Stevie G: Good times for Cork music lovers
Even big stars like Nile Rodgers of Chic had doors slam in his face many times before fame, and speaking to him on one of his many visits here, he told me how much he appreciates being able to still work in music today, writes Stevie G. Picture: Ray Keogh
I was driving across the city (thankfully against the traffic) as the crowds descended on both venues and the buzz in the air was very evident. Both gigs drew huge crowds and the knock-on for the city was very obvious, with bars and restaurants doing steady business all afternoon. On the Wednesday after these two shows, I was doing a lunchtime gig on the plaza of the newly renovated Fifth Quarter on Paul Street right next to Rory Gallagher place, and was impressed to see so many visitors taking pictures there.
Cork was absolutely buzzing, and with our hospitality sector struggling, I couldn’t help but think once more of the opportunities we would have if we had a permanent venue capable of hosting such shows all year round.
Both MCD and Aiken Promotions are the big hitters when it comes to large-scale gigs in this country, and both are willing to do shows in Cork, as evidenced once again by the Virgin Media Park and Marquee series. The gigs in Virgin Media Park have now ended for this year, but Live at the Marquee continues for another few weeks, with Declan Pearce bringing his Block Rockin’ Beats here on Saturday, and the likes of D Block Europe still to come. The Duran Duran and Chic show was mainly attended by an older crowd, as you would expect, but some of the revellers were practically pups compared to the rock and blues fans who came out for the Joe Bonamassa. Music is for everyone and both shows drew younger people too, and the timeless classics of artists such as Rory Gallagher and Chic will continue to be held in great esteem by music fans of all ages.
Rory Gallagher is honoured in Cork not only at the plaza on Paul Street but also by the newly named Rory Gallagher Avenue at the airport, on a road where he would have travelled many times back in the day as he toured the world spreading the gospel of the blues. I do music workshops in the Rory Gallagher music library down at the back end of our Cork City Library on Grand Parade, and it’s always a great feeling talking about music to Cork youngsters against the backdrop of his guitars and heritage. I’ve said repeatedly that we should use our musical heritage more when it comes to promoting Cork and thankfully, as time passes, we are celebrating Rory and others more. Of course, Rory is only one part of this story and in the future, I hope that Microdisney, Nun Attax, Fish Go Deep, The Sultans, The Frank and Walters, Talos and many others are celebrated just as much. Other cities shout about their artists, and we, especially since we are from Cork, should never be shy about celebrating our own!
It may have been big-name stars like Chic and Duran and Duran at Virgin Media Park, but local grassroots shows are the lifeblood of the scene and Cork has a host of venues doing this 24/7. The Roundy, Freds, Plug’d, The Kino, Coughlans, Cyprus Avenue, Bradleys and many more are hosting all types of diverse music, and deserve all the support and recognition too. It’s not easy for bands or artists or promoters or venues these days, but we all love music, and it’s this passion that keeps the scene going.
Even big stars like Nile Rodgers of Chic had doors slam in his face many times before fame, and speaking to him on one of his many visits here, he told me how much he appreciates being able to still work in music today. He also told me how much he loves Cork and Ireland and, let’s face it, during the summertime when the music hits alongside the sunshine, there ain’t nowhere better in the world!
