The Corrs are one of Ireland’s most popular bands, along with U2 and the Cranberries. This family of 3 sisters and a brother distills a mix of pop rock and traditional Irish music. Electric guitars blend harmoniously with the tones of the tin whistle, fiddle and bodhràn. Here’s a portrait of an extraordinary Irish family that has captured the hearts of thousands of fans around the world.
There’s nothing like a 100% family band to arouse curiosity!
The group was formed at the instigation of Jim, the eldest of the siblings. A good musician (guitar, piano and accordion), he was convinced of his family’s potential. So he invited his sisters (Andrea, Sharon and Caroline) to join him in the adventure!
The roles were soon assigned:
In the mid-90s, the band auditioned for a role in the Irish film The Commitments. They only got small roles, but their professionalism caught the attention of David Foster on the set, who decided to become their manager.
Convinced of their talent, he took them to Malibu, USA, in 1995, to record their first album for Atlantic Records.
There, they gave birth to the album “Forgiven not Forgotten”, a clever collection of Irish-inspired tunes. It’s a success.
They followed this up with a second album: “Talk on corners” in 1997, recorded in Hollywood. Success was more mixed, but not a flop.
Ever eager to evolve, and to ensure quality work, the following year they recorded an “MTV Unplugged” concert at Ardmore Studios near Dublin in front of a privileged audience. It’s a chance for them to show off their talent in all its unvarnished, unadorned glory. An album dedicated to this concert was released (along with a DVD): it was a total success, reaching far beyond the borders of Ireland!
A few months later, they were asked to play at the Lansdowne Road stadium in front of an audience of over 40,000. For them, it’s the consecration!
In the year 2000, the Corrs’ mother sadly passed away from a serious illness, and the band, very distraught but united, decided to dedicate an album a little more pop than their previous ones: “In Blue”. This album was a phenomenal success, particularly with Breathless and Irresistible.
Four years passed without any new developments. The band takes a break, while planning to work on a new album entitled “Borrowed Heaven”.
In 2005, they returned with an album of covers of Irish songs. This album is a real return to the Corr family’s Irish roots. This “Home” album is entirely dedicated to traditional Irish music. The reviews were favorable, but the album struggled to find a new audience beyond the original fans.
Time for a break… then a half-tone returnThe Corrs
From 2005 to 2009, the band decided to take a break. Andrea Corr, like Sharon Corr, is trying to launch solo careers… But their attempts were unsuccessful.
However, the band made a comeback in September 2015 with the album “White Light” and a tour that ended in August 2016 in Belfast .
A new album, Jupiter Calling, was released in 2017 to mixed reviews.
The Corrs are sometimes accused of sinking into an overly impersonal pop style, far removed from their original personality. The whole thing is uneven, lacking pep and musical signature. Although fans loved it, the sauce didn’t catch on internationally, and sales were meager.
Statements that have had an impact on the family group’s image
In 2020, in the midst of Covid-19, Jim Corr will be making headlines with his anti-mask and anti-vaccine statements. He is also a convinced climatoskeptic, and seems to subscribe to a number of more or less far-fetched conspiracy theories.
Unfortunately, his public statements and his participation in public events have damaged his image, and that of his group.
The other members of the Corrs remain silent on the issues raised, so as not to inflame the controversy.
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