Foster & Allen are an Irish musical duo made up of Mick Foster and Tony Allen. They form in 1975 and work under a country, folk and easy listening style that also incorporates traditional Irish instrumentals. The pair begin by performing in country music bands around Ireland before forming a small group and travelling to the UK to play Irish music venues.

Early years and formation

After their early work in bands, Mick Foster and Tony Allen decide to continue together as a duo. Following the end of their first UK tour, they stay in Britain rather than returning to Ireland with the band, and begin trying to establish themselves in the London area. The response to their performances is positive, and they remain together as Foster & Allen.

Recording career

Their first single is The Rambles of Spring, which makes an impact in Ireland and leads to bookings at cabaret venues across Ireland and, to a lesser extent, the UK. In 1978 they release A Bunch Of Thyme in Ireland; it becomes their first Irish number one and later reaches number 18 in the UK Singles Chart when issued there in 1982. Another single, Old Flames, also enters the UK charts. Maggie follows and reaches number 27 in the UK singles chart. A Bunch Of Thyme and Maggie become signature songs for the duo.

Live work and television

Foster & Allen tour widely in the UK and, from then on, tour there twice each year. They also perform in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Their television appearances include programmes in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Australia, the USA and Canada, and they have their own television series on RTÉ Television in Ireland.

Band format and releases

In their early stage appearances they perform as a duo, but from 1982 they add a band to create a fuller live sound. They release 27 albums, all of which enter the British charts, and 13 videos, also all charting in Britain. Among these, Souvenirs and Memories reaches number 3 in the British video charts around Christmas 1991, By Request reaches number 1 in 1993, and After All These Years enters the UK Top 10 as a DVD/video release. Their album and video sales exceed 19 million worldwide.

Later career

They mark 30 years together in the music industry with Foster & Allen Sing The No. 1’s, which reaches the UK Top 30 over Christmas 2005. Their recordings remain associated with country and Irish folk styles, alongside their long-running easy listening approach.