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So how
did you start Drumming?
I suppose it’s in the DNA as they say, as my Dad played
recreationally and my older Sister played from very young and eventually toured
with some showbands in the late 60’s early 70’s. Though there was a Drum kit in
the house I was always more interested in Motorbikes as we had the famous
annual Skerries 100 race just outside the door.
But then Skerries also had the famous Red Island ballroom, where
my older sisters raved about the famous Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy and Horslips
gigs. Though I eventually caught Rory and Lizzy years later, I did however
catch Horslips in late 75/76 and it changed my life!
After witnessing the great Eamon Carr and his big Green Ludwig
kit up close, and of course his gorgeous playing, I was blown away, and then I
knew I wanted to actually play Drums. I was reluctant to tell my old man
afterwards that I wanted a Kit, as I was underage and was not supposed to be in
Red Island at all, mingling with all the Hippies and the smell of freshly
rolled lawn!
He’d have been furious if he knew I’d sneaked in through a
toilet window after being refused entry at the door ! But my fate was sealed,
and I wanted to be a Drummer.
So after much badgering and pocket money, I cobbled together a
rackety old set. I can’t remember the make, but then eventually bought my
Silver Tama’s in 1980. They are rare now, originally bought in
1980. I've lovingly minded and maintained them all this time. They
have a lovely history and have been used by RTE for Late Late shows and other
different recordings over the years by Horslips and others, but always loved
and cared for by yours truly. They have a big birthday this year!
Who are your favourite players?
Well as I was such a Horslips fan in my teens, I suppose the
brilliant Eamon Carr was my original inspirational hero. He has since become a
great friend and mentor. I also love and adore all by Thin Lizzy, and when I
started to play and try and emulate my original heroes on the skins I quickly
realised just how amazing Brian Downey is, and still is! We only spoke recently
and I told him, I recon he’s probably one of the most underrated drummers in
the world, (He laughed politely!)
I also believe he’s one of the most inspirational players due to
his mastery of Groove, Pocket, and the sheer simple beauty of his shuffles,
rolls and constructions within whatever track he’s playing.
Who here hasn’t played a Lizzy tune?... and when you really
listen to what he played you realise, Phillip Lynott and Lizzy were giants, but
they would never have been the band they were, without Downey’s brilliance and
very tasty and clever drumming.
Some are great at individual styles but I believe Brian could
play Heavy, intricate, and also with groove and sympathy to the actual song
he’s inside. Sheer Genius!.
My other inspirations I suppose were all players that I could
actually watch and learn from, as I went to see everyone, at every gig I could
attend and I still do!
I loved Robbie Brennan and his many collaborations with Auto Da
Fe, Scullion, Stepaside, and latterly Grand Slam. There’s variety for ya
!
I also loved watching Fran Breen and Peter Mc Kinney, and they
have played with just about everyone. On a world stage I greatly
admire most Drummers, but especially Bonham, Copeland, Mark Brzezicki, Vinny
Colliuta, Mel Gaynor, and of course Simon Phillips.
The new breed of Carter Beauford, Todd Sucherman and some of the
new guys and girls on Drumeo are just unreal.
On the home turf, Simon Freedman, Rob Kennedy and Johnny Boyle
are fantastic, especially the latter two on the “Whole lot of Zep”
outings.
My personal fav of the last few years is Eamon Ferris, he’s an
amazing drummer from the Vibe for Philo house band “The Low Riders” and
currently touring with Sinead O Connor. His precision and accuracy are gorgeous
to watch and hear.
Do you have favourite songs and albums ?
Gimme anything by Horslips, Thin Lizzy, Big Country,
Simple Minds, The Cult, Frank Zappa, include some Led Zeppelin, Thunder and the
Police and I’m rocking. My fav drumming tunes are many but I’ill pick these, as
I just love them for their construction and execution.
“Down by the Sea” off the first Men at Work album is my kind of
thing, its got everything. ( Have a listen to this hidden little gem)
Another I adore is Joni Mitchell’s “ Dream Flat Tyres” Vinny
Colaiuta is right inside and driving this brilliant track.
I love “Rise” by The Cult, I just love Mat Sorum’s style and
push throughout this ripper.
What’s your current drum gear setup?
Tama 5 Piece
Snare 5.5x14
Tom 12x8
Tom 13x10
Floor Tom 16x16
Bass Drum 22x16
Remo Tops and Evans bottoms.
Iron Cobra Double Pedals
Zildjian 14 ZXT Hi Hats
Paiste 404 16 Crash
Sabian AAX 18 Crash
Zildjian ZBT 22 Ride
Meinel Classic 8 Splash
Old China’s Small &Large
What gigs / projects are you currently involved in?
I’m currently on a Sabatacal from my regular hot seat with
Skerries/ Dublin based party-rock-pop outfit called "Risky Business".
We released our first Album "Unfinished Business" in 2018 to rave
reviews and great airplay on both RTE and Nova Radio stations.
We do everything from corporate gigs, weddings and birthday gigs
alongside our own perennials. Our annual "Risky Christmas" is now in
its tenth year. We’ve played gigs in Canada, weddings in Spain, London, and
recently an Irish pub anniversary in Portugal for the second year running.
We’ve also played Electric Picnic on the Trailer Park stage for the last five
years running.
I also have a great hoot playing with my other Muso’s ”The
Hipaclaptics” We play a Dirty Guitar Rock, glam-punk set, including
anything from Slade & T Rex to Billy Idol & The Clash, including our
twist on some other glam punk classics. It's a real fun, dirty rock'n'roll
vibe, and the punters love the craic of it.
I’m also teaching some Kids/Adults through my “Silent Drum
Lessons” page on Facebook. I love how stuck in the kids get during lessons as
I’m completely self taught and would have loved lessons like it when I
started.
So how did you end up with the drumming gig with the legendary
Horslips?
Ohh it’s a dream come true for me as I landed the Slips gig when
both the original Horslips drummer Eamon Carr and most recent Horslips drummer,
Ray Fean (Who’s another Irish drumming legend !) both proposed that I
periodically dep in the hot seat as sometimes Ray is fully booked with gigs in
the US and UK with Celtic Woman and also the new award winning “Come
From Away" Musical tours.
At first I couldn’t believe it!!! Think of how many
times I Drummed all those tracks in my bedroom as you do, in yer teens!
What an honour it was as I've been a huge fan ever since Eamon
Carr inspired me to play drums after first seeing Horslips live in
75/76.
I'd already sat-in at some other Horslips gatherings over the
years, so although initially daunted, I knew all the tracks and slotted in
perfectly.
It's funny that its all come full circle for me, as I looked
after the set up of Eamon’s legendary green Ludwig kit for many Irish gigs in
the late 70's as I travelled around as an eager roadie/fan watching my heroes,
(I'll include a pic, don't laugh, I had hair then!)
My first real opportunity to play with my Celtic Rock heroes
came about at the end of last year, at the John O'Connor Literary Arts festival
in Armagh last November. Playing a set of Horslips classics, that included
collaborations with the event organiser, Pulitzer prize winner Paul Muldoon as
part of the Muldoon Picnic, along with some original numbers with guest
vocalist Lisa Lambe.
The next opportunity came from the festival in Armagh, when we
were approached to take part in the BBC Two NI TV Arts show
“Collaborations"
which aired last year.
We did the horslips classic “Sideways to the Sun” in
collaboration with the trad outfit Ulaid.
Later in November of 2018 I also played the Horslips Con in the
Black Box in Belfast to hundreds of fans that travelled from all over the
world.
Last year we did some sold out gigs in Donegal and then a
brilliant live TV special for TG4 at the Fleadh in Drogheda, Its just been mad,
but such a thrill. I pinch myself sometimes between songs, especially when I
watch the front row bopping along, where I’m normally in the middle of them !
“Sword of Light”
What advice would you give someone wanting to take up drums?
Best advice is be yourself and just play, and play, and play,
ohh and remember to practice!
Thanks Myles ......
