Spillane, the Celts, and Red Hot Music

John Spillane and Willie Headon before the gig.

It was a sellout show tonight for John Spillane in the Red Hot Music Club in Fallons back room, writes Brian Byrne.

The Diary caught up with the singer in advance of the show, where he was discussing with Red Hot Music promoters Noel Heavey and Ray Kelly whether the Irish really are Celts? The conversation was based on west of Ireland-based film-maker and author Bob Quinn's publications, which include his Atlantean Irish: Ireland's Oriental and Maritime Heritage book co-authored by Barry Cuniffe.

The book's premise focuses on propositions that there are North African and Islamic elements in the Irish identity among a variety of other ethnic backgrounds, because we are a maritime state absorbing 'explorers, settlers, colonists, navigators, pirates and traders, absorbing goods and peoples from all points of the compass', and that the description of Irish as Celtic is 'impossibly narrow'. 

It was a pre-concert chat that that could have gone in many directions, and even included a suggestion that Aran sweater knits are based in Islamic design. But the upcoming show was what was important, and the show headliner answered a query that he wasn't nervous before the performance. There are people who would figure that probably being from Cork helps with that. 

Spillane was supported by opening act Willie Headon, singer and musician from Eadestown. Willie had previously played the venue 40-ish years ago as a member of Duchas. The Diary couldn't stay for the show, but it was surely going to be excellent.

At this time of posting, it surely was. 

I'd love to get back to the Celts discussion sometime ...

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