BRENDAN LOUGHREY - On-stage with "The Father Of Rock'n'Roll", Chuck Berry.
Born Brendan Anthony Loughrey in the summer of 1970, this County Donegal man has witnessed first-hand the hardships and struggles of life along the North-South Irish border divide. A strong family tradition of music, song and storytelling has provided Brendan with the very solid conviction and foundation that has evolved into his passionate and prolific songwriting and performances. Brendan's Dad (Brendan!) bought him his first guitar at the age of 15, a replica Chuck Berry electric guitar, with the unforgettable words "You'll reach more people with this guitar son, than you'll ever reach with a rifle". Brendan very quickly became a local favorite performing his uniquely powerful and heartfelt renditions of the Irish rebel songs and ballads that he'd grown up listening to. Soon finding himself "on the road" almost by default, in the 25 years since, he has appeared at just about every pub, club and venue in Ireland.
His hard-earned and fought for reputation of REMAINING uncompromisingly true to his music followed him to Music City, USA, when, in January of 1999, Brendan was offered the position as House Musician at the then largest Irish Pub in North America, The Seanachie Irish Pub (Shawn-a-key) in Nashville, Tennessee. This prestigious position was to be the turning point in Brendan's career and if an "opening night" could be planned better, we surely don't know how! Brendan's very first performance, late January '99, The Seanachie, 4th & Broadway, Nashville, TN, was a remarkable evening. By pure blind coincidence, in the audience that night, was Americana folk legend John Prine (John's wife is from County Donegal), the infamous Comedian Jackie Mason, Warner Brothers Records Nashville Vice President Bob "Screamin' Johnny Wales" Saporitti and Dublin born drummer from Stockton's Wing, Fran Breen. To make a very long story short folks, after his show that cold winters evening, Brendan found himself at a Nashville "after-party" with Nigel Paul (Manfred Mann), Dennis Locorriere (Dr. Hook), Ray Fleck (Garth Brooks Band), Nancy Peppers (Marc Almond, Softcell), Mark Niemic (Atlantic Records) and a host of other remarkably talented artists of all kinds and from all walks of the entertainment industry. This solitary fortuitous whiskey-filled evening eventually led to the release of Brendan's 1st Solo Album "Atlantic Breeze" which featured the amazing talents of Fran Breen, Elio Giordano, Mark Neimic, Pat Finnegan, DeAnn Whalen, Rob Nicholson, Vickie & Etta Carrick, and Brendan had a little input also!
Over the past 25 years Brendan has had the privilege of sharing the stage with many magnificent talents, notably being asked to open for acts such as his childhood hero and "The Father Of Rock 'n' Roll", Mr. Chuck Berry. Also, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Lorrie Morgan & Sting. He was the Dialect Coach for Brian Friels' play "Freedom Of The City" in 2003, has performed the Star Spangled Banner from a sold out Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium in Chicago 3 times for over 44,000 people. Has released 6 more CD's including the stunningly unexpected hit "Last Set Of The Night"... voted Celtic Album of the Year 2007... blah-de-blah-de-blah-de-blah... etc... etc...
A musician, a performer, an ENTERTAINER. Brendan Loughrey is a man who cares deeply and sincerely about preserving and advancing the songs and stories of Ireland and it's tumultous past.
