Mike Hanrahan main page
Fleadh
Review Aug 22
Welcome to The Stocktons
Wing Page
HOMETOWN: STOCKTON’S WING LIVE
LIVE ALBUM OUT February 11th, 2022
For Immediate Release: January 25th, 2022, marks the two-year anniversary
since renowned Irish Folk Band, Stockton’s Wing performed to a crowded
audience in Ireland. Fans will be delighted to hear that Tara Music is
set to release that live album of recorded music entitled
‘HOMETOWN’ STOCKTON’S WING LIVE
‘HOMETOWN’ is due for release next month February 11th,
the long awaited 15 track collection was recorded live in 2020 in Ennis
and at TradFest, Dublin. These were the last fully live shows the Wing
performed, one month prior to a world pandemic hitting Irish shores and
the year the live music sector went on hiatus.
It is the first body of work to come from the Legendary and much loved
Irish Folk Band since their No 1-hit retrospective album ‘Beautiful
Affair: A Stockton’s Wing Retrospective’
‘HOMETOWN’ features true favourite ‘Beautiful Affair’
(voted as RTÉ’s top 75 Irish songs of all time), ‘Walk
Away’ and the classic ‘Aarons Key’ as well as many Wing
favourites. The album will also include new material from the band available
on CD and digital formats.
‘HOMETOWN’ is preceded by a stunning live version of the
bands classic Irish trad/funk hit ‘SKIDOO’ which is the focus
track at radio and available now.
Stockton’s Wing will be headlining this year’s TradFest in
Dublin this week.
Stockton’s Wing is a collective of musicians hosted by founding
members Mike Hanrahan and Paul Roche. For the past several years they
have been joined by
fiddler extraordinaire Tara Breen, Karol Lynch on banjo and mandolin,
and guitarist Paul McSherry.
‘HOMETOWN’: STOCKTON’S WING LIVE OUT FEBRUARY 11TH,
2022
The band are available for interviews:
Track Listing as follows;
1
Drops of Brandy
2
Beneath the Shade
3
The Golden Stud
4
Walk Away
5
Aaron’s Key
6
In Our World
7
Silent Dreams
8
Blackhill
9
Hoppy
10
Chasing Down A Rainbow
11
Full Flight
12
Tatterjack/The Humour of Clonmult
13
14
15
Take A Chance
Skidoo
Beautiful Affair
Legendary Irish Folk Band Stockton’s Wing return with their live
album “HOMETOWN” on
release February 11th 2022.
For further information please contact Chantal Hourihan @ Universal Music
Ireland 086 6090970 chantal.hourihan@umusic.com
Follow them on socials here.
Spotify | Facebook|Twitter
Logo
New Live album out in January
with a few concert dates
TBA
STOCKTONS WING ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE & ‘A RETROSPECTIVE’
TOUR
‘WE HAD IT ALL’ FIRST NEW MUSIC IN OVER 20 YEARS - released
in aid of MS Ireland
HOW TO BUY THE SINGLE
DOWNLOAD
here
STOCKTON’S WING present their new single ‘We had it all’
on 7th March, marking their first new music in over twenty years. ‘A
Retrospective’ tour follows in April & May. All proceeds from
the single go to MS Ireland, as frontman Mike Hanrahan explains “Two
of my close musician friends Mark Gilligan and Niall O Callanáin
have been living with MS for a number of years. Their courage and determination
to adjust their lives through re-education and sheer positive thinking
is inspirational. We are delighted to release ‘We had it all’
be involved and we urge everyone to download and donate every cent to
MS Ireland who provide such a high level of support and care for thousands
living with the condition”.
Ava Battles CEO of MS Ireland “Everyone at MS Ireland is delighted
that Stockton Wing have reunited and are launching their single ‘We
Had it all’ in aid of MS Ireland. All proceeds from the sale of
the single will go directly towards the provision of services provided
by MS Ireland to the 9,000 people living with MS in Ireland. We are greatly
appreciative of their fantastic support and generosity”.
The single is supported by their ‘A Retrospective’ tour -
tickets are on sale now for their concerts in Dublin, Cork and Ennis on
18th, 19th and 21st April and 3rd May in Ratoath. ‘A Retrospective’
tells the story of Stocktons Wing through music, songs and stories and
their vast music catalogue spanning 4 decades - from the early recordings
of ‘Take a chance’ to the innovative and critically acclaimed
‘Light in the Western Sky’, the excitement of a big band sound
on ‘Full flight’ and ‘Stockton’s Wing Live’
and the engaging and stunning return to basics on ‘The Crooked Rose’.
Stocktons Wing is made up of a collective of musicians
who have stepped in and out over the years, all adding their own sounds
to the band. This tour will feature special guests and regulars including
Tara Breen, Karol Lynch, Tommy Hayes, Paul Roche, Mike Hanrahan and Paul
McSherry. During their 40-year career, Stocktons Wing recorded and performed
with Ronnie Drew, The Dubliners, Sammy Davis Junior, Maura O Connell,
Val Doonican, Sharon Shannon, Moxie, Sean McGuire, Finbar Furey and The
Clancy Brothers, played at both Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’
shows in Ireland and appeared in Oscar nominated movie The Field featuring
John Hurt and Richard Harris.
‘Retrospective’ Tour covers 40+ years of music and highlights
– overview:
1978 First album ‘Stockton’s Wing’ released
1980 ‘Take A chance’ featuring Mike Hanrahan and Maura O’
Connell duet.
1982 ‘Light in the Western Sky’ - a highly polished album
which represented a significant shift in their musical direction, focusing
more on the band's creative original material. The album featured two
hit singles, written by Mike Hanrahan - ‘Beautiful Affair’
and ‘Walk Away’. The album, produced by PJ Curtis, is regarded
by many as one of the great innovative recordings in Irish music.
Several TV appearances with Val Doonican on BBC.
‘Beautiful Affair’ enters the British charts.
Intensive touring throughout Britain including all major Folk festivals
1985 Live album ‘Stockton’s Wing Live-Take One’ produced
by Bill Whelan. Reviewed by The New York Times “they were eclectic,
electric, passionate, personal, innovative and powerful.” Tours
of America, Canada, Europe and Australia.
1986 ‘Full Flight’ featuring hit singles ‘Why Wait Until
Tomorrow’, ‘Avondale’, ‘New Clare Revival’
and ‘So many Miles’.
1986 Hit single ‘Avondale’ released in America where the group
continued to headline major festivals.
1987 ‘Celtic Roots Revival’ album produced by Steve Cooney
received critical acclaim.
Recorded two tracks with The Dubliners.
1988 Played before Michael Jackson at both ‘Thriller’ gigs
in Pairc Ui Chaoimh Cork.
1989 Guest appearance performing with Sammy Davis Jnr. in Dublin’s
Lansdowne Road as part of his world tour with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli.
1990 Stockton’s Wing on location in Connemara for the Noel Pearson/Jim
Sheridan film production of the John B. Keane play ‘The Field’
which featured Oscar nominee Richard Harris and John Hurt.
1992 ‘The Crooked Rose’ produced by Bill Whelan shows a return
to the acoustic sound of previous releases.
1993 On tour with Finbar Furey
1995 ‘Beautiful Affair’ voted into the Top 75 Songs in the
history of RTE Radio.
‘Beautiful Affair’ voted number 7 in all time Irish songs
Poll by Today FM listeners.
2003 Stockton’s Wing held their first reunion concert in their hometown
of Ennis, Co. Clare, which was a huge success with over 1200 people packed
into the West County Hotel.
2017 Awarded a Civic reception by Clare County Council for contribution
to Music and to Clare throughout the world.
2018 40-year celebration Tour – the band performed a number of key
festivals to mark forty years of their music.
2019 Stockton’s Wing ‘A Retrospective’ tour in April
& May with new single ‘We had it all’
facebook.com/stocktonswingmusic
mikehanrahan.com
twitter.com/stocktonswing1
ENNIS EASTER SUNDAY TREACYS WEST COUNTY HOTEL-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three shows at the 2018 Fleadh in
Drogheda
Wed 15th August The prestigious Flanagan
Brothers award will be presented to founding member Kieran Hanrahan
The show will feature a very rare
Wing line up with Kieran, Tommy Hayes, Paul Roches Maurice Lennon and
Mike Hanrahan as they performed back in the days of Take A Chance, released
in 1980 to critical acclaim.
Other shows
Sun 5th Aug O’Carolan Festival, Keadue, Co. Roscommon
Sat 11 Aug Screenes, Guilka, Menlough, Co Galway
Sat 18th Aug Marquee at The Thatch, Fleadh Drogheda
Sun 19th Aug West Court Hotel, Drogheda
Thurs 13th Sept Open air event, Listowel - during Listowel Race
30 years on August Bank Holiday Stocktons Wing perfored
two shows supporting Michael Jackson at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork
2018
https://ticketstop.ie/view.php?id=1935
Fleadh gigs in Drogheda
2017 40 years anniversary gigs planned for later this
year. Gigs with Leslie , Stocktons Wing and Roy Buckley
Mike sings his songs at Sunflower club Belfast April 6th.
Stocktons Wing live gigs to celebrate 40 years of Wing music.
Apr 20th Draoicht theatre Blanchardstown
June 16th Glengarrif Festival
July 8th. Mermaid Theatre Bray
July 20th Munroes Galway
Aug 6th. Ballyshannon folk festival
Aug 18th. West County Ennis Fleadh
Aug 26th Ballykeefe Amphitheatre Kilkenny
Sept 6th Clifden Arts
contact stocktonswingmusic@gmail.com
Twitter
Tommy Hayes, Karol Lynch,Tara Breen, Mike Hanrahan, Paul
Roche, Steve Cooney
Stocktons Wing are back performing after many years away
from the music except for the odd reunion show. After a very successful
run of gigs at The Temple Bar tradfest 2016 the band have decided to get
back to play venues and festivals. There are no immediate plans for recording
but that is a consideration.
Stocktons Wing began their career in Ennis sometime in 1977 with Kieran
Hanrahan on banjo , mandolin and harmonica, Paul Roche on Flute and whistle,
Maurice Lennon on fiddle, Tommy Hayes on Bodhran, spoons and bones and
Tony Callinan on guitar and vocals. The name Stocktons Wing came from
a Bruce Springsteen song, “Backstreets” from the album “Born
to Run”
“ Slow dancing on a moonlit street at Stocktons Wing, where desperate
lovers park to meet the last of the Duke street kings.”
The band signed a deal with Tara records after winning the Trad section
of a music contest in Limerick. A group called U2 won the rock section.
Stocktons Wing first album, produced by Clareman PJ Curtis received rave
reviews from national and international press
Singer/songwriter, Mike Hanrahan, after spending a couple of years with
Maura O Connell in a duo called Tumbleweed, replaced Tony Callinan in
1979 and in the spring of 1980 they released their second album on Tara
"Take a Chance." The album featured some original music and
marked the arrival of a progressive, creative and original force into
the world of Irish music. Following the success of the album, they toured
extensively, creating a storm of enthusiasm at major Folk Festivals across
Europe.
At Ballisodare Folk Festival in the west of Ireland, they met with Australian,
Steve Cooney, who joined forces shortly afterwards, playing bass guitar
and didgeridoo. In 1982, the Band released their third album "Light
in the Western Sky" - a highly polished album which represented a
significant shift in their musical direction, focusing more on the band's
creative original material. The album featured two hit singles, written
by Mike Hanrahan, "Beautiful Affair" and "Walk Away."
It also featured a haunting composition "The Golden Stud" a
combination of Aboriginal and Irish music. The album was produced by PJ
Curtis.
Percussionist, Tommy Hayes, left the band in 1983 and was replaced by
Fran Breen on drums and Peter Keenan on keyboards. After listening to
the band, a critic for the New York Times wrote "they were eclectic,
electric, passionate, personal, innovative and powerful." In 1985,
a live album "Stockton's Wing Live - Take One" was recorded
in Galway and Dublin, produced by Bill Whelan, capturing that 'eclectic,
electric' sound and enjoyed major success.
Tours of America, Canada, Europe and Australia kept the band away from
the recording studios until the autumn of 1986 when they recorded their
fifth album "Full Flight." The album contained no less than
four hit singles - "Why Wait Until Tomorrow", "Avondale",
"New Clare Revival" and "So Many Miles." The group's
sixth album, produced by Steve Cooney, received critical acclaim in America
where the group headlined many major music festivals.
In the summer of 1988 they shared the stage with Michael Jackson in Cork.
The following year they made a guest appearance with Sammy Davis Jnr.
in Dublin as part of his world tour with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli.
In 1990 Stockton's Wing went on location to take part in the Noel Pearson/Jim
Sheridan film production of the John B. Keane play "The Field"
which featured Oscar nominee Richard Harris and John Hurt.
Beautiful Affair was voted into the top 75 songs in the history of RTE
radio.
Today FM voted the song no 7 in a top 20 all time poll of Irish songs.
Mike Hanrahan, Paul Roche, Steve Cooney and Tommy Hayes are joined by
clare musicians Tara Breen on fiddle and Karol Lynch on banjo and mandolin.
In November 2003 Stockton's Wing held their first reunion concert in their
home town of Ennis, Co. Clare. The concert was a hugh sucess with over
1200 people packed into the West County Hotel. In the words of the band's
producer PJ Curtis "what an extraordinary, amazing, mind-blowing
concert the Wing delivered last night. I'm still spinning from it. It
was TRIUMPHANT!..no other word for it....such an incredible turn-out....and
the music and the vibe (Ronnie (Drew)too...who was pure magic as usual)
made it a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!! It rates as one of the top gigs of the
decade for me..."
Stocktons Wing), 1978
Take a Chance 1980
Light in the Western Sky, 1982
American Special, 1984/85
Take One Live 1985
Full Flight, 1986
Celtic Roots Revival, 1988
The Collection 1991
The Crooked Rose, 1992
Letting Go, 1995
The Very Best of Irish Jigs, Reels & Songs 2005
Live - Take One (re-release) 200
1
2006 Take One 1985 Live CD reissue Tara Records
Milwaukee
fest
With Bela Fleck
The music of Stockton's Wing has evolved into an exciting
lend of traditional and contemporary Irish music and song, performed with
power and precision by some of the finest musicians in Ireland. Back in
1977, in Ennis, Co. Clare, the five member group including all-Ireland
champions, Paul Roche, Maurice Lennon, Kieran Hanrahan and Tommy Hayes
with Tony Callinan won the traditional section of a Guinness sponsored
talent competition in Limerick (the rock section was won by a little known
group from Mount Temple School, called U2). As a result of this competition
they secured a recording contract with Tara Records and released their
debut album, Stockton's Wing.
Singer/songwriter, Mike Hanrahan, replaced Tony Callinan in 1979 and in
the spring of 1980 they released their second album on Tara "Take
a Chance." The album featured some original music and marked the
arrival of a progressive force into the world of Irish music. Following
the success of the album, they toured extensively, creating a storm of
enthusiasm at major Folk Festivals across Europe.
At Ballisodare Folk Festival in the west of Ireland, they met with Australian,
Steve Cooney, who joined forces shortly afterwards, playing bass guitar
and didgeridoo. In 1982, the Band released their third album "Light
in the Western Sky" - a highly polished album which represented a
significant shift in their musical direction, focusing more on the band's
creative original material. The album featured two hit singles "Beautiful
Affair" and "Walk Away." It also featured a haunting composition
"The Golden Stud" a combination of Aboriginal and Irish music.
Percussionist, Tommy Hayes, left the band in 1983 and was replaced by
Fran Breen on drums and Peter Keenan on keyboards. After listening to
the band, a critic for the New York Times wrote "they were eclectic,
electric, passionate, personal, innovative and powerful." In 1985,
a live album "Stockton's Wing Live - Take One" was recorded
in Galway and Dublin capturing that 'eclectic, electric' sound and enjoyed
major success This album will be re-released on CD in the coming months
on the Tara Music label.
Tours of America, Canada, Europe and Australia kept the band away from
the recording studios until the autumn of 1986 when they recorded their
fifth album "Full Flight." The album contained no less than
four hit singles - "Why Wait Until Tomorrow", "Avondale",
"New Clare Revival" and "So Many Miles." The group's
sixth album, produced by Steve Cooney, received critical acclaim in America
where the group headlined many major music festivals.
In the summer of 1988 they shared the stage with Michael Jackson in Cork.
The following year they made a guest appearance with Sammy Davis Jnr.
in Dublin as part of his world tour with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli.
In 1990 Stockton's Wing went on location to take part in the Noel Pearson/Jim
Sheridan film production of the John B. Keane play "The Field"
which featured Oscar nominee Richard Harris and John Hurt.
In 1991 Kieran Hanrahan was replaced by Davey McNevin on banjo and mandolin.
Drums and bass guitar were dropped from the lineup, shifting the musical
emphasis to an acoustic based sound. With the release by Tara Records
of a compilation of the best of the Band's earlier work called The Stockton's
Wing Collection, they renewed their contract with Tara and together with
producer Bill Whelan, recorded their seventh album The Crooked Rose in
January 1992. The album of original music highlights the excitement, drive
and virtuosity of each individual musician and creates the sound that
will keep Stockton's Wing to the forefront of contemporary and traditional
Irish music.
In July, 1994, Stockton's introduced to the lineup the award-winning young
singer/songwriter from Omagh, Co. Tyrone - Eamon McElholm. He replaces
Mike Hanrahan who retired from the Band to follow a solo career. Eamon
is a recipient of the revered PRS/John Lennon Songwriters Award and reinforces
the band's reputation for musical excellence with his live performances
and songwriting skills. 1995 saw the release of the Letting Go album which
featured Eamon's songwriting talents.
In November 2003 Stockton's Wing held a reunion concert in their home
town of Ennis, Co. Clare. Founding members, Kieran Hanrahan, Paul Roche,
Maurice Lennon and Tommy Hayes, were joined by long-time band member Mike
Hanrahan. The concert was a hugh sucess with over 1200 people packed into
the West County Hotel. In the words of the band's producer PJ Curtis "what
an extraordinary, amazing, mind-blowing concert the Wing delivered last
night. I'm still spinning from it. It was TRIUMPHANT!..no other word for
it....such an incredible turn-out....and the music and the vibe (Ronnie
too...who was pure magic as usual) made it a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!! It rates
as one of the top gigs of the decade for me..."
Traditional/Folk
Stockton’s Wing review from Gerry Quinn at The Irish Examiner
West County, Ennis
Saturday January 31st 2008
Four stars ****
The enormous drawing power of 70’s/80’s traditional group
Stockton’s Wing was confirmed on Saturday night last, with 1,500
devotees showing up in the band’s home-town for a once-off, rollicking
romp through their eclectic back catalogue. Minus the talents of the Wing’s
regular banjo/mandolin player Kieran Hanrahan for the night, his absence
was more than made up for by a sterling display from stand-in Enda Scahill.
The Galway man’s ornate mandolin began the show with ‘Drops
of Brandy’, as Maurice Lennon’s compelling fiddle soared over
and gradually cajoled the other group members into the icebreaker - laying
down a definite marker for a rambunctious and utterly compelling performance.
‘Miss McLeod’s Reel’ affords the basic footing for
Mike Hanrahan’s ‘Beneath The Shade’, with Paul Roche’s
lilting whistle lifting the song
to lofty and lark-like heights. The introduction of guests, Tony Molloy
(bass), Steve Flaherty (electric guitar) and Danny Byrt (drums), generated
an upsurge in intensity, particularly on ‘Walk Away’, with
Flaherty’s searing solo adding an extra dimension to the popular
song. Guest singer, Eleanor Shanley rendered a rousing version of Stephen
Foster’s ‘Hard Times’, while an innovative bodhrán
solo by the peerless Tommy Hayes added to the diverse and entertaining
nature of the overall presentation.
The low-key, banjo/jaw’s harp introduction from Scahill/Hayes to
‘The Maid Behind The Bar’, signalled a calm-before-the-storm
approach, culminating in a manic and uninhibited version of the old reel.
With a fiddle/flute/banjo axis, underpinned by Byrt’s Ceili band
style drumming,
an explosive Chicago Reel extracted gasps and howls of approval from the
large and frivolous audience. Though hindered somewhat by an obdurate
room, sound-wise and pockets of boisterous revellers in the throng, Stockton’s
Wing magnificently soared above perceived adversity to produce a memorable
and satisfying recital that hopefully will re-emerge again, in the not
too distant future. Gerry Quinn
Gig to be announced for Jan 2009 Stay tuned
July 07 look out for a show in December in Ennis this
year. Its looking good.
There may be some shows this year. Its possible that
the lads will get together for the Legends of Folk series of gigs in Dublin
and Cork.
Meanwhile...............
Beautiful
Affair Archive video from Self Aid Concert, Dublin 1985
Listen to Stockton's Wing on
Internet Radio
BEAUTIFUL AFFAIR VOTED NO 7 in TODAY FM POLL OF BEST
25 SONGS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. Magnificent result. Thanks to all who voted.
Check out Mikes News Page
for comments.
MIKE HANRAHAN HOME
PAGE
STOCKTON'S
WING REUNION GIG
VICAR STREET WAS A MAJOR SUCCESS AND THE LADS HOPE
TO GET TOGETHER FOR A FEW GIGS IN 2005. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON ANY
DEVELOPMENTS.
If you wish to contact in relation to the Wing Reunion
please e-mail
stocktonswingmusic@gmail.com
Stocktons
Wing "light in The Western Sky reunion"
at
Vicar Street, Dublin May 15th
2004
RONNIE DREW AND SEAN KEANE (Chieftains) were special
guests on the evening.
STOCKTONS WING
In 1982 Stocktons Wing made their seminal recording 'Light in the Western
Sky' featuring band members Kieran Hanrahan (Banjo and Mandolin), Mike
Hanrahan (Guitar and vocals), Maurice Lennon (Fiddle and Viola), Paul
Roche (Flute and Whistles) and Tommy Hayes (Bodhran, spoons and percussion)
Remember..... Beautiful Affair, Walk Away, The Belltable, The Golden Stud...The
line up that gave you this innovative and exciting music are delighted
to return to the stage in their home town of Ennis in Co.Clare.
In the early eighties the band toured their unique blend of Traditional
and Contemporary Irish music the length and breath of the globe entertaining
audiences wherever they performed. It is almost twenty years since this
particular line shared the stage and in the intervening years each of
the lads have continued to carve out successful individual careers in
the music industry. The great success of a recent Charity gig in Ennis
prompted the notion of a Dublin show.
" It's twenty years since Mike, Maurice, Paul, Tommy and I played
together on stage. We're very excited about the gig at Vicar Street and
we're looking forward to a great night " Kieran Hanrahan . Kieran
is the presenter of RTE Radio's flagship traditional music programme Ceili
House
" It will be a special night for the band and our fans who constantly
request the return of this particular line up" Mike Hanrahan. Mike
has a successful solo career with two CD releases, performs and records
with Ronnie Drew and is currently Chairman of IMRO Irish Music Rights
Organisation.
The Band recently came together for the first time in twenty
years to play a benefit gig in Ennis. Here are some of the comments:
" I recorded with the lads many years ago and I have
always loved their style of music, honest and straightforward and never
afraid to take the odd chance. They have not lost any of the fire and
if anything only got much better. It was an amazing performance"
Ronnie Drew
A more passionate and powerful gig has not been witnessed in the Clare
town in recent times. "Light in the Western Sky" probably the
group's finest album provided a satisfying source for some of the finer
moments of this excellent concert. Instrumentals like "The Belltable"
and "The Golden Stud" showcased their highly innovative approach
to arranging and presenting traditional tunes, while songs like "Walk
Away" and "Beautiful Affair" reaffirmed the reason why
Stockton's Wing crossed over successfully into a more pop/folk market
at the time.
Gerry Quinn, Irish Examiner
"what an extraordinary, amazing, mind-blowing concert
the Wing delivered last night. I'm still spinning from it. It was TRIUMPHANT!..no
other word for it....such an incredible turn-out....and the music and
the vibe made it a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!! It rates as one of the top gigs
of the decade for me..."
PJ CURTIS, Broadcaster, writer and Producer
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER 2003 Reunion gig
Thanks to all
who supported the re union gig.We are delighted to report that it was
the most memorable of occasions. A full house who cheered the great
talent that is Ronnie Drew and welcomed the return of Stockton's Wing
to the stage after so many years. We had an extra guest, thirteen year
old fiddle player Tara Breen, whose talent is quite special.
Orla Platten and Footsteps Downs Syndrome (Clare) were the
main beneficiaries but 1400 music fans, Ronnie Drew, Tara Breen, Kieran
Hanrahan, Paul Roche, Mike Hanrahan, Maurice Lennon and Tommy Hayes have
all added a new room to their memory and it is filled with Jigs, reels,
songs, stories, the incredible audience reaction and participation and
an amazing buzz that filled the room to make this event a "should
have been there gig"
As PJ Curtis put it:
"what an extraordinary, amazing, mind-blowing
concert the Wing delivered last night. I'm still spinning from it. It
was TRIUMPHANT!..no other word for it....such an incredible turn-out....and
the music and the vibe (Ronnie too...who was pure magic as usual) made
it a NIGHT TO REMEMBER!!! It rates as one of the top gigs of the decade
for me..."
And so say all of us at mikehanrahan.com, Stocktons Wing, Footsteps Downs
Syndrome (Clare) and Orla Platten.
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HELPED IN SO MANY WAYS TO ENSURE
A GREAT SUCCESS
Gig Review
By Gerry Quinn
Irish Examiner Tue Dec 2nd 2003.
gquinn.ennis@eircom.net
A palpable drone of expectation gathered around Ennis' West County Hotel's
function room prior to the appearance of Stockton's Wing for a once-off
benefit concert in aid of Down Syndrome Awareness, and in particular the
plight of 4 year old Orla Platten who suffers from atlanto-axial subluxation.
Twenty years had passed since this assemblage of Kieran Hanrahan, Tommy
Hayes, Paul Roche, Maurice Lennon and Mike Hanrahan played on stage together
and now 1400 fans eagerly awaited
the sound of fiery traditional music, the hallmark of a group who blazed
a trail around the world in the late seventies and right throughout the
eighties.
Though varying ensembles have traded under the moniker in the interim,
this was the Stockton's Wing line-up that many saw as being the most creative
and distinctive in the band's long career. The large audience shoe-horned
into the venue were not disappointed. A more passionate
and powerful gig has not been witnessed in the Clare town in recent times.
Given the fact that little Orla is the niece of the Hanrahan siblings,
and Ennis was the birthplace of the "Wing" back in 1977, it
was clear that
the regrouped quintet were always going to be faced with a partisan welcome.
Yet the boys did not rest on their laurels and produced a balanced set
of instrumental virtuosity interspersed with plaintiff and melodic vocals.
"Light in the Western Sky" probably the group's finest album
provided
a satisfying source for some of the finer moments of this excellent concert.
Instrumentals like "The Belltable" and "The Golden Stud"
showcased their highly innovative approach to arranging and presenting
traditional tunes, while songs like "Walk Away" and "Beautiful
Affair" reaffirmed the reason why Stockton's Wing crossed over successfully
into a more pop/folk market at the time.
The addition of "Dervish" members Tom Morrow on fiddle and
Shane Mitchell on accordion for two sets of tunes, added to the frantic
nature of the gig, but it was Ronnie Drew's collaboration that drew the
bulk of approval from the ecstatic attendance. Earlier in the night the
Dubliner had performed a potent set to a capricious and vacillating congregation,
but on this occasion in the company of the home-town heroes, the hirsuted
legend delivering "Now I'm Easy" and Mike Hanrahan's "We
Had It All", had the large crowd spell-bound.
Other highlights included percussionist Tommy Hayes' spoon playing, while
Paul Roche paid special tribute to the late Micho Russell with a fantastic
rendition of "The Boy in the Gap" on the whistle. Good-natured
fun, coupled with intense and passionate playing elevated this gig to
that of epic proportions. The meritorious cause benefited immensely from
the band's laudable and dynamic musical efforts, and the uproarious audience
reaction added to the incredible buzz generated.
As a footnote, the fiddle playing of thirteen year old Tara Breen who
opened the show, emphasised the fact that the conveyor-belt of traditional
talent that exhibits prodigious Clare musicians, is as productive as ever:
definitely one for the future.
Copyright © Mike
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