Hi:
As you probably know Black 47 will disband in November 2014 exactly 25 years after our first gig. What a long, strange and amazing trip – from the bars of the Bronx to Leno, Letterman and O’Brien. From Paddy Reilly’s Pub to Farm Aid with Neil Young and Johnny Cash.
But none of it would have been possible without you – our friends and fans who stuck with us through thick and thin. As you know, Black 47 has always been more than a band. We’ve fought to get political prisoners out of jail, keep immigrant churches open and be a voice for the voiceless – Irish and otherwise.
We could have run down the clock but instead we decided to record a new album, Last Call. It’s celebratory, full of passion, and audiences are already singing along. It’s got a whole new cast of Black 47 characters, including Salsa O’Keefe, Shotsie Murphy, Legsy Malone, Culchie Prince, Dublin Brasser, Filipino Sister along with a ballad for Brendan Behan and a song for the lost Irish sent as slaves to Jamaica by Oliver Cromwell.
As you can imagine, this will be a very meaningful album for us and we’d love for you to play a part in the making of it! We’ve teamed up with PledgeMusic to make this happen. You can pre-order a copy of Last Call and be well ahead of the general public. There are many more items and experiences listed on the other side of the page that you can pledge for, including an opportunity to sing with us on Shanty Irish Baby, or get a signed copy of the original lyrics. Our initial goal will cover recording costs. Anything raised after that will help with promotion and touring, with 10% going to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Note that everyone who pledges will get a digital download of the album once its ready to be released.
Everyone who gets involved will have their name permanently engraved on a Last Call Comrades page at black47.com You’ll also get access to a special ‘pledger only’ part of this site where we’ll share music, pictures and videos from the recording with you. We begin tracking on November 5th and hope to release the album in late January 2014.
Whatever way you care to get involved will be deeply appreciated – just as we’ve valued your support down all the crazy days since 1989. Thanks so much and take care of yourselves, okay? See you at a gig over the next year. All the best.
Larry Kirwan
Black 47
You’ll get a digital download of Last Call when we’re ready to release it (sometime in January 2014)
Larry Kirwan, Fred Parcells & Thomas Hamlin were members of Chill Faction. a Post Punk/Funk/Dance Collective that also contained original Black 47 bassist, David Conrad, and B47 studio collaborator, virtuosic guitarist Mike Fazio. Eggman on the Deuce and Other Stories is a rare collector’s item (on CD) and will be autographed. It’s a fine historical document of the “80’s Downtown NYC scene” and uncovers some of the eclectic roots of Black 47.
Get a copy of Last Call on CD
A signed copy of either of Black 47’s DVD “The Story So Far” or “Live at Connolly’s – New Year’s Eve in Times Square.” NTSC version
Larry Kirwan will mail you a hand written “thank you” card with a personal message (this includes a download of the CD)
Yes, all of us will sign a copy of Last Call for you!
Larry Kirwan will send you an advance digital copy of his novel, A Raving Autumn, which will be published in 2014.
Meet & Greet backstage at BB Kings, March 17th, 2014
You will be responsible for buying your own ticket to BB Kings, and cost of travel to and accommodation in NYC.
Let’s meet up and talk on March 9th at the St. Augustin Celtic Music Festival
Note this does not include a ticket to the festival, and you are responsible for travel/accommodations
Geoff Blythe will record a verbal answering machine greeting for you in his finest British accent
Larry Kirwan will record a verbal answering machine greeting for you with the remains of his Irish accent and send it to you in mp3 form
Larry Kirwan will call you or someone of your choosing and wish a happy birthday, anniversary, St. Patrick’s Day or some other special occasion. (Includes download of Last Call)
Thomas will hang onto a drumhead from his kit and we’ll all sign it for you
Note – additional funds will be required to ship this exclusive internationally. The Black 47 team will be in touch about this.
Larry Kirwan will sign a copy of your favorite Black 47 song lyrics and dedicate it to you.
Cymbals used by Thomas Hamlin on stage with Black 47 autographed by the band
Note – additional funds will be required to ship this exclusive internationally. The Black 47 team will be in touch about this.
3 rare signed copies of Livin’ In America, published by Hal Leonard in 1995 are available. Contains the annotated music, lyrics of 27 songs and related stories from Fire of Freedom & Home of the Brave – also contains rare pictures and posters from the early years.
Note – additional funds will be required to ship this exclusive internationally. The Black 47 team will be in touch about this.
Larry Kirwan will sign a copy of the original first draft lyrics of a Black 47 song and dedicate it to you – only those that are still in his possession.
Enjoy a custom ringtone by our very own Geoff Blythe on his saxophone(s).
Choose from a Black47 tune, or he will work with you on something original
Used Bodhran played by Black 47’s Joseph Mulvanerty – autographed by all band members
Note – additional funds will be required to ship this exclusive internationally. The Black 47 team will be in touch about this.
Any Black 47 song recorded live and acoustic by Larry Kirwan on his iPhone and sent to you in mp3 format – with a personal dedication.
Take a personalized lesson with a member of Black 47 on Drums, Bass, Guitar, Trombone/Whistle. Experienced or beginner!
Note you will be responsible for travel to NYC and accommodations
Come join us in the mixing studio to hear as one of our songs comes to life
Note you will be responsible for travel to NYC and accommodations
Larry Kirwan will give you a one hour intensive lesson in songwriting, playwriting, or novel writing in NYC.
Note you will be responsible for travel to NYC and accommodations
Join in on Shanty Irish Baby, written for singalong. Rainy Day Women vibe – great voice not essential
Note you are responsible for travel to NYC and accommodations. The Black 47 team will let you know what day this will be. The band and all fans who pledged for this will record this part together.
Trombone played by Fred Parcells for 23 years with Black 47. Only to a good home!!
Note – additional funds will be required to ship this exclusive internationally. The Black 47 team will be in touch about this.
Become an executive producer of Last Call! Larry will give you an exclusive written account of how the album was conceived and brought to fruition – warts and all.
