Charlie and the Bhoys

Charlie and the Bhoys

Charlie and the Bhoys are a United Kingdom-based celtic and Irish folk group from Glasgow, Scotland. They begin in 1989, when they play their first concert at the Squirrel Bar near the Gallowgate in Glasgow.

Style and name

The band takes its name from the nickname for Celtic Football Club, and much of its material celebrates Celtic. It is also known for presenting itself as the “Number 1 Celtic Band in the World”. The Celtic legend Billy McNeill gives the group its name.

Performances and audience

The group plays to audiences in Glasgow, New York, Dubai, across North America, Australia, Europe, and throughout the UK and Ireland. Its largest attendance is in Seville, at Prado De San Sebastian. In Glasgow, it appears mainly at the Barrowlands twice a year, at Good Friday and during September weekend.

Members

Jimmy “Grease” is the front man and writes all of the group’s original material. He plays guitar, banjo and mandolin, and is supported by a guitarist and bassist. Frankie joins in the first year and plays bass until 2003, when he switches to guitar; he rarely travels because of work commitments. Rab “Kebab”, Jimmy Grease’s son, joins in 2000 and plays bass and keyboards. Wardie, also known as Mick the Flute, plays flutes and whistles; he joins as a 17-year-old after moving to Glasgow from Donegal, and now lives in Benidorm, Spain, travelling in for the Barrowlands concerts or larger venues. Tam Quinnigan plays guitar as a stand-in for Frankie and is the newest member of the band. Charlie is now retired and living back in Donegal, but appears occasionally.