'Cool country' singers for show in Ballinasloe
Date Published: {J}
Country singers Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell and Patrick Feeney are on a mission to dispel the myth that being a fan of country music means you’re out of touch and anything but cool.
The trio, who have enjoyed success all over the world as solo artists, are savouring the task that lies ahead.
“We are all still under 40 . . .and we have fans that range in age from 15 upwards but for some unknown our genre of music isn’t getting the recognition it deserves,” states Jimmy Buckley. “We want to change all that and that is why we have teamed up to tour Ireland with a show that we know will give country music a much needed boost.”
Robert Mizzell who hails from Louisiana has now settled in Ireland. “In America, country is more popular than pop and this is recognised by the media in the coverage they give to the sector. Every station plays country music but here in Ireland the national radio stations never feature country music on their daytime playlists!”
Mizzell, who has recorded numerous albums, says he has never been included on The Today FM /98FM / or 2FM playlists, even though he performs in front of thousands of fans every week.
Patrick Feeney is the third member of the team. The 27 year old from Sligo concurs with his team mates.
“Miley Cyrus is a country singer and she is played wall to wall on every station! The same treatment is given to Garth Brooks and rightly so.”But Irish country singers don’t get the same support from national radio, he insists.
“If we did’t have local radio supporting us, this industry which employs over 2,000 people would be doomed!”
The Grand Tour will visit the Carlton Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe on Tuesday, March 15. Tickets from 090 9630400.