Tommy makes a return to the Forum
Pic:Marc O'Sullivan/OSD Photo Agency
Derry’s Millennium Forum is a regular gig for Sligo’s popular singer-songwriter Tommy Fleming, and he returns to the stage here this Saturday 16th February as part of his ‘Begin’ tour.
After an absence from the music scene following the untimely deaths of both of his parents on the same day in March 2012, Tommy is back with an album and tour filled with cathartic and poignant tracks.
A return to his folk roots, the album is no doubt a tribute to his beloved parents. Speaking to the ‘Journal’ last week he said, “This is a very new chapter in my life, and the album does feel very different.”
However, Tommy insists that the concert on Saturday will not neglect the hits from his past.
“I always think it takes a year or so for an album to ‘bed’ down, so I’ll be doing about four tracks from it, but the majority of the setlist will concentrate on tried and tested songs that the audience will recognise.”
Accompanying the tour and album, is Tommy’s first biography ‘Let Me Begin’, charting his life from a young boy growing up in rural Ireland, through worldwide tours, meeting his wife and, of course, his musical highs (and lows).
His first Irish tour was alongside Derry’s own Phil Coulter, after a chance meeting at a charity gig in Westport introduced the pair. Tommy recalls that as a “highly influential figure in the Irish music industry” having Phil behind him was “the break I had long been looking for.”
From there he accompanied Phil on a six week tour of America, with a gig in New York’s Carnegie Hall a massive career highlight for the then young singer.
And even now, Tommy still takes Phil’s counsel on a regular basis. “I was visiting Phil just last week and I would still ring him for advice. I would like to think that he’s proud of the fact he helped me get to where I am now.”
In the meantime, Tommy is looking forward to this weekend’s performance at the Millennium Forum. “I always love playing Derry. I remember playing in the Rialto just before it was closed and the audience in Derry has always been great supporters. I never take it for granted that the seats will be full, but Derry fans are very loyal.”
Tommy Fleming will play the Millennium Forum this Saturday 16th February, starting at 8pm. You can book tickets from the box office on (028) 71264455 or online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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