Meet ExPat Will Millar Painter Musician Roving Irishman
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- My UA-cam good friend, expat Shaun, sent me this wee video of his long time, friend Will, in his art studio, on Vancouver Island. I hope everyone enjoys this wee bit of far off, Ulster craic, as much as I did.
Will Millar, born 1940, ( website willmillar.ca/ ) is a Northern Irish-Canadian singer best known as a co-founding member of The Irish Rovers. Until his departure in 1995, he was the group's front man. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin and tin whistle. Brothers George Millar and Will Millar were both born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The children grew up in a musical household. Their father Bob played button-key accordion for several bands throughout the years. Their cousin Joe Millar, who also sang, took part in the family kitchen parties playing button-key accordion and harmonica. As children, George and Will performed with their sister, Sandra Beech as "The Millar Kids" in Ireland, before the family emigrated to Canada.
In Canada, Will became a founding member of the world famous Irish Rovers band. The Irish Rovers originated in Toronto, Canada. They formed in 1963 and were named after, "The Irish Rover" song. They are perhaps, best known for their international television series, contributing to the popularisation of Irish Music in North America. Their most popular songs over the years, were, "The Unicorn", "Drunken Sailor", "Wasn't That a Party", "The Orange and the Green", "Whiskey on a Sunday", "Lily the Pink" and "The Black Velvet Band".
Will introduces his website by saying-
'In the 30+ years since I left the Irish Rovers, I have been very active, creating new solo instrumental CD’s as well as CD’s with other great musicians who have added their own kind of magic to the melodies. As well, I have been painting non-stop!
I now have a large body of work, some of which you can view from this site- some new and some older, some available and some sold. You can also get art cards for $7.00 or prints of any of the pieces, which includes shipping and handling. These are perfect for framing
I have been in love with painting since I was a child. Our family ate our meals at a table constantly cluttered with paints and brushes and half-finished small works of art. I remember I used to thin my cheap oil paint by dipping my brush into the glass oil lamp that lighted the house.
Will Millar, ( website willmillar.ca/ ) This website is a treasure trove.
Facebook: Ireland's Rare Oul Times
Lovely art work and many fond memories of Will and the Irish RoverCBC tv show and wonderful music.❤
He is indeed such a talented gentleman Jason. Thanks for getting in touch about him. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
Hi Tom. You definitely get around. I'm 75 now and I remember riding on the Portrush donkeys. And the Ghost trains in Barry's. On the Sunday School train excursions. Good memories. Thanks.
Yes T Mac. You never know what will come up on my wee channel! lol I remember all those too but we headed for Newcastle or Bangor as they were closer. It was the highlight of our summer. You only got once a year on that Sunday school outing! Sing songs on the bus there and home. 'I see the sea and the sea sees me'......... You always wanted to be the first one who saw it1 Good times.
Oh yes just love this guy Tom, those paintings of his are ace it would be very hard to pick out a favourite they are all so good but i did love the train one reminds you of the Railway Children.
I hope you get to see him one day Tom.
Will Millar has seen a bit of life Chris and what a huge talent. The fact that he left the world renowned Rovers and then managed to reinvent himself as a painter speaks volumes about his talent and determination. Apparently he comes 'home' maybe once a year, so who knows? lol
Excellent video Tom, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for this
Will Millar is one fascinating guy, Mike. I would love to meet him and have a chat. Top man.
Hey Tom I like this guy thanks for sharing 👍
Yes Paul, multi talented but very down to earth.
Wow absolutely wonderful what am amazing guy
Yes I would love to meet Will. There would be some craic!
@@TomMcClean the paintings arw amazing Tom
Hello Tom thank you .
Ah this was great Shaun.
A quick look tells me that Barry's was bought and reopened as Curry's Fun Park and still in operation today!
Yes indeed Cathal. Your information is spot on here. Barry's was always a family favorite when we traveled up to Portrush. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.
PS I hope you are still playing!