Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster · Episode 6 · · 69 minutes

Foster & Allen | The Secret To Building A Lasting Career

An interview with Foster & Allen, hosted by Sarah Jane Foster. Produced by SJF Productions.

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About this episode

Foster & Allen join Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster to share the lessons, discipline and mindset that helped them build one of Ireland's most successful music careers over five decades.

As Mick Foster's granddaughter, Sarah Jane brings a unique perspective to the conversation, exploring both the public success and private lessons behind one of Ireland's most enduring music acts.

Having sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and performed across the globe, Mick Foster and Tony Allen reflect on the sacrifices, opportunities and decisions that shaped their extraordinary journey. From playing local pubs to performing on Top of the Pops and touring internationally, they share the business, marketing and life lessons that kept them relevant for over 50 years. Whether you're a founder, creator, entrepreneur, musician or someone building something for the long term, this episode is packed with insights on consistency, persistence, professionalism and building a lasting legacy.

Key takeaways

  • Why consistency beats talent over the long term
  • How Foster & Allen built a global brand before social media
  • The importance of showing up every day
  • Why professionalism matters
  • How they marketed themselves before the internet
  • The discipline required to sustain success
  • Why they never chased trends
  • How to build a career that lasts decades
  • The importance of knowing your audience
  • Why passion alone isn't enough

About Foster & Allen

Foster & Allen are one of Ireland's most successful music acts, with a career spanning more than five decades and over 20 million records sold worldwide.

Comprised of Mick Foster and Tony Allen, the duo became international stars through relentless touring, timeless music and a deep connection with their audience.

From local dance halls to Top of the Pops and sold-out international tours, Foster & Allen have built one of the most enduring careers in Irish music history.

Success takes longer than you think.

Chapters

  1. 00:00 Meet Foster & Allen
  2. 02:22 The Beginning Of Foster & Allen
  3. 04:29 Making Music A Full-Time Career
  4. 05:22 The Marketing Strategy That Started It All
  5. 08:02 Realising Success Was Happening
  6. 11:34 Lessons From Their First Jobs
  7. 13:12 Why They've Lasted 50 Years
  8. 14:38 The Story Behind The Famous Green Suits
  9. 17:42 Performing On Top Of The Pops
  10. 22:25 Why They Never Wrote Their Own Songs
  11. 23:45 The Best Part Of Being Foster & Allen
  12. 29:14 Favourite Places To Perform Around The World
  13. 31:26 The Importance Of Promotion
  14. 35:35 Business Lessons For Success
  15. 38:39 How Music Marketing Has Changed
  16. 42:10 Their Favourite Interviewers
  17. 46:07 Behind The Scenes Of Their Music Videos
  18. 50:49 Work-Life Balance & Family
  19. 52:00 Why Consistency Matters
  20. 54:45 Knocking Take That Off Number One
  21. 57:16 Bringing A Hit Song Back To Life
  22. 58:30 Performing In Croke Park
  23. 01:03:00 Facing Fear & Learning New Skills
  24. 01:07:27 Their Most Memorable Career Moments
  25. 01:08:06 How They Want To Be Remembered