Usually solo but occasionally I have
Vinnie Seplesky on bass
T.C. Carr on harp & vocals
Lenny Austin on guitar & vocals
Tom Kennedy, Glenn Evans, Dana Flewelling or Bob Gagnier on drums
Sandy Alexander on keyboards & vocals
Brian Kennell on bass
Mick "Sugarboy" Seretny on harp
and many other 'sitters-in'
Influences
I've been influenced and, more importantly, inspired by some of the gifted musicians I've had the pleasure of working with over the years....including T.C. Carr, Lenny Austin, Dave Williamson, Harry Dailey, Vinnie Seplesky, Stormin' Norman, Tom Kennedy, Glenn Evans, Jim Beach, Hector, Pete Shackett, Sandy Alexander, Mike Ault, and Mario Casella.
I grew up in N.H. watching Steve Tallarico become Steven Tyler. Steve taught me a lot about stage presence, drumming, singing and fronting a band. He's been a big influence and inspiration in my "keeping at it" even though our styles are worlds apart.
I guess my songwriting is most influenced by guys like John Prine, Guy Clark, Gary Nicholson, some would say Jimmy Buffett and, of course, my good friend Dave Williamson. John Hiatt is a huge influence lately as is Delbert McClinton. I'm influenced in one way or another by all my colleagues...we can all learn something from one another, even if it's what NOT to do!
Sounds Like
I've been told I sound like John Hiatt. I can't get outside myself to hear what I sound like but I'll take the John Hiatt thing as a compliment. I love singing his stuff, I know that!
Audiences everywhere have been enjoying Pete Merrigan's bands and solo performances for more than forty years. Starting at the age of 15 in 1965, Pete's career has taken him from high school stages to concert halls, smoke filled bar-rooms to festivals & opera houses, radio shows -on air and internet- and most every imaginable venue in between, through 19 states and 3 countries, a half million miles and several thousand shows. Pete has entertained crowds from the Caribbean Islands and the beaches of Florida's west coast to the ski resorts of New England playing acoustic guitar and harmonica and singing the songs he and his audiences love to hear.
A love of performing and a genuine love of his audience is what has made Pete Merrigan such a successful entertainer for all these years. People always sense that he truly enjoys what he does and that creates a good feeling in any room anywhere!
His fellow musicians have described him as the best front man they've ever worked with; a consummate performer with an innate sense of theatrics complemented by a funky, offbeat sense of humor, unlimited energy, a strong voice and the ability to portray, rather than just deliver a song. Whether the occasion calls for familiar, danceable material, a quiet dinner set, Pete adapts to the environment.
Three very polished cds chronical his original songs such as "State of Grace," "Born Here" and "Eye of the Devil" (of which Steven Tyler said "That's a great song!")
Although solo performing is Pete's main focus these days, he has a ready list of talented side-men to accompany him when the gig calls for a 2, 3, 4, or 5 piece band.
You can buy the cds at www.petemerrigan.com using PayPal!
You are the best, Pete. Thanks for the lessons, thanks for all the time. Not a moment unnoticed nor unappreciated for what it has taught me. Here's to 40 more. Love the music, always have!
Yeah actually I was there last night doing the emergency fill-in too. bring your friends w/ya next tues. the more suck-sess-ful we be the more likely we will be sticking around once or twice a month there too. & now Salt Hill is Unacoustic Mayhem w/Barson & Tommy. If ya wanna jam with Electric marmoset you'll have to travel to Manchester on Sundays. I heard a rumour you're fleeing for Fla. sometime soon. True or false I'm not driving down the coast to play tennis this summer dammit! The Angry garden Gnome
Hey Pete, not showing up to one of the best jams in NH, Because you had a paying gig???? Fine I can excuse that. we're confirmed thru March right now & alll is going weell & we've switched over to Unacoustic mayhem which is Tom Moore on drums w/Barson stilll doing bass duties. I got me a whole lotta bands sheesh. The Angry Garden Gnome
Hi Pete, Thanks for adding us to your site. The Roy Sites Band is a new high energy blues band from Tampa. We appreciate your friendship. We will let you know when our next show is. Please download all our songs and share them with your friends. We look forward to meeting you at an upcoming show. Keep making REAL music! Roy, Chris and Mark
hey Pete, thanks for tracking me down. My gig schedule is at www. myspace. com/srhsoundworks I will try to catch your set when your at S and Z in Claremont! scott
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