GILLIGANS
‘Hey you, dirty Gypsy bum…!’. That’s my friend Fino saying ‘Hi’.
I remember coming to my house to see builders who were wrecking my sitting room. My objective was to minimise the damage. I had to be very polite but firm, because they had a tendency to get slightly overenthusiastic. It was a good timing. They were drinking tea and smoking. To be honest, I much preferred them in this state. Their foreman said ‘A friend of yours came in…’. ‘Which one? What was his name?’ – I asked. ‘Didn’t tell us his name, just came in, insulted everybody and buggered off…Nice fella.’. ‘Ow, that would be Fintan’ – I replied.
That’s how I’d like to start to write about ‘The Hot Club of Dublin’. They are; Fintan Gilligan: Vocals, Guitar, Daniel Gilligan; Guitar, John Gilligan; Vocals, Bass. There used to be Damien Gilligan on guitar and vocals, but he moved to the West. And now there’s a new addition to the band, Fintan’s son Derek, who plays percussion. And me on violin. I am the only one who is not part of the family, but in a way I am. They kind of adopted me long time ago.
We were giving a radio interview once. I don’t remember the name of the program but it was one of the major music stations. We played two or three numbers, then John, who is the wise one, started to answer the questions. The first question was – ‘John, I know the ‘Hot Club of Dublin’ very well, I know Oleg well, but this is first time I hear you playing together. How did you meet up?’. John, who has manners of the lord (sometimes), said (being absolutely serious and convincing) – ‘Well…We were in the North Port 6-7 years ago, looking for the second-hand car, when we came across this old banger. ‘Lada’ it was, cheap, dirty and rusty. We were walking past when we heard this very strange noise. It looked like something was in the boot, so we pried it open. And there he was, a dirty, skinny, scared Gypsy boy, clutching a violin and making growling noises. He came on a ferry from somewhere far.. Sure, we took him out, gave him a bit of grub, cleaned him up a bit, taught him a bit of English. Well…. that’s how we met up with Oleg right here’.
By that time it was too late for me to say anything, as the whole country heard the story.
I went shopping and took my son with me. He refused to go into the shop and said he’ll do a bit of skateboarding outside. I came out in half an hour and saw my son and another kid sitting on their skateboards and chatting. This kid was Daniel Gilligan, now one of the best Hot Club rhythm guitarists in Ireland. He doesn’t play with us very often as he got a real job. The last time we played together, it was Daniels wedding. Jesus, aren’t we getting old…!
I can write volumes about Gilligans, and I think I will, but for now I’ll just say this. I love them all dearly, they are my brothers indeed. They a bunch of honest, talented and highly creative people. They helped me out numerous times, they were supporting me through tough times and every single gig I play with Hot Cub of Dublin is a celebration. They are fantastic musicians, brilliant performers and their jokes make my ears curl. But audience love them, regardless.
I have to go now. Where to? I have a gig in Dublin Castle. I play with Fintan, John and Derek.
So. I’ll write more about the ‘Hot Club of Dublin’ later, but for now, have a look at this.
Very unfortunate camera position, so you can’t see Daniel, but he is there, trust me.
