JigTime

I didn’t mean to write this final tribute to my fellow Pyros two weeks after getting back from Ireland. It was supposed to be done before I left for the trip. But I am glad I didn’t do it then because I managed to get almost 2 weeks in the company of Laurence Doherty and with that a solid reminder of why he is one of my favourite people in the world.

Laurence and my cousin Paul were fie years older than me and were like rock stars They were in a real band, a rock band, playing Doobie Brothers and Rory Gallagher and other great music. I wanted to be a drummer but so did my friend Denis. Denis and I had decided to start a band before either of us played anything. So Laurence gave Denis an old snare drum and that one small gesture sealed our musical fate. Soon I was playing guitar with Paul and Denis was furiously drumming in his back shed. (Denis remains an excellent drummer and I think we chose the right paths)

A few years later Laurence got me the job as roadie for his band “Rule the Roost” another band years ahead of their time. Then suddenly we were in the same band. That early version of the Pyros was rough and ready and as much fun as it is now. Laurence and I became close friends over those next few years. He is one of the funniest people to be around and is certainly one of the finest drummers I have ever seen. I have insisted on Laurence being the drummer in many projects I have worked on over the years from tours with The Whiskey Priests to recording and writing with former world champion boxer, Barry McGuigan. A lot of that was because I just love having him around as a friend but also because we play so well together. There is some sort of telepathy and he knows just what I am going to do next and goes with me.

Last week playing with the Pyros and Laurence again was such a great joy. It was harder to come back to America this time than ever before. The Saturday night gig was probably the best show we have ever played as a band and I loved every single moment of it. Laurence was right there with me on every beat and I was happy and proud to be on stage with him. I truly hope the Pyros will ride again. It is too soon to let that energy fade. So heres to a few more tunes somewhere down the line Mr D!