Mick Foster and Tony Allen came together in 1975 as part of a small group touring Irish music venues across the UK. Both Mick & Tony had at this stage the idea of working together as a duo, playing ‘easy listening’ music with a touch of traditional Irish instrumentals. When the tour ended, the pair performed as a duo in several venues across the London area. Such was the favourable response from audiences Foster & Allen were formed.
Over the last four decades, hit records and numerous concert appearances have ensured that Foster & Allen have become mainstays of the Irish music scene. The pair are back on tour again, performing classic hits as well as their current single Mrs Brown’s Boys. Andy Howells recently caught up with Tony Allen.
Do you both still get on as well as you did when you first started out?
Yes we do. We’ve never had a row in all the years together.
Did you ever think you would get worldwide success?
We hoped we would be make a living in Ireland But didn’t think we would be travelling around the world 40 years later playing music.
Who are your music heroes?
Growing up I loved all kinds of music. I always wanted to be part of a band or a group like the Beatles or The Seekers and loved singers like Jim Reeves and Elvis Presley
Over your career what has been your major highlight as a duo?
For me, appearing on Top of the Pops in 1982.
Can you tell us about your new single Mrs Brown’s Boys?
Well Mrs Browns Boys. Is the biggest (TV) show to come out of Ireland in years. When we were in New Zealand last year everybody was talking about it so we asked our friend PJ Murrihey to write a song about it.
What can fans expect from the forthcoming live shows?
Our show is made up of all our old standards and some songs from our 40 year celebration CD and of course (the current single) Mrs Brown’s Boys. Also we will feature our keyboard player Moyra Frazer, bass player Ollie and guitarist Bryan who will play a solo.
- Foster and Allen play Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion this evening, call 01656 815995 for details.