By Michelle Menice
Published 21/05/1025

Following the viral internet success garnered over the lock-down years of the Covid Pandemic, Irish folk band the Highstool Prophets are set to support the legendary Wolfe Tones on the final show of their UK tour. This is a show not to be missed as it will be the third and final time which the band, from Co. Cavan in Ireland, will share the stage with these icons of Irish folk. 

Described as a rip-roaring Irish band, The Highstool Prophets have been singing, performing and playing the very best of Irish music all over the world.  It was ironically the awfully isolating global experience of the 2020 global Covid 19 pandemic which brought the band to the attention of a global audience.  Like a lot of people who were rapidly adjusting to this scary “new normal” the band were keen to retain contact with their fans, bringing some cheer and a sense of connection with them on the way.  Social media became their global breakthrough.   The quality of their music and performances did not go unnoticed despite the vast dimensions of the digital audience space. Quite the opposite occurred.  The band´s talent and energy attracted attention, causing their Facebook audience to grow rapidly and gain a worldwide following.  When their Tic Tok cover of Amy McDonald’s “This is the Life” went viral the boys from Cavan became an internet sensation. 

Speaking to me in an interview for “Folk and Honey”, banjo player Stephen McCaffrey recalls his journey with The Highstool Prophets.  I asked Stephen how younger acts like the High Stool Prophets had been drawn to traditional folk.  The music of the Wolfe Tones was a frequent soundtrack to life in the McCaffrey household, but it was Stephen who, aged 15, was the first in the family to decide to learn to play.  For many young people with similar ideas, the guitar was often the first choice of instrument, but he decided on the banjo.  It was in his first lesson that he purchased the instrument and they became a natural combination.  Following only one lesson after this he did not pursue further training as nis natural style of learning has been to play “by ear” and that is the style which has contributed to his skill and success. 
 
Reflecting on the band´s success, Stephen is natural and unassuming.  He is delighted to be part of this dynamic new chapter in the story of Irish folk music. The band remain firmly grounded and there is gratitude in their recognition for the acclaim which the reach of the digital age has so rapidly foisted upon The Highstool Prophets.  Their success is a product of the combination of talent, hard work and development of their live shows.  These elements, along with their positive and proactive attitudes, have made Facebook and TikTok transformative platforms to achieve new levels of success in their careers.    

 
Having recently performed to large audiences in venues across Glasgow, Liverpool, London and many other cities, the band´s confidence and stage presence, developed through years of pre-pandemic touring, are evident.   Speaking of the energy of these big live shows, Stephen says “when we have a good gig, we can just bounce off each other with the music.  The audience are involved, and the atmosphere is just great”.   He also reflects on how they have maintained a sense of balance throughout their success story saying “travelling overseas to play music will always be “pinch me” moment, I’m looking forward to beeping the boarding pass as often as possible.  All of that said I still and always will adore meeting up on occasion with my good friends who I started out jamming with, in the schooldays, for a few tunes, thundering laughter and swapping old stories”.  Then he adds “all washed down with a pint of Guinness”.  For The Highstool Prophets, it has been a breakneck journey from the pubs of Co. Cavan to their current waves of sell out shows across the UK and Ireland and there has been plenty to reflect upon over that pint. 
 
So, what next for The Highstool Prophets?  The band are keen to build upon the huge success they’ve had and are considering many exciting options. Having proven their ability as skilled song writers with the success of their single “Home”, they are currently working on further original material.   A new single is scheduled for release soon.   Meanwhile with their love of live performance it is likely that their hectic touring schedule will expand and continue.  For these high stool lads from Cavan, the prophecy is further success.   

 
The Highstool Prophets will support The Wolfe Tones in the final concert of their UK tour at “On the Waterfront” in Liverpool on Sauturday 20th June.

☞ Tickets are available here

☞ For more about The High Stool Prophets, visit their website