Cork musician Joe Philpott releases memoir

Cork-born musician and writer, Joe Philpott has announced the launch of his new book, All Roads Lead To Where You Are.

The memoir, now available for purchase across book stores in Cork and Dublin, traces Mr Philpott’s journey from suburban bedrooms and backroom rehearsals in Bishopstown to recording sessions with George Harrison and the long highways of America.

As a founding member of the Irish band Rubyhorse, whose song Punchdrunk was recorded with George Harrison, Mr Philpott’s life and career have spanned Ireland and the US, from Cork’s pubs to American stages and back again.

Alongside his memoir, the 52-year-old continues to make music as a member of The White Horse Guitar Club, the much-loved Ballincollig-based collective known for its rich harmonies and soulful reinterpretations of folk, Americana, and Irish song.

The band’s new album Sos Beag is out now, and their nationwide tour is currently underway, a reminder that Mr Philpott’s story, both on the page and on stage, is still unfolding.

Mr Philpott said that ‘All Roads Lead To Where You Are’ is “not just a book about music”.

“It’s about risk and reinvention, about what happens when you step into the unknown and trust that you’ll find yourself there,” said Mr Philpott.

The book has been described by publishers as a lyrical exploration of music, migration, and memory; a story of chasing songs, chasing dreams, and finding your way home again.

The piece discusses risk and reinvention, and what it takes to step beyond the familiar and into the vastness of America’s musical landscape.

Throughout his career, Mr Philpott has toured internationally, performed on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and shared stages with artists including R.E.M., Sheryl Crow, and Def Leppard.

Alongside his career in music, he co-founded Music in Community (MIC), developing innovative approaches to bringing music into healthcare, education, and community settings.

At its heart, the book is about the faith it takes to keep going when things fall apart, and the courage to return to what truly matters.

‘All Roads Lead To Where You Are’ is available at Waterstones in Cork and Hodges Figgis in Dublin.