Q: Does Tommy Makem live in America?

A: Tommy lives in the wonderful state of New Hampshire.

Q: Does Tommy perform with the Clancy Brothers anymore?

A: From the original band started in 1956, only Tommy and Liam Clancy are still performing. They enjoy discussing the old days when they run into each other, but both are embarked on solo careers and there are no plans for a reunion of any kind.

Q: What happened to Tommy's restaurant in New York City?

A: Tommy Makem's Irish Pavilion closed for business on June 30th 1998. The entire staff wishes to thank everyone who helped to support it over the fifteen years it was in operation. The building that was home to the Pavilion has been purchased and will soon become a world class hotel.

Q: How old are the Makem Brothers and how are they related to Tommy Makem?

A: Shane was born in August of 1967; Conor in September of 1968; Rory in October of 1969. They are his sons.

Q: Who else is in the family?

A: Katie (Tommy's daughter), Molly (Katie's daughter) and Saoirse (The family's German Shephard).

Q: When did the Makem Brothers start playing music?

A: The Makem Brothers were playing for a number of years before performing on stage. Shane and Rory made their debut in February of 1989 at the Blackthorn Taverne in North Easton, Massachusetts. Conor joined them in November, 1991 at the Tom Clancy Memorial Concert in Symphony Space, Manhattan, NY.

Q: How many albums have the Makem Brothers recorded?

A: The Makem Brothers have four albums. Outstanding in a Field (1992) (Out of print); On the Rocks (1995); Who Fears to Speak (1997); and Stand Together (2001). They also had a demo tape which was sold from 1992 to 1995, which is not available anymore.

Q: How old is Tommy Makem?

A: No one really knows for sure, including Tommy, but he can recount days aboard the Mayflower.

Q: What are the Makem Brothers' educational backgrounds?

A: Shane graduated from Stonehill College in Massachusetts in 1990 with a degree in English Literature.
Conor graduated from Stonehill College in 1992 with a degree in English Literature and a minor in philosophy.
Rory graduated from Bard College in New York in 1993 with a degree in Music Composition.

Q: What do the Makem Brothers do occupation/career-wise when they're not touring and performing?

A: Rory occasionally backs up his father, but besides that, the band is their full time job.

Q: Is there any way of contacting the Makem Brothers or Tommy Makem? An address, or an e-mail address that we could write to them through?

A: E-mail sent to them via this site is printed up and given to them. Letters sent to P.O. Box 336 Dover NH, 03820-0336 also reach them, but because of the Makem schedules and the volume of mail, there is usually not enough time for responses.

Q: Where did Tommy learn to play the banjo?

A: When he was younger, Tommy bought a book on how to play the banjo by Pete Seeger, where he learned the basics. Other than that, he taught himself.

Q: Where can I find sheet music for Tommy Makem or the Makem Brothers?

A: Unfortunately, you are on your own for this one. There is no definitive source for sheet music for either of which we are aware.

Q: Where would one be able to find the lyrics of songs?

A: Check our lyrics section. The discography section also contains albums and many of their tracks. Also a good source for musical lyrics is http://www.mudcat.org

Q: Do I need a license to record a Tommy Makem song and what is involved in obtaining it?

Yes, you do. Click here to find out what is involved.

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© 2002 Makem.com