Author Archives: Nick Kelly

The Lost Brothers – After The Fire

Having served up a cracking Christmas single last month, The Lost Brothers return with the title track from their forthcoming album After The Fire, After The Rain.

Oisin Leech (top left) and Mark McCausland have roped in a stellar cast of American musicians including M Ward, Howe Gelb and Bob Dylan’s bassist Tony Garnier on this nuanced tale of tragedy and recovery.

Oisin says:

“The song itself is a statement of perseverance and survival against all the odds. A flower growing from the aftermath, the rubble and the ashes..”

The atmospheric video was directed by Gavin Wood.

The Lost Brothers nationwide tour stops off in Dublin’s Vicar Street on March 20.

Nick says: Brothers are doing it for themselves.

The Lost Brothers

This morning.

RTÉ has announced the death of broadcaster Larry Gogan.

Via RTE:

The man with the golden voice, Larry Gogan was at the very heart of 2fm – and RTÉ – for over 50 years. Part of the original line-up for Radio 2 in 1979, Larry began with RTÉ Radio in the 1960’s, latterly presenting for RTÉ Gold

Lorcan ‘Larry’ Gogan (born 1938) broadcast his first radio programme on RTÉ Radio 1, and was in the original line-up in 1979 of RTÉ Radio 2 (which later became RTÉ 2fm), where he spun the first disc. He presented a regular show there until 2019.

Larry presented The Golden Hour up until February 2014. Famous for his “Just a Minute Quiz”, his catchphrases are universally recalled (“They didn’t really suit you”).

Larry also presented a variety of television programmes including Pickin’ The Pops, Go 2 Show and The Golden Hour.

He commentated frequently on the Eurovision Song Contest. On 8 January 2019, he moved from 2FM to RTÉ Gold – he presented his last programme on 2FM on Thursday 31 January.

Larry met his wife Florrie when she was 15. Both their fathers ran newspaper shops in Dublin. They were engaged two years later and married when she was 21. He is survived by his five children – Gerard, Orla, Grainne, David and Sinead – and 12 grandchildren. Florrie died in January 2002.

Larry won many awards. A Jacob’s winner, he was also awarded the IRMA Honours Award “in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Irish music”, and the Industry Award at the 2007 Meteor Awards.

RIP.

Rollingnews

Columbia Mills – My Last Christmas In Dublin

One more time with feeling.

As the festive season ends today on the Feast of the Epiphany aka Little Christmas aka Three Kings Day aka Nollaig na mBan, we conclude our seasonal musical offerings with this powerful performance by Columbia Mills singer Fiachra Tracey (top in pic above).

Shorn of all the tinsel and glitter, the reality of being homeless on the streets of the capital at Christmas is evoked with a strong sense of empathy. The video was filmed by Pete Kingston.

Columbia Mills release their second album CCTV later this year and they headline Dublin’s Button Factory on April 24.

Nick says: Help the homeless, folks.

Columbia Mills

Free Wednesday-Sunday?

Missing David?

Eugene Connolly writes:

Well, it’s that time of the year again…the 5th year of the Dublin Bowie Festival. From Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th…

36 events in 16 venues throughout Dublin.

Live gigs incl. Tony Visconti and Woody Woodmansey’s Holy Holy at The Olympia on Sat urday night, Rebel Rebel, I❤️Bowie, Art Crime Inc, Glasshouse, Heroes From Mars & London Boys among others.

Bowie inspired artworks at Rathfarnham Castle & The Space Between.

Book readings with Phil Lancaster (Bowie’s first drummer) and various others throughout the festival. Family day at The Church on Mary St on Sunday. More details below.

Dublin Bowie Festival

‘sup?

Via Charles Paine:

A Robin’s birdsong in Dublin, Ireland. January 2020. A relaxing few moments in a busy world.

Fight!

Meanwhile…

This afternoon.

Stephen Stewart writes:

First of the spring lambs leapin’ about in the shadow of Luggnaquilla [County Wicklow].

Fine Gael Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O Connor

 

Everyone stay cool.

Twenty women-only professorships to be established this year (Irish Times)

Rollingnews

This morning.

Barryscourt Road, Kilmore, Dublin 17.

Dublin City Council writes:

Coolock Library reopened today after being beautifully restored. The library has meeting rooms, study areas, a maker space and children’s library. Drop in & take a look!

In fairness.

Coolock Library

Susan Quirke – Winter’s Here

Cold enough for ya?

Capturing the chill of the Yule is this new video by Susan Quirke (top), who also records as Susie Q.

Originally from County Limerick and now based in Lahinch, County Clare, Susan has enlisted a who’s who of the Irish music scene to play on this atmospheric ballad, including Frames fiddler Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Lir‘s Colm Quearney, Justin Carroll, Rob Malone and Graham Hopkins.

With the winter solstice at hand, this is being billed as a seasonal balm for the soul.

Nick says: Throw another log on the fire.

Susan Quirke