OH MY GOSH!| FIRST TIME HEARING The Irish Rovers - Wasn't That A Party REACTION

[@peterzimmer9549]

Ah yes. The Irish Rovers were a Canadian staple with a regular TV show placed in the fictional “Pig and Whistle” pub. As many have probably already told you, “The unicorn song” was their biggest radio hit.

[@dougbrowning82]

The Pig and Whistle had the Carlton Showband, from Brampton. The Rovers' show was on the other network, although they did a few recurring appearances on the P&W, as well as several other shows.

[@davesimms8825]

I’m pretty sure the Irish Rovers show was recorded in Vancouver.

[@dougbrowning82]

@@davesimms8825The Irish Rovers had two shows, both on CBC. The Irish Rovers Show was in the 1970s, and The Rovers Comedy House, from the 80s. I can't find anything regarding where the shows were taped, however. The Pig and Whistle was a 70s series on CTV, from Toronto.

[@judypritchard4670]

The Unicorn was one of their first big hits. Something the kids can listen to. My kids when they were young knew all the words. They had a TV Show that my Mom watched every week, 😮Set in a pub. It is a deep rabbit hole. Lots of great songs

[@cjpew]

Great memories singing along and doing a bunch of actions/gestures to the Unicorn at the pubs in the 80s and 90s.

[@billclisham8668]

We watched their TV show every week, I miss it badly.

[@leetroy3129]

@@billclisham8668I’ve requested the Unicorn Song more than once but have been ignored. I suggested that the kids listen too it too. It’s a fun song for them!

[@dougbrowning82]

Glen Campbell plays on The Unicorn.

[@russallert]

The Irish Rovers were (ironically) a Canadian institution, with their Monday night TV show and scores of hits. By 1980, they were in a bit of a commercial slump, and they decided to switch from mainly traditional Irish music to a more radio-friendly pop sound. They shortened their name to The Rovers and released Wasn't That A Party, produced by The Guess Who's producer Jack Richardson. It put them back on the charts and revived their career.

[@scottmacdonald1826]

If I remember correctly their "sign off" for their show was "may you be a half an hour in heaven before the devil knows your dead".

[@Carrie-so3ro]

Great saying. @@scottmacdonald1826

[@jethro1963]

Their are certain songs that catch the zeitgeist of the times and Wasn't That a Party certainly did. It was everywhere in Canada in the early 80s. The song was anthemic.

[@BC-ui9yt]

Is the show available to watch or buy? I enjoyed it- one of the great things about being a kid in Detroit was that we could watch Channel 9 from Windsor.

[@NannyB.]

Do the Unicorn Song. The lyrics were written by the beloved Shel Silverstein and your kids will love it, too!

[@leftcoaster67]

Have you reviewed The Irish Rovers "The Unicorn Song"? It's brilliant. They had a series of Unicorn pubs in the 80's and 90's.

[@jethro1963]

And you had to do the actions to the lyrics

[@msbeaverhausen7226]

@@jethro1963 And end it with a rousing "Take a drink OK"!!!!🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@sandynelson3755]

MY FAVORITE!

[@kathieendresz7841]

Written by Shel Silverstein.

[@leftcoaster67]

@@msbeaverhausen7226Followed by "Who is at the best table?" Everyone goes nuts.

[@rickm8443]

What a fun song. The Unicorn Song is another classic. Great for the kids.

[@richardhenderson9767]

Black Velvet Band, and The Unicorn are awesome by The Irish Rovers

[@felixkatify]

Black Velvet Band is my absolute favorite.

[@sueparras6028]

Loved both of those songs growing up in the late 60's and early 70's! ❤❤✌🇨🇦

[@Carrie-so3ro]

While both of these songs are good - (I remember them well from my childhood being played a lot & I didn't mind at all) - J. & Amber need to know that BOTH of those songs have a VERY DIFFERENT (more settled down style) vs. THIS song from the 80s.

[@moiraconleyhomes8501]

When I was little, I used to sing Black Velvet Band and thought it was about hair accessories - haha. The Orange and the Green was another favorite. I still have that album!

[@Carrie-so3ro]

The last time that I heard this song was when I was a little child. To this day - to a minute ago & reading your comment, I thought it was about hair accessories. If it is not about hair accessories, what is it really about. I think I am a little afraid to ask but I now have to know. Will you kindly inform me, please? @@moiraconleyhomes8501

[@mt0115]

Good lord, I haven’t heard this for years, back in the olden golden days this song was kind of a go to song in Canada, for some almost the national anthem. In any case the Irish Rovers played all over Canada just simply great music. Thanks for that memory and while I haven’t heard it for years I didn’t miss a single lyric when you played it today. 😎🍺☮️🇨🇦

[@dougieyou]

Can't tell you how many parties that this song blew the roof off the place. Such a great time and a real blast when it comes on, every party needs to have this song played around midnight...lol

[@sergebrunet4218]

yes ! yes ! happy St-Patrick s day ! from Canada

[@luckyskittles8976]

So fun , yes they were very popular in Canada in the 70's they had a TV show on CBC for about 7 years, and did tours around the country. "The Unicorn, Black Velvet Band, Lily the Pink , Grandma got run over by a Reindeer were some of their hits.

[@toshirodragon]

Grandma got run over by a Reindeer was Elmo & Patsy, not the Irish Rovers

[@luckyskittles8976]

irish rovers did it too@@toshirodragon

[@magneto7930]

I think the Unicorn is what most people think of when they think of the Irish Rovers. But, this is a fun song!

[@BC-ui9yt]

My former guitar teacher said he always had to play the Unicorn at whatever pub he performs at on St Paddy's day. I pointed out that it's got nothing to do with Ireland. He laughed and said it's just what everyone thinks of as "Irish"

[@steveg5933]

And the Rovers are STILL performing. In some cases, the sons of the original members are now in the band. They have an active KZbin channel

[@BC-ui9yt]

George is the only original left. Joe Millar died late last year (dementia). His son took his place when he retired. Wrote a beautiful tribute song to dad. Being a fan now for almost 60 years, Joe's death hit me kinda hard.Jimmy Ferguson died years ago, and Wilcil McDowell is retired.

[@KittGagnon]

The Irish Rovers were a favourite when I was a child in the 60's watching Canadian variety shows.

[@raymondohlsen5054]

My brother and me are firing up the stove for some corned beef and cabbage, a few Guiness Extra Stout, and some music from The Chieftains. Not bad for a couple of good German boys! Loved your reaction!!

[@susanliltz3875]

Darn!!! You missed out on their best one ! “The Unicorn 🦄 Song”!!

[@bl_leafkid4322]

Irish rovers have some fun songs

[@stormy8207]

ooohhhhhhh I love the Irish Rovers. Whiskey on a Sunday, Black Velvet Band. I had a crush on these guys when I was a kid. lol

[@jethro1963]

Drinkin' buttermilk through the week, whiskey on a Sunday

[@stormy8207]

@@jethro1963 yep... that smoothe, gorgeous accent. Straight to the heart

[@Kathe255]

This was my party groups theme song. We hung out every weekend and yes we partied. We would just sang this before, during, and after the party!! Love it!

[@mt0115]

Were we at the same parties? Lol yes some of our parties were like that as well.

[@leftcoaster67]

You tell it's Canadian because the Cat knows Hockey. :)

[@careyplaylist]

I hope that they see your comment ! So true 👍 that's a Cool 😎 Canadian Cat 🐈 😄

[@billmcdonald4335]

Leafs fan, tho'. Cats ain't very smart.

[@careyplaylist]

​@@billmcdonald4335😂😂

[@billbennett9537]

@@billmcdonald4335 Damn man you beat me to it....a hat tip to you sir.

[@dianem8544]

My dad loved this group! Chiming in with everyone else here who says you have to do The Unicorn by these guys. And I have to share with you, maybe to make _you_ smile, we had the St. Patrick's Day parade in my city yesterday and in true American fashion, the local Chinese community and the local Italian community both had floats in the parade and I'm sure there were more but I didn't see the whole thing. People of all colors and races were wearing St. Paddy's day gear. So sweet, so lovely, so much fun.

[@RonnieAcheson]

Theses guys are or were a great live act, great concerts across Canada, great memories, this song did chart in the U.S.A. Thanks for this great reaction. Fun song.

[@vampfashions]

They played a dance at a Fish & Game Convention in Edmonton which degenerated into an awful lot of slightly too old people drinking slightly too much and dancing way too seductively lol, music soothes the savage breast.

[@christyb039]

They used to own a restaurant/pub downtown Vancouver way back and played sometimes as well. During expo 86 I think. The bar was called the Unicorn actually. Another good tune. Great times!!!

[@Ed-R]

A few more songs by the Irish Rovers are "Nancy Whiskey", "Whiskey on a Sunday", "Winken', Blinken and Nod", and "The Unicorn".

[@stevehatton-bw3bo]

OMG!! Haven’t heard this in 40+ years! Didn’t remember who did it. Fun song!👍👍🤪

[@vampfashions]

Search KZbin for The Rodeo Song by Showdown and She Ain't Pretty She Just Looks That Way. Canada has fun we haven't told anyone about lol

[@petedepledge519]

These guys had a tv show in Canada for at least 10 years in the 70s/80s

[@dianem8544]

PBS played that show in the States, too!

[@gvbezoff]

"The Pig and Whistle", 1967-1977.

[@Woodchuck1965]

Saw them when I was a kid. They used to play local establishments around Michigan where I grew up. My parents would take us to the shows.

[@crazybear53]

I have a old lp of the Rovers and this song is on it and has been a fav of mine for many ytears.

[@bradbesser9243]

I have seen them in concert it was great what a great time very talented.

[@captrik17]

Love it, on our Playlist for car trips with our kids back in the day. 😊😊

[@Jesusfreak-m3x]

What goes with this is "The Sick Note (Why Patti's not at Work Today)" it is pure fun as well.

[@ivansavoie3190]

They played at my high school in 71 I believe years before this, they were very entertaining, great reaction

[@BrimHawk]

One of the guys lived on my street back in the 70's/80's. Nice man.

[@glenncenter6579]

Thank you for reminding me of this song! Haven't heard this since it came out in the late 70's! What a blast! Adding it to my playlist at work next year! Peace and Love to all!

[@catherineday951]

Used to watch the Irish Rovers' variety show on Sunday nights when I was a child. Loved them!!

[@danielzerbe8567]

As a kid i remember at the end of their tv show fellow would cite the irish blessing "May you be a half hour in heaven before the devil knows you're dead" and bid you good night until next sunday evening. They sang traditional irish ballads...black velvet band and really enjoyed entertaining audiences, being involved in the folk music scene of the '60s

[@debrawilson9791]

The Irish Rovers used to have a story tv show with their music and skits. My parents watched it. I was too cool as a teenager to watch it but secretly watched it and laughed with them. It was a lot of fun. This and The Unicorn are the most famous songs. Great group of Irish talent.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

Love that Thin Lizzy t shirt Amber!❤❤❤❤👍👍🤘🤘

[@tobygrimes9633]

The Orange and the Green by the Irish Rovers is hilarious.

[@richardkawucha1232]

Had the great pleasure to meet them, when they toured. I have an album, with their pictures on it. They are dressed in "leisure suits". They each signed under their photo. When they were at the Dearborn Community Arts Center, as they were singing the audience joined in.

[@kevinfarrell3121]

One of the greatest songs from my pre-adolescent years

[@SquawkCode]

When I was a kid The Unicorn was a great sing a long like Country Roads or Song Sung Blue. When I was a teen my neighbors invited me to see the Irish Rovers. They put on a fun show. The next summer I was visiting Canada and ran into one of the original members with my uncle. They were golf buddies. They were a great folk band of the 60s like The Brothers Four. Pure talent and amazing vocals.

[@arraymac227]

This Canadian recalls their Sunday television show growing up. Loved it. This song, a staple of my (very, 19 is the drinking age in most of Canada) late teens.

[@bigdumer8997]

Never expected to hear this on your channel. As a Canadian kid born in the late 70's this song really brought me back. I remember my friend learned to play this on his guitar. Thank-you!

[@GarudaLegends]

i have a six-pack off Guinness. I am ready to embrace Ireland

[@Gerhardium]

The Irish Rovers owned The Unicorn Pub where I worked at Expo 86 in Vancouver, after the first couple of weeks they couldn't post a schedule for their shows as people would camp out nursing a pint to see them play. It could get pretty raucous at times but it was a great job, good tips, and a (mostly) changing array of visitors from all over.

[@edt5976]

I saw these guys live back in the early 80's, they were great and really down to earth.

[@incensejunkie7516]

This was a huge hit up here in Canada. I was a young teen when it came out and was definitely played at many parties, as well as when you just wanted to dance for no reason. They also had a tv show on cbc in the 70s. As many have noted, the Unicorn was their other major hit. A fun band, and a perfect song for St Paddy's day!

[@rwschumm]

Lots of Fun!.. Great Song! :) Great Reaction, You Guys! :)

[@Inmatesixdoublefive321]

I saw these guys years ago in a small cabaret theater in Lexington, Michigan. It was like sitting in a living room listening to music and storytelling. Really fun!

[@karencoulson4685]

Back in the early 70s I lived in a very small northern Canadian community (I was a teen back then) and we had what we called canned TV. It was 4 hours every evening and one of the shows we watched religiously was the Irish Rovers TV Show. They were awesome.. and very funny. Haven't heard any of their tunes since then so thanks for reacting to this one.. it brought back memories.

[@donaldmoon]

What a kick! Thx for the music. Love the vibe. Happy St Patrick's Day!

[@TheGenXTeacher]

Freshman year in high school. This song came out and we wore out the cassette! Such a fun song. My WWII-generation dad loved it. Just a bouncy, feel-good song. Thanks for bringing back this gem of a memory!

[@bobbartle]

I just heard a song from 1958 that I know you'll love -Chuck Willis - "Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes". I hadn't heard that song in about 65 years. I can see Amber movin' and grovin' to this one.

[@Butterflyandhearts95]

Gosh I remember this being one of the bar closing songs in the early 80’s (could actually drink in Texas at 18 yrs old then). Two stepping to this on the dance floor. Fun times!

[@robertcampopiano6001]

I remember when this song made the Top 40 back in 1981. According to their website, their post-show parties were the stuff of legend. The singer-songwriter Tom Paxton attended one and he wrote this song afterwards.

[@nzmoggy3898]

I love the Irish Rovers and are well known for their humorous Songs such as The Unicorn, Lilly the Pink and Las Vegas In the Hills of Donegal but the more thoughtful songs are great as well such as First Day on the Somme.

[@ychaps]

Love love this band....some of them gone now unfortunately but what a legacy

[@mikemcmillan6473]

Another Canadian group with an Irish vibe is Spirit of the West "Home for a Rest"

[@aarongoldstein7614]

"Canadian Skye" is great too.

[@314159vedic]

I have requested and REQUESTED this song over and over for them. Hopefully one day they will give it a listen.

[@314159vedic]

@@aarongoldstein7614 Canadian Skye is great too. Many of their songs are. (Puttin' Up With) The Joneses is great too.

[@Cyssane]

I've requested this too more than once! I hope they see your comment.

[@Jim-fd9jz]

As an Irishman, I've never heard this before in my entire life.. If you want to actually pay tribute to Ireland, listen to Luke Kelly.

[@billclisham8668]

Or Ronnie Drew, the Dubliners, Tommy Makem, the Cheiftans, Clancy Brothers, and on and on and on........

[@jethro1963]

While this song isn't trad they certainly had established bona fides in traditional Irish music. As posted, the Rovers were buddies with contemporaries like Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Written by American singer-songwriter Tom Paxton, a national treasure. Other songs of his include "The Marvelous Toy" and "Going to the Zoo" by Peter Paul and Mary, and "The Last Thing on My Mind" by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton (top 10 country), and "What Did You Learn in School Today?" by many different folk groups of the early 60s.

[@frankrobert1788]

Really glad I came across your channel you two really rock it peace!

[@daveleeroy]

I'm 56 and I saw these guys when I was 6 in Nelson B.C. My first concert

[@daniellittle3973]

I've played piano and bass for over 40 years in many bands. I've woke up in so many situations that I still don't have a clue what the hell happened

[@rhphotocdn]

Growing up in Canada, loved this tune in High School!! "Could have been the Three Four Six Packs, I don't know".. lol!!

[@JamesCarson-tm8df]

I grew up hearing the Unicorn song you should play that you'll enjoy it thanks kids

[@TerryStrain-f1y]

The Irish Rovers still put on a great show and have so many great songs , check out their double CD 50 Years album, so many excellent songs and most with an Irish story.... They also have an excellent DVD they recorded in Ireland with very natural surroundings, inside and outside. George Millar is the lead singer, living in Victoria BC, his brother Will is also nearby on Vancouver Island...

[@kympeplau1635]

Yes! The Unicorn by the Irish Rovers.

[@Jlr677]

We used to sing this at parties, in school, just about anywhere

[@rdmineer1]

Even I was a kid when this song came out. My brothers and I had a ball with it.

[@jennifergarrett1449]

I swear this has to be one of the best party songs ever. The 80's were a great time

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I remember this Song from Nov 1980. November 6th or 7th was the 1st time I heard it. I still have the 45 of it "That little bitty Track Meet down on Main St, was just to see if the Cops could run" is my favorite Line

[@sandralorenz1796]

Love this song. I can't believe you didn't have more of a reaction to the video. Your eyes were shut most of the time.

[@michelemercier2286]

And this is what I like about these reaction channels. Like many of those making comments, I grew up with these guys (small town, one television station so their show was an entertainment highlight in my childhood). I haven't thought of or heard this song in many years, so that was fun. As others have mentioned "The Unicorn" was their biggest hit. It's not particularly "Irish" but more folk and since you guys like story telling songs, I think you would like it.

[@waynecox2440]

The Irish Rovers are a treasure. For another good song about drinking :), please check out "Home For a Rest" by "Spirit of the West" (another Canadian band!) The song has a Celtic influence and is a great party song.

[@KimSimful]

As everyone says, you need to listen to the Unicorn song. Your kids will love it!

[@billclisham8668]

The Irish Rovers were a staple in my childhood home (hell, still is) They would really be a good deep dive as their music covers a lot of styles and generations. They also did a couple of songs I'm pretty sure everyone has heard like "Puff the magic dragon and the Unicorn"

[@revaflowers3115]

I remember The Unicorn Song by The Irish Rovers back in 1968..It has a very Irish sounding lilt to it from the band.Their accents come through very strong. Flogging Molly does a very Irish sounding bunch of music too.

[@theresamariegoesplaces9688]

This was the theme song for my 21st birthday...🤪

[@Progressive_Canadian]

The Irish Rovers are known for several iconic songs, many of which are deeply rooted in Irish folk music. Some of their most famous tunes include: "The Unicorn" - This song, released in 1967, is perhaps one of their most iconic and enduring hits. It tells the story of a mythical unicorn who missed the boat for Noah's Ark. "The Orange and the Green" - This humorous song humorously addresses the tensions between Catholics (green) and Protestants (orange) in Ireland. "Wasn't That a Party" - A lively and spirited tune that captures the essence of a raucous celebration. "Whiskey on a Sunday" - A poignant ballad reflecting on the allure and consequences of heavy drinking. "Black Velvet Band" - A classic Irish folk song that tells the tale of a man who is falsely accused and sentenced to transportation to Australia. "The Irish Rover" - An energetic and rollicking tune that tells the story of a magnificent ship and its adventures at sea. These songs, among others, have solidified The Irish Rovers' place in folk music history and continue to be beloved by fans of Irish music around the world.

[@lizoneal2518]

Totally not what I was expecting from the Irish Rovers….excellent!

[@andrewgurudata2390]

The Irish Rovers was sooooo huge in Canada when I was a kid. You have to listen to their song "The Unicorn" next. Your kids will love it too!

[@Len0Grady]

SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS by The Dubliners. Went to #1 in the UK despite being banned from the BBC. It is the best fun.

[@64Biina]

Oh my.....I have not heard these guys in a hundred years!!! Thank you for the trip down memory lane. A true staple on Canadian radio. Whoop!!💚💚💚

[@jeremyfagner6808]

I love The Irish Rovers. Glad you got to hear them

[@andreagiesbrecht611]

Black Velvet Band, Drunken Sailor, The Orange and the Green, Puff the Magic Dragon, Whiskey in the Jar, Mick Maguire, so many other great songs. I grew up listening to the Irish Rovers in Canada.

[@blairregenwetter4328]

I grew up watching the Irish Rovers on TV, they had a show on CBC for seven years, it was always fun. I know everyone's recommending "The Unicorn Song", but their version of "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer" is classic and needs to be shared! EDIT: love Amber's reactions to the lyrics

[@thewindle]

Been many moons since I heard this song. Thanks, great reaction

[@donnawallace9938]

I met them when I was working at a cigarette shop. Such nice guys. They stayed 3 nights at the hotel.

[@JRPackerfan803]

I've loved this song forever!

[@susancosnick3852]

The Irish Rovers is a very good rabbit hole to travel down.

[@keymack2477]

Aaahhhhh University!! Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

[@deborahabston4222]

What a blast from the past! I was able to remember all of the lyrics...

[@Wyrmksc]

Somewhere around my mothers house is the Irish Rovers children's album, good for kids of all ages.

[@rorybolkan1733]

The Powder Blues Band has a fun song called "What Have I Been Drinkin" their a Canadian band

[@gvbezoff]

The label on the bottle doesn't show.

[@chrisriley8749]

So fun to hear the Irish reactions!! Thank you

[@sherrimaurer-i3z]

The Unicorn Song is a great song. I use to sing this to the kids when they were little. They loved it and would sing along !!!!!!

[@KenRoerden]

A lot of fun, but I feel sorry for the cats. The Irish Rovers had a big hit with The Unicorn in 1967 when I was a kid. Your kids will love it. It was written and recorded by comic songwriter Shel Silverstein a few years earlier. This song was recorded many years later and is very different.

[@christianbrasso8257]

CLASSIC TUNE! PERFECT PARTY SONG. THE POWDER BLUES BAND HAD A TUNE CALLED WHAT'VE I BEEN DRINKIN, AND OTHER GREAT TUNES LIKE THIRSTY EARS, HEAR THAT GUITAR RING, BOPPIN WITH THE BLUES, SWEET LITTLE GIRL, AND DOIN IT RIGHT.

[@colleencomeau-edison7625]

I grew up watching them on tv in the 70’s in Canada. Must listen to the Unicorn Song.

[@cheryla7480]

The Unicorn was their biggest hit, kids loved it and everyone knew the words.