groups tend to be short lived on the folk club circuit, i speak as a professional of 46 years,i made a living for that period as a duo and solo artist, its economics.
however when i started as a pro, i played drums in a ceilidh band as well and later played concertina in a ceilidh band.
I have been earning a living at it for longer than any of the people Ray mentioned, however my decision to move to ireland 30 years ago, meant i could work in two places easily., with less travelling
other longer standing professional solo artists include brian peters,pete coe, martin carthy, nic dow, steve turner]also music instrument dealer,martin wyndham read[antique specialist]chris foster