The Forebitter Crew

Founded in 2007, The Forebitter Crew...

The crew consists of 4 men and 2 women. Our repertoire is almost English-speaking and consists of Shanties, Seasongs and (Irish) Folksongs, in other words, Maritime Folksongs.

We expressly call ourselves a "Group" because our illustrious examples of the past did not intend to be a "choir" either.

We sing casually and passionately, largely a cappella, partly with musical accompaniment.

We would like to let you sail with us on our travels. We will cast off the ropes, set the sails and set sail, so you can listen to the specific sound of The Forebitter Crew in peace and quiet.

We hope you got an impression of who The Forebitter Crew is. We like to hang out in a "Little pub on the harbour" but we don't sing about it!

The crew on sailing ships in the 19th century was often a rag-tag crew, usually working in harsh conditions, led by the shanty man, who set the rhythm and pace of work.

Think hoisting the sails, working the capstan, pumping etc. The Forebitters (narrative songs full of melancholy and longing) , but also the Seasongs as well as the various Folk songs were usually sung wholeheartedly in the sparse free time on deck by the forebitts, (the bollards of the ship).