Tony Allen releases first solo single in almost 50 years!
He may be known as one half of the most successful musical duo that Westmeath ever produced, but Tony Allen from Foster & Allen has taken a radical step by releasing his first solo single in almost 50 years!
The Mount Temple native, who now lives in Lurgan, County Armagh, has released a new single, “Your Health Is Your Wealth”, which he says is being “very well received” by radio stations and audiences right across the country.
He admits that he probably never would have gone down the route of recording a solo single if it wasn't for Covid. “It all happened during lockdown when the whole music industry was closed down, so like everyone else in the music business we weren't too busy,” he says.
Tony came up with the idea of recording a solo album and was working on “a few songs” when he came across “Your Health Is Your Wealth” which was written by Gerard Dornan, and has been recorded by a number of artists previously.
“I decided to release it as a solo single, and I am hoping to have the full album out before Christmas, and I can't believe it's my first time to release a solo single in almost 50 years, I suppose I just never thought of it before,” he says.
Does this mean that the watertight partnership between himself and his trusty musical companion, Mick Foster, is about to uncouple? “Not at all,” he laughes, “sure we are back on the road again just after Christmas with our annual nationwide tour, which will have dates locally in Athlone and Tullamore as well as all over the country.”
Foster & Allen will be celebrating a remarkable half century in the music business at the end of next year, and Tony admits they have had “a great life” because they have been doing what they love - “entertaining people all over the world”.
Tony will be a special guest at the Brandon McPhee concert in Tuar Ard Theatre in Moate on Thursday night of next week, October 19, and local fans will also have a chance to catch up with him at a special charity concert which is due to take place in Mount Temple next month.
Now living in Armagh with his wife and well-known backing singer, Triona Moore-Allen, Tony says he is “very contented” with life, and can't believe he and Mullingar-based Mick Foster, are still “packing out the venues” all across the country when they embark on a their annual tour.
“Its great to be still able to entertain people at this stage of our lives,” he laughs, "and we are very grateful to all the fans who have supported us over the years, we have made great friends both at home and abroad.”
Tony Allen's first solo single, “Your Health Is Your Wealth”, is now available to download on all music streaming platforms.