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The Legend of Luke Kelly
Based in Ireland. Category: Tribute Show
Location availability:
Ireland, International.
Or call 01-6211314
Outside Ireland
0035316211314
This write up appeared in 'The Scene'
entertainment newspaper and is similar to the one
seen in The Irish News.
Taking the legend of Luke to the
nation.
On January 30th, 1984, Ireland mourned the passing
of arguably the greatest folk performer of the 20th
century. In a country which has produced countless
great ballad singers, Luke Kelly is widely
recognised as being the finest ballad voice Ireland
has ever heard. He boasted a booming and expressive
delivery, layered with a depth of emotion and
feeling that left a lasting impression on all who
those who were lucky enough to heard it live.
As the lead singer with the internationally renowned
Dubliners, the power and passion of the voice of
Luke Kelly gave us the definitive versions of
numerous all time classics. Raglan Road, The Town I
Love So Well and A Song for Ireland will forever be
associated with the legendary Luke Kelly.
In 2001, the show 'The Legend of Luke Kelly',
featuring Chris Kavanagh & The Patriots, was
launched at the Hot press HQ in Dublin. In
attendance were many of Luke's family, friends and
former musical colleagues. The show proved to be an
overwhelming success and the band were booked for
what was to become a 'Sell Out' three month
residency at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin.
This success placed the show among the most highly
acclaimed box office hits in Ireland. The group have
continued to amaze audiences following powerful
performances in many prominent Irish venues. They
have also made memorable appearances on RTE
television and a fantastic 'live' session on popular
national radio show - The Last Word.
Lead singer, Chris Kavanagh, bears a remarkable
resemblance to Luke while his singing talent
captures the depth and the passion of the great man.
Chris's natural voice has been described by critics
as the closest comparison to the voice of Luke
Kelly, and that is some claim by anyone's standards.
Uilleann pipes, whistles, banjo and guitars, all
performed by nationally renowned musicians, provide
the backdrop to arguably the greatest tribute show
in Ireland today. The group consider it an honour to
bring Luke's memory back to the stage, and to be the
first to do so. School Days Over, The Town I Love So
Well, Joe Hill, A Song for Ireland, Raglan
Road....all the hits are present in this show plus
many more. The band has played to sell out crowds
all over Ireland and are in great demand.
Line-upand instrumentation
Click pictures to enlarge
Chris Kavanagh
Sings lead
vocals and plays long neck 5 string banjo.
The set list differs from
one night to the next but this will give
you an idea:
The Wild Rover, Home Boys Home, School
days over, Song for Ireland, Banks of
the roses
Farewell to Carlingford, Whiskey in the
Jar, Maids when you're young, never wed
an old man
The Auld Triangle, On Raglan Road, Tunes
on the pipes: Eleanor Plunkett and Si
bheag si mor, The Town I loved so well,
Free the people, Alabama 1958, Monto,
Hand me down my bible, Dirty old town,
Thank you for the days, The Black velvet
band, The night visiting song
Parcel of rogues, Dublin in the rare old
times, A nation once again, God save
Ireland, Kelly the boy from Kilane,
Rising of the moon, Scorn not his
simplicity, Hot asphalt, Lifeboat Mona
Joe Hill
And many many more depending
on the night or on requests.