Irish rock group Black 47 says it will disband after 25 years

NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Black 47 lead singer Larry Kirwan says his Irish-American rock group plans to disband in early November 2014, 25 years after its first gig.

Kirwan said in an email to fans Wednesday morning there are no "internal disagreements, differences over musical policy or general skulduggery.

"We remain as good friends as when we first played together," Kirwan wrote. "We just have a simple wish to finish up at the top our game after 25 years of relentless touring and, as always, on our own terms. The last gig we played at the South Buffalo Irish Festival was as good as any we've ever performed. Our goal now is to play another full year plus and dedicate all of those gigs to you who've supported us through thick and thin. Rather than just running out the clock we will be recording 'Last Call,' an album of new songs in November. We would like to say goodbye to you all personally and will make every effort to come play in your city, town, college, pub, club, performing arts center. ...

"Black 47 has always been more than a band, we've spoken out for the nationalist population in the North of Ireland, against the war but for the troops in Iraq, for our gay brothers and sisters, immigrants -- legal and undocumented -- as well as for the voiceless of 1845-47; but in the end it all comes down to the music, the songs, and the desire to give audiences the time of their lives and send them home smiling and, perhaps, with a question on their lips," he wrote. "We look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming gigs. Thanks for the support and the memories -- let's make many more over the next year."