Blog
Songs (and how they trigger memories)
It's funny how songs can instantly trigger memories, be they good or bad, happy or sad. Happily the story I'm about to tell you is a funny one. It's from the time when we were playing bars and small clubs all over the mainland of Europe. On this particular day, in...
More short stories in Ireland’s Own
Ireland's Own is Ireland's longest running and best selling magazine. As you can see from the date on the attached photo, it's first edition was back in 1902. That's a long time ago so they must be doing something right. I've been lucky enough to have had several...
Traces Of The Future – an update
You may remember I wrote about this documentary back in April... about how it came into being and all that followed. Well, I thought it might be nice to report on the progress since. It has been well received around the world. Just this last weekend, it was featured...
Chris Smithers’ version of Desolation Row
Every now and then you come across something on YouTube that hits you right between the eyes. While browsing this week I came across Chris Smither's cover version of the Bob Dylan song, Desolation Row. It's on his Train Home CD, which was released back in 2003. I fell...
Playing with Snowy White
Actually, my first encounter with Snowy was in Germany. We were both booked to play the same club on the same night. We were the opening act. I was perfectly happy with that arrangement. Shows start early in Germany. They're always run well and on time, and if you...
The Italian Job
While going through some old e-mails recently, I came across the following. It's a review of the "Beyond The Tears" album and a gig in Milano with Mick Taylor. You know, after the show in Milano I put "Beyond The Tears" on and I drove all the way back home. Ever since...
Johnny Fean – RIP
Back in the early seventies, Horslips was suddenly the name on everyone's lips. So imagine the surprise when my brothers and I suddenly saw them listed in the entertainment section of our county newspaper The Anglo-Celt. In fact it came as such a surprise we decided...
Traces Of The Future – co-producing a documentary
It's funny how one thing often leads to another, in this case how visiting a photo exhibition led to me co-producing a documentary. Herman van Doorn is a well-known Dutch photographer and a couple of years ago I was invited to a photo exhibition of his work in...
Spaziomusica Music Club in Italy
Shortly after Bruno passed away, Daniela contacted me to say she was putting a book together about him. She asked me if I'd mind writing something for it. I was honoured to be asked. Below you can read what I wrote for it. There is a link at the bottom of the blog...
The Music Man – RIP, John
Not long after I'd learned my first few songs on the guitar I was asked to help out with a local variety show, a sort of talent competition. It didn't take too long to realise I was out of my depth, so they decided to incorporate the talents of another local musician,...