As John Spillane celebrates over 35 years in the music business, Dolans Presents are delighted to announce that the popular musician is set to play Upstairs in Dolans on September 14th.
Over the course of his long, illuminating and exciting career within the world of music, John has sold over 100,000 albums in Ireland.
He has been the recipient of two Meteor Irish Music Awards for ‘Best Act Folk’ and ‘Traditional’ act and his songs have been covered by many Irish folk lumineer’s including Christy Moore, Sean Keane, Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Solas, Mary Black, Méav, Sinéad Lohan and Sharon Shannon.
Having successful secured a full-time permanent and pensionable job as a bank official on his 18th birthday it wasn’t long until the draw of the music business changed his mind.
“My mother nearly killed me”, he says.
His career to date has seen him play with a diverse range of musical outfits as well as serving a number of musical apprenticeships. He has played with the likes of Sabre, Noel Shine, Jimmy Crowley, the Stargazers, Nomos, Declan Sinnott, the Gaelic Hit Factory and A Stor Mo Chroi.
John is a native of Cork, the County he lovingly describes as “the centre of the universe”, and it has been a huge creative influence on him. Vocally, he is quite unique with an almost sean nós-like element in his singing and he is said to have a voice “full of honesty, commitment and sensitivity”.
Speaking as the gig was announced Mick Dolans of Dolans Presents said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming John back to Dolans Warehouse in September. He is one of Ireland's most dedicated performers. His stunning voice and musical interpretation of great songs will be a real treat for Limerick audiences".
Spillane is an advocate of the resurgence of the Irish language having released two albums almost entirely in Irish including the platinum-selling album Irish Songs We Learned at School which was recorded with students from a school in Ballincollig and features thirteen traditional Irish songs.
Spillane describes his career as a fantastic musical journey and highlights moments such as his teaming up with manager Lorcan Ennis in 2000, signing to EMI Records 1n 2001, and the release of 13 albums to date.
Spillane’s career has taken him across Europe, the United States, China and Japan.
John Spillane will play Dolans Warehouse on September 14th. Tickets are on sale now via https://dolans.yapsody.com/event/book/282711/5145961