From the beginnings as street musicians in Europe's metropolises to the Kelly-Mania in the mid-90s to the acclaimed comeback in 2017: The Kelly Family looks back on a band history of around 40 years. Even when the line-up of the folk-pop formation changes, the enthusiasm of the fans knows no bounds. With their shows, the Kelly Family fills the biggest arenas.
The fascinating family history of the Kelly Family
As nomads with an alternative lifestyle, the members of the Kelly Family become known in Europe. Father Dan, in particular, is intensively involved in the early musical education of the nine-member flock of children: in addition to the accordion, banjo and piano, the talented siblings make the violin and saxophone resound. So it's only a matter of time before the Kelly kids give their first performances. And these are met with great interest: Street concerts are followed by an engagement in the Circus Roncalli.
On the way to the pop Olympus
The Kellys sign their first record deal with Polydor in 1979. Appearances in numerous TV formats serve as the initial spark for the start of their career. With "Who'll Come With Me (David's Song)" they landed their first number 1 hit in 1980.
When they signed a record deal with the edel company, the album "Over The Hump" became a surprise chart topper in 1994. The "An Angel" composed by Paddy Kelly becomes the anthem of a whole generation. Long-haired and blessed with clear-as-a-bell voices, the brothers Paddy and Angelo are the teen idols of the hour.
In order to live up to the growing hype, the Kelly Family increasingly moves their shows to large arenas. In 1995, the Kelly Family made nine consecutive guest appearances at the sold-out Westfalenhalle Dortmund on their tour of Germany: Kelly-mania broke out and the fan community grew into a huge following.
Times of upheaval for the Kelly Family
With Patricia, Jimmy, Joey, Paddy, Maite and Angelo, only six of the original band members were still on stage from 2000 onwards. Father Dan dies in August 2002 at the age of 71. While Paddy subsequently lives in seclusion in a French monastery for six years, it also becomes quieter around the remaining mega-stars.
The announcement of a Christmas tour in 2011 heralds a turnaround. In the following year, the Kellys continue to celebrate the Christmas season with imaginatively staged shows. Maite Kelly records her first successes as a solo artist, Michael Patrick Kelly releases atmospheric pop music as a singer-songwriter.
The big comeback
The return to the big stage announced in November 2016 becomes a great moment for fans of the musical family. Within minutes, all tickets for the Kelly Family are sold out - the additional concerts also break records. The ninth studio album "We Got Love" follows in March 2017, the tenth album "25 Years Later" in October 2019. Numerous TV appearances and a celebrated European tour evoke memories of the band's musical zenith.
After Maite and Paddy, nestling Angelo also leaves the band in December 2019. But instead of sitting back and reminiscing about an unparalleled career, the former members are dedicated to their own musical projects.
Maite, Paddy and Angelo go solo
Maite Kelly is positioning herself in the pop industry as a powerful-voiced alternative to veterans like Andrea Berg or Helene Fischer. In 2021, she will present herself to an audience of millions as an accomplished juror in the RTL casting show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" Saturday after Saturday. Michael Patrick Kelly can also build on earlier successes with the release of his Top 3 albums "Human", "iD" and "Boats". Stylistically, he focuses entirely on contemporary pop anthems.
The closest thing to the Kelly sound is Angelo Kelly's solo project. Together with his wife, daughters and sons, he revives the original Kelly spirit and reaches top positions in the German charts with the albums "Irish Heart" and "Coming Home".
The Kellys take off again
In the future, too, the creative family will be drawn to where they feel at home: on the big stages. Whether on special occasions like a big Christmas tour or regular gigs with familiar repertoire: shows by The Kelly Family generate great enthusiasm among old and new fans alike.
The Kelly Family: Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the Kellys live today?
After forming their own families, the remaining members of the Kelly Family live in various countries, including Germany, the USA, Ireland and Spain.
What genre does the music of The Kelly Family belong to?
The Kelly Family has its musical roots in Irish folklore. But the repertoire also includes French chansons, European folk and Christmas songs as well as catchy pop and rock songs.
Are all the founding members of The Kelly Family still with us?
No, today's band consists of a reduced permanent core of six to eight members.
