Latest news with #JohnSpillane
Irish Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Live Aid at 40: Bob Geldof emerges from this less sanitised version of events seeming somehow more admirable
For the past four weeks the Irish-language music series An Ghig Mhór (RTÉ One, Monday) has chronicled the fortunes of various up-and-coming musical acts as they put on a big gig in their hometown with help from veteran artists such as the folk singer John Spillane and Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kíla. This week's subjects are the Connemara band Na hEasógaí, who fuse sean-nós with contemporary rock, and say they take their name from the seanfhocal 'chomh craiceáilte le mála easóg', or 'mad as a bag of weasels', on the grounds that they, themselves, are 'a bit mad'. If one were moved to pick holes in this self-diagnosis, the show provides many opportunities. As we watch them discuss their craft, scope out venues and attempt to negotiate a generator for a knockdown rate, Na hEasógaí appear to be almost parodically well-adjusted young men. Quiet, diligent and suffused with altar-boy politeness, they're a charming trio, filled with wide-eyed delight at the prospect of staging their first big gig, whether that be in a gym with coin-slot power supply or in a distinctly malodorous fish factory. READ MORE To aid them in this endeavour they are joined by Tebi Rex, a Maynooth rap duo who quickly find themselves beguiled by the band's earnestness and dedication, even if the two groups' musical leanings appear to share little common ground. What follows is an amiable journey towards what might be termed nanostardom, in which the band scout stages and transport for the gig, and attempt to drum up publicity by handing out flyers dressed (somewhat) like weasels. An Gig Mhór: Na hEasógaí. Photograph: RTÉ It is, in short, a microcosm of the scrabble and indignity involved in promoting your art as a young person, but also of the irreducible thrill of so doing. It's not exactly punk film-making, and anyone looking for a whiskey-soaked, blood-splattered paean to hardcore DIY music would do better returning to their battered copies of Legs McNeil's Please Kill Me or Simon Reynolds's Rip It Up and Start Again. This is resolutely gentle telly, filmed with all the anarchic energy of a weather forecast, but its style and tone work well for what is, essentially, a disarmingly astute chronicle of the admin and obstacles for any kid out there with three chords in their head and a couple of pals to play them with. In the 20 years since I last found myself palling around with teenage friends, trying to put on gigs featuring our (much worse) music, it's alarming to see how much, and how little, has really changed. The tyranny of Spotify followers and the spectre of venue closures haunt this younger generation in ways we never had to deal with, providing umpteen hurdles that seem wearily intractable for those of us whose musical lives and deaths belong to a predigital age. But the central dilemma of putting your art in front of people seems as familiar as ever, even in a show that gets around most of these problems by having an RTÉ film crew and a successful rap group take on some of the heavy lifting. None of this dims Na hEasógaí's passion at any stage, of course, and they charge through technical difficulties and venue changes with an unbreakable belief that their audience will be found, and that they'll be left satisfied. Maybe that resolve comes from youth, or perhaps you really do have to be mad as a box of weasels to believe it, but An Ghig Mhór is here to tell us that if you build it, they will come. At the risk of placing their efforts in the ha'penny place, it's 40 years this week since another self-possessed Irish man called around a few pals and decided to put a gig together. You might be forgiven for thinking we didn't need another documentary about Live Aid, the seminal movement of records, concerts and fundraising that has since begat dozens of anniversary events and releases, and at least as many films, dramatic re-enactments and, last year, a jukebox musical on the West End stage. But Live Aid at 40: When Rock'n'Roll Took on the World (BBC Two, Sunday) makes a compelling case for just one more go around one of the best-documented events in cultural memory. The early beats of this series – the first two parts of which aired last week, with another to air this Sunday – will be familiar to anyone who has been alive for the past four decades: Bob Geldof's visceral reaction to Michael Buerk's reporting from the Ethiopian famine in 1984; the slow but steady progress of turning that disgust into an unprecedentedly large charitable venture; and the artistic and logistical challenge of corralling the world's biggest pop stars into both a 'check your egos at the door' supergroup and the most ambitious series of live concerts ever mounted. Where this series differs is in its slightly more holistic approach to the story, placing the experiences of Ethiopians somewhat closer to centre stage and examining, if patchily, the broader context of international uninterest, cold-war politics and distribution issues that complicated relief efforts at the time. We hear from figures as diverse as an Ethiopian farmer, Woldu Menameno; Dawit Wolde Giorgis, an Ethiopian aid minister; and Rony Brauman of Médecins Sans Frontières – none of whom, thankfully, has much to say about the perils of getting Boy George on a Concorde from New York so he can make it to the studio in time to sing on the Band Aid single. Instead they offer refreshingly clear-eyed critiques of the movement's messaging and the occasional, and irrefutable, paternalism with which it was enacted, not least Geldof's sweary interactions with Ethiopian government figures, the questionable absence of black artists from Live Aid's Wembley shows and the titular query posed by Band Aid's seminal Christmas number one. Was it tactful, we may reasonably ask, to wonder whether people in Ethiopia, perhaps the oldest Christian nation on the planet, knew when Christmas was? Even amid the story's better-known early beats, there's stuff here I'd not previously seen. Geldof's tale of attending a swanky soiree in London shortly after first seeing Buerk's reporting is one I've heard before. I had not, however, seen footage of this very party, in which he can clearly be overheard saying, in real time, how 'gross' it is to be eating canapes with socialites while others elsewhere starve. Seeing it in the flesh seems absurd, a moment in time so weighted with everything that came after, it almost beggars belief that it was captured. And there is real emotion. At one point in the first episode, Geldof breaks down in tears while recalling the guilt he felt about being marketed as a white saviour during his trip to Ethiopia, when Do They Know It's Christmas? came on the radio. Through tears, he repeats words that feature several times in the programme: 'rage and shame'. Live Aid at 40 is, at times, a survey of Geldof at his most driven and visionary, but also at his most pugnacious, even arrogant; a portrait that deploys fewer of the standard messianic safety nets afforded to him by previous films, and gives his critics, and their context, a valuable right of reply. The result, counterintuitively perhaps, is a series of films that gives audiences greater reason to admire him, and the incredible things Live Aid really did achieve, than a dozen more hagiographical documentaries ever could.
Irish Independent
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
John Spillane among Cork musicians to perform as part of ‘Raise the Roof' demonstration
Thousands of people are expected to gather in Cork city centre for a cross-party, trade union-led rally to protest against the housing crisis. The 'Raise the Roof' rally, which is being organised by a coalition of trade unions and left wing parties including Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats, Solidarity/People Before Profit, and the Workers' Party, will take place at 2pm at the National Monument on the Grand Parade. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions have confirmed details of the musical acts for the Munster Raise the Roof rally. Cork musicians John Spillane and Martin Leahy will join the Cork housing rally and they will provide live music as part of the demonstration. Martin wrote the song Everyone Should Have A Home as a personal response to the housing crisis after being served with an eviction notice in early 2022 as the landlord wanted to sell the property in Bandon. Mr Leahy has travelled to Dublin every week since May 2022 to stage a protest highlighting the homelessness crisis. He began this unique form of protest as a way to shine a spotlight on Ireland's housing crisis. John Spillane, who grew up in Wilton, is one of the country's most lauded singer-songwriters. The musician performed with bands such as The Stargazers and Nomos before carving out a solo career, starting with his 1997 solo album The Wells Of The World. Spillane, who still lives in Cork is a two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad Act. His songs have been covered by performers including Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, and Sean Keane. There will be short speeches and live music at the National Monument before the crowd will march to Cornmarket Street. Cork Council of Trade Unions representative Joe Kelly said: 'I'm delighted that John Spillane and Martin Leahy will be joining us for the demonstration. I know that there is deep frustration across the country at successive governments' failure to get to grips with the housing crisis. 'Rents are continuing to skyrocket, and home ownership is moving beyond the reach of a whole generation of young people. This is our chance to show that frustration, and I hope to see as strong a turnout as possible,' he added. Raise the Roof is comprised of trade unions, housing and homeless agencies, women's groups, political parties, representatives of older people, children's advocacy groups, community organisations, student unions, Traveller groups, housing academics and experts.
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
TV Review: An Ghig Mhór sees John Spillane offer The Donnys some tough love
There is a bit of a niggle in the first episode of An Ghig Mhór (RTÉ One and RTÉ Player). The idea is an experienced success story on the Irish music scene mentors a young artist or band, as they prepare for their first big gig. The opening episode has Cork's John Spillane keeping an eye on Kilkenny band The Donnys. The Donnys: "To show the band their '70s rock vibe would appeal to people who grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Spillane (or more likely the show producers) decided they should visit, wait for it, a group of Irish soldiers who served overseas with the U.N." It works because they don't exactly get on. This isn't a Cork and Kilkenny clash. It's a generation thing. Spillane has been in the music business for 43 years. The keyboard in The Donnys is too young to drive himself to rehearsals. There is a bit of a class tension as well. The Donnys seem a bit posh, they don't really have an accent. No one would accuse John Spillane of lacking an accent. So when they tell him they have put up five posters for their debut gig in a Kilkenny night-club, he calls them lazy and says it should be 50. Next thing you know Spillane is handing out flyers to middle-aged men in Kilkenny with the band watching on muttering that most of their fanbase is young and online. It's all starting to sour between mentor and Donnys. John Spillane, onstage at the Lord Mayor's Civic, Culture Community & Voluntary, and Culture Awards Ceremony 2025: a different world from Ireland's indie and rock venues. Picture: Larry Cummins ROCK 'N' ROLL ADVISORY To show the band their '70s rock vibe would appeal to people who grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Spillane (or more likely the show producers) decided they should visit, wait for it, a group of Irish soldiers who served overseas with the U.N. The Donnys: "They are probably going to make it with or without advice from John Spillane." This was the only misstep in the show – it felt like the veterans were hanging around from another documentary, possibly about Irish people who served overseas with the U.N., and RTÉ decided to get a bit more value out of them. In fairness, time spent with some peacekeepers seemed to break some of the ice between Spillane and the band, and it was all systems go in the run up to the big gig. The Donnys were unreal when it came to showtime, lashing into the rock god cliches, with topless lead-singers and guitar solos in front of some admiring girls. Spillane (who gives great telly) is well impressed, saying he didn't expect them to be this good. In fairness, it wasn't really their first big gig, a quick Google shows they have played support slots with The Undertones and The Stunning. They are probably going to make it with or without advice from John Spillane. But this show is well worth it for Spillane's no-filter take on life, along with a reminder you don't really want rock and roll stars taking advice from their elders.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
RTE to host talent show which pairs up local musicians with well-known artists
RTE are set to air a new talent show that will pair up-and-coming musicians with known Irish artists, helping them organise and perform their first gig, in their hometown. An Ghig Mhór will air from Monday 9 June, 8pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. In each episode, a renowned Irish musician mentors an up-and-coming band and helps them to organise their first big gig in their hometown. From the sitting room to the stage, the series follows the bands as they attempt to find a venue, sell tickets and deliver the performance of a lifetime. An Ghig Mhór provides a platform to new emerging Irish bands and shines a light on the hard work, creativity and dedication that goes into putting on your own gig. From Donegal to Kilkenny, the series showcases a different town and band each week. Folk singer John Spillane will share his expertise with The Donny's, a five-piece rock band from Kilkenny. Singer-songwriter Eve Belle from Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal will work with fellow Gaoth Dobhair singer Hannah Mc Fadden, and her band Hannah B. Kíla's Rónán Ó Snodaigh will mentor band Leevy from the Múscraí Gaeltacht in Cork, who perform a unique blend of folk-rock and punk with traditional Irish undertones. Krea, a former member of Wyvern Lingo will guide all-female punk rockers The Hex from Lexlip, Kildare. Hip-hop duo Tebi Rex will mentor Conamara rock band Na hEasógaí. The band fuse their own sean nós Conamara style with rock and contemporary influences. Finally, singer and guitarist Síomha will advise Coolboy, a four-piece rock band from Laois. Each band has their own unique sound and performs in English and Irish. Every band wants to headline Slane, or sell-out Croke Park, but the first step on that ladder is performing your first big gig in your hometown. An Ghig Mhór offers a platform to the next generation of Irish musical talent, with their mentors, family, friends and their home communities encouraging them every step of the way.
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
John Spillane among community heroes honoured at Lord Mayor's awards ceremony
Folk legend John Spillane has been honoured for his remarkable contribution to Cork's cultural life, and migrant support group Nasc has been honoured for its tireless integration work, as the city recognised its civic leaders. Lord Mayor Dan Boyle presented Mr Spillane with the 2025 culture award as he hosted the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary awards ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday to recognise the contribution of various individuals or organisations to the life of the city. Among the winners of the six civic awards were Sanctuary Runners founder Graham Clifford for his work promoting solidarity and inclusion through sport. Musician Jimmy Crowley was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the musical landscape of Cork, as a collector and performer of the city's cultural heritage. Joanna Dukkipati was honoured for her commitment to supporting and empowering migrant communities through encouraging cultural expression, while Nora O'Donovan was presented with an award for her advocacy and efforts in championing the rights of older people in Cork. Siobhán O'Dowd was recognised of her long-term contributions to community development, inclusion, lifelong learning and LGBT+ activism in Cork, while environmentalist Maria Young was honoured for her dedication to environmental sustainability and her encouragement to all to work with and interact with nature. Mr Boyle said the civic awards are an opportunity for him to pick just six from the many hundreds he could have chosen, not for any one event or occasion but for a lifetime of dedication and service in the common good. 'And for every six I could have chosen, there could have been 600 others,' he said. We have all been touched or had our lives enriched by the work of one or more of tonight's community award winners and this is the location and occasion to acknowledge and recognise that. He paid special tribute to John Spillane's contribution to the city and to the world of music and culture, for his lifelong contribution to the popularising of the Irish language and the mythology, music and storytelling of Ireland. 'John Spillane is a man at the height of his creativity, energy and enthusiasm,' he said. 'This then is not so much a lifetime achievement award as a 'watch this space' award. 'John has given us so much and has so much left to give and it is only fitting then that we recognise this in a special way this evening.' Mr Boyle presented his 2025 community and voluntary awards to groups in various categories, including: The Mexican Community Cork, in the arts, culture recreation and heritage category, The Save Our Bride Otters campaign group in the climate action, active travel and sustainable development category, The Clogheen Kerry Pike Community Association in the community development and lifelong learning category, Mayfield Men's Shed in the recreation, sport, health and wellbeing category, Cycling for All Cork in the social inclusion, advocacy and integration category, The Hut Youth Project in the social services, charities and environment category. However, he named Nasc as the overall winner of the community and voluntary awards. Council chief executive Valerie O'Sullivan said while the council is an important presence in the community, it is not the sole means for making improvements in the community. 'Your presence tonight is a very important recognition of the fact you, the community, are the activists on the ground that plot and plan how to improve your area,' she said. Read More Cork sports retailer is running to a new location of its own
