Brian Warfield, who is lead singer of the Wolfe Tones, has launched a libel lawsuit against RTÉ, arising from remarks made by Joe Duffy on an episode of Liveline aired last year. This dispute occurred between Joe Duffy, who hosts Liveline, and Mr Warfield pertaining to the performance of the band’s song, ‘Celtic Symphony’, on the programme broadcasted on 15th August 2023. Renowned media defamation lawyer Paul Tweed is representing Mr Warfield in this case, which made its way to the High Court on Tuesday.
In November of the previous year, the Wolfe Tones publicised their decision to retire, following an impressive musical journey of nearly sixty years. The band began their journey in Dublin during 1964, delivering popular tracks such as ‘Celtic Symphony’, ‘Irish Eyes’, ‘Grace’, ‘Streets of New York’, and ‘Let The People Sing’. During a September 2023 concert in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena, they drew the largest crowd in the festival’s 19-year run.
For their part on the matter, both RTÉ and Mr Duffy have been reached out to for their comments.