‘People have never needed music more than they do right now’ - Phil Coulter

The Derry music maestro, who has had hits in every decade since the 60s, wanted to reach out to his fans and provide entertainment in a worrying and uncertain time.

In recent months, he has been showcasing his music - as well as that of others- via Facebook on The Lockdown Lounge, a 30-40 minute live stream from his home. It has been a huge success, with over one million hits from across the world, including from Buenos Aires, Argentina, South Africa and the Far East.

This ability and enthusiasm to adapt and reach out to fans has led to a new intimate concert show, ‘Up Close and Personal with Phil Coulter’ featuring special guests George Hutton and Geraldine Branagan at Venue Theatre, Ratoath.

Described as ‘one for the history books,’ the third and final night, on Saturday, October 3, will be livestreamed.

Speaking to the ‘Journal’ this week, Phil said the connections he was able to make via social media have ‘really opened up’ his eyes.

“When Covid hit, I decided that, rather than feel sorry for myself, I needed to stay active. I’ve been very productive over the last few months through social media.

“I’ve had a Facebook page for nearly 10 or 12 years and I think I’ve been on it 10 or 12 times. But the younger guys on my team said: ‘Phil, you really need to get on this social thing. It’s how you’re going to reach your fans.

“We did it very actively on Facebook and posted regularly on the Phil Coulter Music page.

“We started the Lockdown Lounge every Saturday afternoon, where I’d sit at the piano, play a few tunes, read a bit of my book - generally random stuff.

“Through the week we’d post a few tracks, either myself, Geraldine, my wife, or the great George Hutton, from Derry, who is my latest discovery, We had over a million hits and it really opened up my eyes.

“My desire was to try and keep in touch with my fans but in the process I’m picking up even more.

“The upside of all this - the downside of having no entertainment and performing - is that there’s an opportunity to reach out to a wider audience. We’d have no less than 5000 people with us on a Saturday.”

Phil mused that the success of the Lockdown Lounge represents how people are ‘hungry’ for entertainment and music.

“It’s part of our DNA. People have never needed music more than they do right now, in my estimation.

“It’s bad news after more bad news. There is no light relief. You can’t go to a pub and hear a band sing a few tunes.”

In response to this ‘hunger’ for live music, Phil decided to do the ‘Up Close and Personal Shows,’ during which the venue will have ten tables of four people, with no more than 50 in total in the room to adhere to Covid 19 restrictions.

“The onus is on me to raise the game and this is on a different level.

“The Saturday night will be the live stream and we have proper stage lighting, cameras and a director. I wanted to do it properly.”

It will also provide him with the opportunity to perform to an audience, albeit small, and he said the shows and live streams are a ‘new adventure.’

“For an old dog, in this game for 55 years, it’s exciting to be finding something new to be doing, This is my latest reinvention and it has been a steep learning curve. I wouldn’t claim to be tech savvy, but by God, I’ve had to learn in recent months.

“I think you have to be brave. People would be saying: ‘Sure, he’s been doing it for years. He’ll probably pack it in now there are no gigs.’ But, that wouldn’t be my style.”

He is also continuing to write and is currently working with the hugely popular Irish band, Picture This.

“I still listen and think as a songwriter and these guys jumped out at me. They write good, hooky pop sings.

“It has been a great adventure and we’re learning from each other. I’m the old dog who has been in it many years and they bring a fresh energy.”

Tickets for the ‘Up Close and Personal with Phil Coulter’ livestream can be purchased on www.thevenuerathoath.com. There is also further information on the Phil Coulter Facebook page. The events take place on Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd and Saturda 3rd October and the Live Stream Concert will take place on the third night, Saturday, October 3.