Amazing line-up for Philip Donnelly comeback gig at O’Keeffes

Guitarist to the stars Philip Donnelly is making his comeback gig at O’Keeffe’s, Clonmel on Friday, June 15 with a host of pals including Donovan, Mick Pyro from Republic of Loose, Mick Hanly, the Lost brothers and more. Tickets at €20 are on sale now from Hearns Hotel.

Philip had a quadruple heart by pass operation last August which saved his life. During the operation he incurred nerve damage to his left hand so he has been unable to play his guitar and work. It has been healing slowly and Philip tells us he should be ready to ‘come out’ on Friday June 15 at O’Keeffe’s.

Joining Philip on the night will be a host of stars including the legendary ‘60s superstar Donovan. “I am delighted to celebrate the music and life of my life-long pal Phillip Donnelly. Philip has graced my recordings with his amazing guitar style and sensitivety. And this June me and many of his pals gather to honour this unique Irish Maestro and his amazing contribution to music. Don’t miss it! “

Mick Hanley, one of Ireland’s top Singer Songwriters hitting the bullseye with his song ‘Past the Point of Rescue’, which went to Number 1 in the States; The Lost Brothers, a great harmony duo who are blazing a trail right now with their new CD, ‘So Long John Fante’ and Mick Pyro, lead singer with the Republic of Loose, who had a big hit

with ‘The Steady Song’ (This Is My Comeback Girl). There will be one

other guest appearing with Philip on the night.

Philip Donnelly started playing with rock group Elmer Fudd, which he helped form. He then moved to Hollywood with Donovan and started recording at Herb Albert’s A.M Studios, the Record Plant and Capitol Tower Studios; 3 of the biggest studios in Hollywood. He then went to Nashville with Lee Clayton to make the first of 5 albums with him.

Philip loved Nashville and Nashville loved his guitar style. He settled there and recorded 71 albums with artists such as Guy Clarke, Marcia Ball, Townes Van Zandt, B.J Thomas, Brenda Lee, Billy Burnet, Rocky Burnet and their dad Dorsey Burnet, brother of Johnny Burnet, Johnny Cash, Cowboy Jack Clement, Roger Cook, Emmylou Harris, the Everly Brothers, John Prine, Nanci Griffith (18 albums and a grammy).

Over this side of the pond he recorded with Ray Lynam, Louise Morrisey, Trudi Lawlor, Clannad and the Gary Moore Band.

Philip would like to thank Fran Curry who will be hosting the night and all at Tipp FM. Thanks to Pat Doheny at Premier Music for sound and light and Fergal O’Keefe for the venue and promoting this show.

Philip says, ‘it’s going to be a hot night and I’m looking forward to meeting old and new friends on June 15’.