Our Interview with Irish Music Legend SHARON SHANNON
Sharon Shannon, a fellow banner girl, is a hugely well known, super talented Irish musician. She is known for playing any number of various instruments, but, of course, is best known for her wonderous talents on the accordion and also for her amazing fiddle technique. Having clocked up many accolades over the years including the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2009 Meteor Awards and Most Downloaded Track for Galway Girl which she had recorded live with Mundy, Sharon is certainly no stranger to the limelight.
As a solo musician, Sharon Shannon has toured Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, and Japan. She has also performed for politicians such as Bill Clinton, Mary Robinson and Lech Wałęsa. Sharon is taking part in the Arthur’s Day Celebrations this year, on the 23rd September, along with over 60 fabulous artists around the country. Pub ticket holders in Dublin, Cork and Galway are in for a very special night with fantastic pub artists hosting the celebrations in 28 pub venues plus a surprise performance from one of the amazing studio artists in the intimate surroundings of a pub. www.ticketmaster.ie
www.guinness.com/arthursday
Q. Sharon, as a fellow banner girl we can certainly attest to your popularity in this particular county, but how do you personally cope with being so well known both in Ireland and Internationally?
A: People are nice about it and when I am gigging the people are there to see me play and it’s lovely to meet them, but when I’m out and about with my dogs and friends then people might recognise me and say hello but they are never a problem, Irish people are great like that.
Q: You were exposed to traditional Irish music from a young age - being born in Ruan that is hardly surprising - but at what point did it become evident to those around you that you were so super talented?
A: Ha, well thanks for saying I’m super talented! I don’t really know, I suppose I realised something was happening when I was asked to join the Waterboys. They were a successful international act, so being asked by them to go on tour was a big thing looking back. I just always loved playing and it was more about the enjoyment than anything else, and it still is!
Q: A hard question I know, but what can you say has personally been the highlight of your music career to date?
A: I’ve been very lucky, and have had lots of special moments with great musicians and singers. My career itself has been a huge highlight in my life and I enjoy playing with everybody, the names we all recognize and all the other musicians I meet in Galway, all over Ireland and when we’re away.
Q: Is there any one person you would specifically love to play for?
A: My favourite people to play for are the people who love music most for example; my mother who will get up and start dancing around the kitchen when she hears music that she loves. That’s what it’s about for me, the audience; I love to see the music give that spark to older people and also give that freedom to the younger kids, watching them lose their inhibitions and start dancing is amazing.
Q: What kind of things are you and your band up to right now?
A: We are getting ready to put the finishing touches on an album of collaborations that will be out in the next few months, and we are in rehearsals for the Big Band Christmas Tour with some very special guests. Also we have lots of requests to play European festivals next year so that’s pretty exciting, it’s great to play at home but also it’s really exciting to go on tour, but not for too long – I miss being at home , with my family, friends and of course with my dogs.
Q: You are going to be playing as part of the Arthurs Day celebrations shortly - what can people expect?
A: I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be great to celebrate Arthurs Day in Galway this year. We’re playing in the same venue we played for the Volvo Ocean Race, so this will be another great day for the city. We will be playing with the big band and have a special guest lined up for the show!
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