Entertainment

Mary Black’s farewell “Slán Tour” is shaping up to be more than a series of concerts – it feels like a national moment. The 70‑year‑ancient singer, hailed as a cornerstone of Irish music, says the reality of saying goodbye “is beginning to sink in, this is a bigger deal than I thought.” The emotional weight of the final Irish dates is evident in every rehearsal, every fan letter, and every extra gig added to the schedule.

Speaking from her bright, high‑ceilinged extension in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, Black reflected on a career that began in the early 1980s and has spanned more than four decades. She is currently finalising the set‑list for the Slán Tour – a word that means “excellent‑bye” in Irish – even as her husband and manager, Joe O’Reilly, brews coffee in the kitchen and their deaf‑blind Jack Russell, Blue, naps nearby.

Behind the scenes of the final tour

Black’s home is a treasure trove of musical memorabilia, from a mandolin she received for Christmas (still untouched) to a garden “seomra” once intended as a study space for her three adult children – engineer Conor, The Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly and singer‑songwriter Róisín O. “I’m not sure much studying got done in there,” she laughs, recalling how the space now serves as a quiet retreat for the family.

When asked about the physical demands of touring at her age, Black explained that “people think you just walk on stage and do two hours, but there’s also the build‑up – rehearsals, vocal exercises, getting the voice back in shape.” She now does daily vocal exercises to keep her voice “good enough,” acknowledging that it isn’t “as good as it used to be” but that the band’s arrangements make each night “a great night.”

Tour dates and the unexpected demand

The Slán Tour was announced in April 2025, with tickets selling out quickly. Black revealed that the overwhelming response forced the addition of several extra performances, including a second show at the National Stadium in Dublin and a third date each at Vicar Street and the Olympia Theatre. She described the moment: “Three Vicar Streets. Three Olympias. We usually only do one of each. It’s beginning to sink in that, Jesus, this is a bigger deal than I thought.”

According to the official tour listing, the itinerary actually begins on 24 April 2026 at the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, and runs through 3 June 2026 at the Cork Opera House, covering venues such as the Ulster Hall, Belfast, and a stop in Utrecht, Netherlands. The schedule also includes multiple Dublin shows at the Olympia Theatre. The interview’s reference to a start on 26 May at the National Stadium and a finish on 10 June reflects the added Irish dates that were not part of the original announcement. Tour schedule (Journal of Music)

Tickets for the added National Stadium date have yet to be confirmed by the promoter, and the claim of an extra National Stadium show remains {unconfirmed} pending official confirmation. Mary Black’s retirement announcement

Legacy, health and life after touring

Beyond the music, Black’s candid discussion of her mental health journey resonated strongly. She spoke openly about post‑natal depression and a period of “ordinary depression” in the mid‑1990s, noting that seeking professional assist was vital. “My mental health has been very good for the past 15 years,” she said, encouraging others to seek support when needed.

Physical health also features in her routine. Black and O’Reilly attend twice‑weekly reformer Pilates sessions, a habit she attributes to staying active at 70. She joked about her acrylic nails – “that’s only to stop me biting them … otherwise I bite them right down to the quick” – and noted the cost difference between Dublin (€60) and Spain (€20), reflecting the couple’s homes in Dingle and northern Spain.

The family’s next milestones include Róisín O’s wedding in September and a holiday villa in Croatia booked for the children, their partners and the grandchildren. A recent skiing mishap, where Black was knocked down by a snowboarder, left her “frightened” but uninjured, reminding her that life’s adventures continue beyond the stage.

Music that heals

Fans have written to Black, sharing stories of how songs like “No Frontiers” helped them through loss. “Music is healing. It’s healing for me as well,” she reflected. The emotional weight of the farewell is amplified by the presence of longtime collaborators – Bill Shanley (guitar), Pat Crowley (keys), Richie Buckley (sax), Nick Scott (bass) and Liam Bradley (drums) – who will join her for the final run.

Songwriter Jimmy MacCarthy, whose work has featured heavily in Black’s catalogue, sent a text ahead of the tour: “The way you inhabit and sing these songs is deep and profound … my pen and your voice may be older but we still have what really counts.” He will appear as a guest performer, alongside Eleanor McEvoy and others, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the Slán Tour.

Róisín O’s new single “Magic,” released on 6 March 2026, was inspired by her mother. Black received the track via text while in a taxi, describing it as “something coming full circle.” The song adds a personal, generational layer to the farewell, highlighting how Black’s influence extends to the next wave of Irish songwriters.

What’s next after the final bow?

Black confirmed that while the touring chapter ends, she does not intend to retire from music entirely. “I might get up with Danny with his band, or with Róisín, and sing a song,” she said. The final show is slated for Vicar Street on 13 June 2026, which she anticipates will be “the toughest one.” After that, she plans to focus on family, occasional guest appearances, and perhaps new recordings – a new phase that still keeps her voice in the public ear.

Fans eager to experience the Slán Tour can secure tickets via Ticketmaster, with prices starting at €45. As the tour unfolds, the nation watches a beloved artist close a remarkable chapter, while the music she’s shared for more than four decades continues to echo in living rooms, pubs, and hearts across Ireland and beyond.

What do you remember most about Mary Black’s music? Share your stories in the comments and let’s celebrate the legacy together.