Brian Kennedy is perhaps one of the most gifted and positive ambassadors that Belfast has ever produced. Despite growing up on the Falls Road during the height of the "troubles" he is clearly proud of his Belfast roots and projects all that is positive about the city and Northern Ireland.
Brian is probably most well-known as a singer, songwriter and live performer but his repertoire extends far beyond. He has published best-selling fiction, represented Ireland in Eurovision, presented T.V. documentaries, starred with "Riverdance on Broadway" and collaborated and performed with a huge range of international stars most notably Van "The Man" Morrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
He is probably least well-known as a novelist even though he has written two novels, The Arrival of Fergal Flynn, published in 2004 and Roman Song in 2005. He has a third novel in the pipeline but his most anticipated work, his autobiography... Brian Kennedy: Harmonizing with Ambulances, which was due for publication in 2010 is still in the hands of the publisher. In a recent interview Brian implied that recent law changes with autobiographies has left his a little "hot" for the publishers to handle! Should be worth keeping an eye out for its eventual publication.
Unlike some other more tortured home-grown geniuses, humility, wit and charm are Brian's trademarks. His genuine enthusiasm for performing and in particular connecting with a live audience is evident from the minute he bounces on to the stage. His legendary "bum wiggling", hip gyrations, humour and banter never disappoint. Equally his ability to change the mood and perform a powerful, emotional ballad is exceptional. As such he was an inspired choice to perform at his "Belfast brother" George Best's funeral in 2005 and his globally televised rendition of "You Raise Me up" was a fitting tribute.
Brian like many performers has been "discovered" a few times... he played in his brothers band in Belfast during the '80's before heading to London where he was signed by the Spice Girls manager, Simon Fuller, but it was when he was spotted by fellow Belfast boy Van Morrison and invited to join him on tour that he started to get real recognition. In 2010 he celebrated twenty years in the music business with a celebratory tour and 'Very Best of Album' and seems to be more popular than ever.
I have been a fan for many years and have been lucky enough to see him perform twice. 2010 in the Belfast Waterfront Hall and April 2011 in De La Salle College, Andersonstown, Belfast. Both were great but quite different concerts. The latter which he did as a fund-raiser for the school demonstrates his commitment to Belfast and his willingness to give something back. (Incidentally he is not a past pupil) He spent time at the school prior to the concert talking to staff and pupils and I heard from several of them that he was "amazing"... generous with his time and very down to earth. What a role model!! After the show, as always, he was out among his fans within minutes. He smiled and chatted, signed autographs, posed for photographs and made sure everyone got their opportunity to speak to him.
If you get a chance to see Brian Kennedy live especially in an intimate venue in Belfast then I'd highly recommend you do. His next live show is something a little different: Brian Kennedy live at Cafe Vaudeville, Belfast and is the launch of a series of gigs on the lines of the T.V. show An Audience With.... Billed as "An Interactive Standing Event" and with a box at the door for you to "Put a Message in a Box" for Brian to answer during the show it is sure to have some BK surprises and magic!
Brian is probably most well-known as a singer, songwriter and live performer but his repertoire extends far beyond. He has published best-selling fiction, represented Ireland in Eurovision, presented T.V. documentaries, starred with "Riverdance on Broadway" and collaborated and performed with a huge range of international stars most notably Van "The Man" Morrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
He is probably least well-known as a novelist even though he has written two novels, The Arrival of Fergal Flynn, published in 2004 and Roman Song in 2005. He has a third novel in the pipeline but his most anticipated work, his autobiography... Brian Kennedy: Harmonizing with Ambulances, which was due for publication in 2010 is still in the hands of the publisher. In a recent interview Brian implied that recent law changes with autobiographies has left his a little "hot" for the publishers to handle! Should be worth keeping an eye out for its eventual publication.
Unlike some other more tortured home-grown geniuses, humility, wit and charm are Brian's trademarks. His genuine enthusiasm for performing and in particular connecting with a live audience is evident from the minute he bounces on to the stage. His legendary "bum wiggling", hip gyrations, humour and banter never disappoint. Equally his ability to change the mood and perform a powerful, emotional ballad is exceptional. As such he was an inspired choice to perform at his "Belfast brother" George Best's funeral in 2005 and his globally televised rendition of "You Raise Me up" was a fitting tribute.
Brian like many performers has been "discovered" a few times... he played in his brothers band in Belfast during the '80's before heading to London where he was signed by the Spice Girls manager, Simon Fuller, but it was when he was spotted by fellow Belfast boy Van Morrison and invited to join him on tour that he started to get real recognition. In 2010 he celebrated twenty years in the music business with a celebratory tour and 'Very Best of Album' and seems to be more popular than ever.
I have been a fan for many years and have been lucky enough to see him perform twice. 2010 in the Belfast Waterfront Hall and April 2011 in De La Salle College, Andersonstown, Belfast. Both were great but quite different concerts. The latter which he did as a fund-raiser for the school demonstrates his commitment to Belfast and his willingness to give something back. (Incidentally he is not a past pupil) He spent time at the school prior to the concert talking to staff and pupils and I heard from several of them that he was "amazing"... generous with his time and very down to earth. What a role model!! After the show, as always, he was out among his fans within minutes. He smiled and chatted, signed autographs, posed for photographs and made sure everyone got their opportunity to speak to him.
If you get a chance to see Brian Kennedy live especially in an intimate venue in Belfast then I'd highly recommend you do. His next live show is something a little different: Brian Kennedy live at Cafe Vaudeville, Belfast and is the launch of a series of gigs on the lines of the T.V. show An Audience With.... Billed as "An Interactive Standing Event" and with a box at the door for you to "Put a Message in a Box" for Brian to answer during the show it is sure to have some BK surprises and magic!
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