Cover of Paddy KeenanThe Jimmy Hendrix of Irish piping will delight traditional music enthusiasts in London.Paddy Keenan, a former member of The Bothy Band, performs at the London Irish Centre on Friday, February 3.
Born in Meath to a Travelling family steeped in traditional music - both Keenan’s father and grandfather were uilleann pipers.
Paddy himself took up the pipes at the age of 10, playing his first major concert at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin at just 14. At 17, having fallen in love with the blues, Paddy left Ireland for England, where he played blues and rock.
Returning to Ireland after a few years, he was a member of a number of bands including Seachtar and The Bothy Band.
Band-mate Donal Lunny once described him as “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes” and more recently he has been compared to jazz great John Coltrane.
Catch him at the London Irish Centre on February 3. Doors 7.30pm, support from 8pm with Paddy on stage from 9pm. Tickets from www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/2588618628, priced at £13.50.
Paddy Keenan to perform at London Irish Centre: "
