Phil Coulter goes virtual in lockdown after 55 years at the top

And in the latest phase of a career spanning 55 years, the Derry composer is song-writing with two writers from young Irish band Picture This.

During the lockdown, Phil (78) seized the social media bull by the horns, live streaming on his Facebook page every Saturday from his Lockdown Lounge and posting new tracks every week. To date he has had over one million reactions, and when he posted a short ‘Town I Loved So Well’ tribute to his friend John Hume, it attracted 150,000 views.

In Phil’s own words: “When Covid hit, the music business fell off the edge of a cliff. Gigs were cancelled, tours were pulled, recording sessions were abandoned. When the stark reality hit home I figured I had two options. Either to sit in a corner feeling sorry for myself, complaining about the lockdown and blaming everybody from the government to the Chinese... or I could get creative and reinvent myself!

“In order to keep a profile with my followers I have embraced the technology. The response has been a revelation.”

To take all this to the next level Phil has planned three shows on October 1,2 and 3 in the Venue Theatre, Ratoath, Co Meath. The shows, called ‘Up Close and Personal’ will be in front of a restricted socially distant audience.

“On the third night we are live streaming the concert around the world.

“In an attempt to re-imagine our live performances this old dog has had to learn a few new tricks!” Phil laughs.

Phil will be joined at the gigs by guests George Hutton and Geraldine Branagan.

You can keep up to date with Phil Coulter on his Facebook page www.facebook.com/PhilCoulterMusic/READ MORE: www.derryjournal.com/news/people/phil-coulters-life-story-be-published-later-year-953352READ MORE: www.derryjournal.com/news/people/phil-coulter-and-roma-downey-join-tributes-late-john-hume-2931946