The Dubliners live on in acclaimed tribute show

Direct from the West End, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners will embark on a 20 show east coast Australian tour in July and August.

The group formed as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group in 1962, subsequently renaming themselves The Dubliners.

They became known for their lively folk songs, street ballads and instrumentals. Often politically charged, their lyrics courted controversy at times. Perhaps the most controversial of all was Seven Drunken Nights, which was once banned by Ireland's national broadcaster due to its sexually charged lyrics.

The group would go on to gain popularity across wider Europe and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in the USE on St Patrick's Day of 1968.

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While the group underwent numerous lineup changes over its half century-long history, its popularity centred mainly around lead singers Drew and Kelly, who remained mainstays until Kelly died in 1984. Drew would quit the band in 1996. Other key members of its classic lineup included Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

The feel-good tribute show features a talented cast of musicians and singers who expertly invoke the energy and spirit of the original songs.

Writer and director Ged Graham's narration guides audiences through the group's history in between renditions of beloved songs such as The Irish Rover, The Leaving of Liverpool, Belle of Belfast City, Dirty Old Town, The Banks of the Rose, Star of the County Down and The Town I Love So Well.

The show has earned praise from relatives of the original members, including Luke Kelly's brother Paddy.

Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners, touring nationally in July and August. For tickets or more information visit sevendrunkennights.live.