- Setting a Guinness World Record for the largest shanty singing event ever on St Piran’s Day in 2013
- Having a movie made about their story in 2019 – Fisherman’s Friends
- Winning the 2020 Outstanding Contribution to Folk Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards
In addition, their music is often used on TV shows, adverts, and in films. Their unique acapella style and camaraderie has won them fans worldwide.
Are they still actively performing?
Yes, Fisherman’s Friends are still very much active and performing regularly. While some members have come and gone over the years, the group continues to be popular on the folk music scene.
In 2022 and looking ahead to 2023 they have a number of live shows scheduled across the UK. Fans can expect to hear their signature shanties and folk songs performed live in their authentic and humorous style that has made them so popular over the decades.
Some of their scheduled shows for 2023 include:
Date | Venue | Location |
---|---|---|
March 11 | York Barbican | York |
March 25 | SSE Arena | Belfast |
April 28 | First Direct Arena | Leeds |
May 6 | Motorpoint Arena | Cardiff |
May 13 | Resorts World Arena | Birmingham |
As you can see their tour schedule is busy, showing they are still in high demand. You can expect their shows to deliver humor, camaraderie, amazing vocals, and a trip down memory lane with their maritime music.
Have they released any new music recently?
Yes, Fisherman’s Friends continue to release new music periodically despite being together for over 25 years. Their most recent album, One and All, came out in 2019. It reached #36 on the UK album charts, showing they still have an eager fanbase.
The album has 15 new shanties and contemporary songs in the group’s signature acapella style. Songs include originals like “Lifeboat Man” and “The Boxer”, as well as covers like “What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor” and “Leave Her Johnny”.
Reviews praised the album for recreating the ambience of Cornwall’s harbor as the fisherman sing. Fans of the group’s nostalgic maritime music were pleased with this recent release.
Have there been any other recent news or developments?
Here are some other recent news and developments for Fisherman’s Friends fans:
- In 2022 they announced a new member, Robert Mansell, would be joining the lineup after Jeremy Brown’s retirement
- They received the Good Tradition Award at the 2021 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, recognizing their contribution to folk music
- In 2021 singer Toby Lobb released a solo album, Harbour Light, with a more contemporary folk sound compared to the group’s shanties
- Founding member Trevor Grills, who passed away in 2013, had an album of his solo work released posthumously in 2020
- There are plans for a sequel to the 2019 Fisherman’s Friends movie based on the group
So despite being together for over two decades, Fisherman’s Friends continue to make new music and delight audiences worldwide with their performances. Their passion for shanties and camaraderie shows no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion
Fisherman’s Friends have achieved the kind of longevity and success most bands can only dream of. Their heartwarming story of friends singing shanties together in their small fishing village has catapulted them to fame across the world.
Nearly 30 years later, the group is still going strong, touring worldwide, releasing new music, and continuing to share their maritime heritage through song. While the lineup has changed over the years, the essence of Fisherman’s Friends lives on. Their 2023 tour schedule proves they are still in high demand, while recent album releases show they are still creatively active.
Fans old and new can expect the warm humor, dazzling vocals, and nostalgic charm that has made Fisherman’s Friends one of folk music’s most beloved acts when they see them live. Their performances are a testament to the power of friendship and the timeless appeal of singing from the heart. As long as there are shanties to be sung, Fisherman’s Friends will keep performing.