The Priests performed their first musical collaboration in 1974, and in 2024, celebrate 50 years of musical association. Having achieved millions of record sales, received multiple awards, travelled the globe, and played countless concerts as The Priests, Frs Eugene, Martin (brothers) and David perform their last ever concert as a group at the Ulster Hall. The evening will see The Priests perform many of their classic songs including Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art and You Raise Me Up with the prestigious Ulster Orchestra.
“When signing our recording contract, we insisted a line was included stating our music career would never encroach on our diocesan work. As times change, and we become older, this becomes more difficult to co-ordinate.
Our 50th anniversary seems the right time to stop performing live as a group. It’s been the most unexpected of journeys, with many highlights.
We’ll never stop singing, and we remain lifelong friends, but The Priests as a musical group, will end their voyage here”, said Fr Eugene. “These concerts will be a chance to express our heartfelt thanks to the very many people who have supported and encouraged us on our musical journey over the years”.
In April 2008, The Priests signed a recording contract in front of Westminster Cathedral. Their debut album, The Priests, partly recorded in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, was released in 40+ countries, broke records and earned them numerous gold and platinum discs.
Continuing throughout to serve as full time priests, The Priests performed for Mary McAleese, three Popes, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, plus Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, (now King and Queen Consort).
All three were awarded MBEs in 2020 in recognition of their contribution to Music and Charity in Northern Ireland.