Just wondering if anyone knows much about Francis McIlduff that plays on At first lights new album? A friend of mine said she saw him play pipes with Lunasa in place of McSherry years ago and he was class. She also said he plays drums on Tamalins album from 97.
Where does he come from and has he done any other recordings?
He also played in a band based in Dublin (I think) called After Hours, with one of the Potts and a fella called Alan Burke (great singer!)
My sister went out with his brother (who plays percussion and pipes as well) a long long time ago when we were all teenagers, I also went to Mc Peakes with him years ago. A really nice guy, but I havent seen him in years.
From Andersonstown originally I think. Very approachable, and his mother is a sister to the Mc Peakes Father Francie. If I remember correctly she played harp, but I could be wrong.
I am surprised that someone else here hasnt got more info for you.
Francis is from the Dunville park area of the Falls road in Belfast. He and John McSherry have been friends for years.
I think it was the band "Alias Ron Kavanagh" that took him to London where he lived for a long time. He's a great piper, whistle player, bodhran player and as far as I know he plays drums.
His brother Jack played drums on the Tamalin album.
His father Gerry (the duff) was a great drummer who played with Rob Strong and the Plattermen in the 70's as far as I know.
Fra (Aramis?) is a top class piper and has done lots of session work with various bands. He spent a fair bit of time living in England where he made a name for himself as a superb piper and as a musician he's a fantastic improviser. He and Jack played with Alias Ron Kavana until the touring took it's toll (don't mention the mustard prank) and they're both back in London now. With Fra, Jack, John McSherry and Paddy O'Hare in the same city as well as countless other talented pipers it's hard to find another part of the country where the standard is as high, Dublin included :¬) awaiting pelters now.
By the way, his da also used to gig with Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders!
Francis McIlduff
Francis McIlduff
Just wondering if anyone knows much about Francis McIlduff that plays on At first lights new album? A friend of mine said she saw him play pipes with Lunasa in place of McSherry years ago and he was class. She also said he plays drums on Tamalins album from 97.
Where does he come from and has he done any other recordings?
# Posted on July 26th 2006 by eurbanjo
Re: Francis McIlduff
He also played in a band based in Dublin (I think) called After Hours, with one of the Potts and a fella called Alan Burke (great singer!)
My sister went out with his brother (who plays percussion and pipes as well) a long long time ago when we were all teenagers, I also went to Mc Peakes with him years ago. A really nice guy, but I havent seen him in years.
From Andersonstown originally I think. Very approachable, and his mother is a sister to the Mc Peakes Father Francie. If I remember correctly she played harp, but I could be wrong.
I am surprised that someone else here hasnt got more info for you.
# Posted on July 26th 2006 by blas
Re: Francis McIlduff
Here's some more that I was able to dig up!
Francis is from the Dunville park area of the Falls road in Belfast. He and John McSherry have been friends for years.
I think it was the band "Alias Ron Kavanagh" that took him to London where he lived for a long time. He's a great piper, whistle player, bodhran player and as far as I know he plays drums.
His brother Jack played drums on the Tamalin album.
His father Gerry (the duff) was a great drummer who played with Rob Strong and the Plattermen in the 70's as far as I know.
# Posted on July 26th 2006 by Shtrum
Re: Francis McIlduff
I saw him play with at first ligt here in Asturias, Spain. He is damn good.
Watch this videos if you feel like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46-Jhwb8ACo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhNK7h6iNu4
# Posted on July 27th 2006 by AlbertoAblanedo
Re: Francis McIlduff
Fra (Aramis?) is a top class piper and has done lots of session work with various bands. He spent a fair bit of time living in England where he made a name for himself as a superb piper and as a musician he's a fantastic improviser. He and Jack played with Alias Ron Kavana until the touring took it's toll (don't mention the mustard prank) and they're both back in London now. With Fra, Jack, John McSherry and Paddy O'Hare in the same city as well as countless other talented pipers it's hard to find another part of the country where the standard is as high, Dublin included :¬) awaiting pelters now.
By the way, his da also used to gig with Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders!
# Posted on July 31st 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Francis McIlduff
Did I say they were back in London?? Just noticed my mistake - they're in Belfast.
# Posted on August 10th 2006 by Conán McDonnell