I am currently watching the (delightful) old video of the Chieftains' late-80s collaboration with James Galway in Dublin. In their history, this was followed by the Van Morrison collaboration (and the hit album, Irish Heartbeat); they've also collaborated with Mark Knopfler, Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello, Sinead O'Connor, Sting, Ziggy Marley, and many more... So why not U2?
The U2-guys have a somewhat tenuous connection to traditional Irish music, and I'm sure the idea of such a collaboration would give them warning signs of "impending retirement / musical conservatism" that would send them running back to Brian Eno and his latest techno box. Nevertheless, the rare occasions when Bono has worked a traditional song have been great, and I think this kind of project would (a) re-establish U2 with their older/trad fan base that preferred them as spiritual Irishmen, and (b) be the ultimate payday for the Chieftains.
So, whaddaya think? The only problem I can foresee is how to work Larry and Adam into a traditional arrangement. I guess Larry can always play along, but what would Adam do?
The U2-guys have a somewhat tenuous connection to traditional Irish music, and I'm sure the idea of such a collaboration would give them warning signs of "impending retirement / musical conservatism" that would send them running back to Brian Eno and his latest techno box. Nevertheless, the rare occasions when Bono has worked a traditional song have been great, and I think this kind of project would (a) re-establish U2 with their older/trad fan base that preferred them as spiritual Irishmen, and (b) be the ultimate payday for the Chieftains.
So, whaddaya think? The only problem I can foresee is how to work Larry and Adam into a traditional arrangement. I guess Larry can always play along, but what would Adam do?