The Legendary Mark Gilligan - Vox, Clarinet, Synth, Whistles, Bodhran
The Talented Danny Guinan - Vox, Guitars
The Unbelievable Siard de Jong - Fiddles, Basouki, Mandolin, Vox
The one and only Erik van Loo - Bass ( or his brother bas van loo 8-)
Influences
Elvis, Junior Brown, Elvis C, Darren Byrne, The Dubliners, Shane MacGowan, Johnny Cash, Lunasa, 4 Men and a Dog, Speranza
Sounds Like
if your granny falls over in the kitchen and no-one is there ...... does she make a sound ?
The John O’Gods -
Irish band brewing up a storm in The Netherlands. -
Six experienced musicians. A compelling mix of Irishmen and Dutchmen with an unmistakeably Irish feel. Three leadsingers with each their own unique voice. And a stage chockfull of instruments played by musicians who know just how to use them. Together they are The John O’Gods, storming their way around the Dutch theatre and festival circuit. A storm that doesn’t cease to blow until band and audience are one in a truly unforgettable musical experience.
With a tour of China already behind them, a gig in the back of a Boeing 747 to boot, a sold-out cd launch in Amsterdam’s rock-temple The Paradiso and multiple gigs in Ireland The John O’Gods are taking the Dutch scene literally by storm this season. The band performs a show as all-encompassing as the history of Ireland itself. Moving, energetic, surprising and inspirational. From trad to rock and all the way back.
Rehab clinic…?
Been seen and done before? No way. This six-piece have no problem in stamping their originality on what many have done before through a mix of originals and covers. The dynamism and chemistry on stage have to be seen to be believed. They give it their all simply because that’s the only way they know how to do it. Addicted to the stage…well, no wonder they borrowed their name from Dublin’s famous rehab clinic…never mind Amy, Pete, Brittney and the rest
Danny Guinan (vocals, guitar)
Born and raised in Co. Offaly. This red-haired Irishman has established himself over the years as one of the finest songwriters and performers in Europe. Luka Bloom himself described him as such recently. A singer and songwriter proud of his culture and not afraid to show it.
Mark Gilligan (vocals, clarinet, whistles, wind modulator, bodhran)
A true Dub, which you can hear the moment he raises his voice to sing. Also a true stage-animal who pours himself heart and soul into every performance, switching from one instrument to the other including that rarity the wind modulator (lovingly referred to by the band as ‘the hoover’). No stranger to the big stage having shared it with Ronnie Drew and Shane McGowan among others.
John Flierman (vocals, guitar, bodhran)
He may be 100% Dutch but nobody, including the Irish, believes it possessing as he does a mighty Kildare accent. Under the name John O’Dreams he has made quite a reputation for himself as the Dutch Christy Moore as not only does he sound exactly like him but is also the spitting-image of that renowned Irish singer.
Siard de Jong (fiddle, bouzouki, whistles, vocals)
Siard is the virtuoso in this band, able to play any instrument that comes to hand and as good at a moving ballad as he is at fast and furious tunes. Not surprisingly he has been regularly asked to tour and record with many big names including Ronnie Drew, Mike Hanrahan, Finbar Furey, Keith Donald, Sonny Condell, Allan Taylor and Within Temptation. Will blind you with his wizardry.
Ed Veltrop (piano, keyboards, accordion, vocals)
The pianoman, born and raised in the Dutch rock and pop scene and a lover of stage and lights since he was 12 years old. He fell accidentally into the Irish folk scene 10 years ago and hasn’t left since. A mighty piano and Hammond player who likes to jump up front at will with his accordion and let loose. He works regularly with many Irish singer/songwriters including the great Wally Page
Erik van Loo (double Bass, bass Guitar, vocals)
The real beast of the stage in the band. Bigger than the rest and able to show it! Whether on Double bass or electric the sparks fly off his instrument when he plays. No wonder he is regularly asked as a touring musician by many bands from all over Europe and the USA including Willard Grant Conspiracy and Steve Wynne. Since meeting Guinan and Gilligan has become the swinging backbone of the band.
Hello My Friends, and our respect for your work !!!
Welcome to our list and thank you for becoming our friend!
The helpless must be protected, and those with no voice of their own must be spoken up for. Those who prey on our children rely on silence, and it must not be allowed to continue! So thank you for adding your voice to ours, together we will grow louder...AND WE WILL BREAK THE SILENCE!!!
Hi Mark - thanks for the comment! The reality of Denver is treating me surprising well at the moment. I need to stay grounded and keep breathing. Thanks for a grand time over the weekend! Stay in touch.
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