Cork's Freddie White to return to his hometown to play fundraising gig 

A giant of Ireland’s music scene, who helped to educate the musical tastes of generations of fans, is to play a special fundraising gig in his hometown this month.

Introducing many Irish fans to the music of the likes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman, Guy Clark, Warren Zevon and John Hiatt, Freddie White has been part of the live music scene in Ireland since the 1970s.

Born in Cobh, he was playing professionally by the age of 17 and he moved to London at 19, where he busked on the London Underground, developing his unique voice and guitar style.

His earliest recordings, which were re-mastered and re-released in 2004, are still hugely popular among his loyal fan base.

Hi 1978 album, Live on Tour, was described by The Irish Times as “still among the greatest Irish albums of all time”, while no Irish record collection would be complete without his 1981 album Do You Do.

In recent years, he has toured Ireland regularly, while working on his latest recordings.

Gesture of generosity 

This month he will play a special fundraising concert in Cobh, in support of Great Island Theatre, something described by the theatre group as “not only a homecoming for the acclaimed artist but also a powerful gesture of generosity toward the cultural life of Cobh”.

All proceeds will go directly toward the ongoing efforts to establish a permanent theatre space on Great Island, described by the group as “an investment not only in local culture, but in the creative future of generations to come.

“His decision to perform this fundraising concert underscores a genuine connection to his roots and a commitment to supporting the artistic future of his hometown.”

Freddie White plays Christchurch, Lake Road, Cobh, at 7.30pm on Saturday, January 24.

Tickets are available online at www.greatislandtheatre.ie. There will be a limited number of tickets available at the door on the night.