On the couch...
with Don Baker
Don Baker was born in Whitehall, Dublin. One of the world’s most famous harmonica players, he has also appeared in Fair City, In the Name of the Father and Titanic: Blood and Steel. He is currently on a nationwide tour
Who controls the remote in your house?
I control the remote. My wife doesn’t get a look in, but then again, she doesn’t watch TV. Actually, I think that’s why she doesn’t watch TV…
Do you watch much music television?
I love re-runs of The Old Grey Whistle Test and Jools Holland is a particular favourite. I also like Imelda May’s show, showcasing Irish artists. Reality music shows are a complete no-no for me: they just exploit young people and are completely manufactured.
Do you change the channel if you come across yourself on television?
Generally, I change the channel, although if I haven’t seen it before I will watch to see how I did. But I’m my own worst critic, so if I look or sound bad at all, I quickly change the channel.
All-time favourite TV drama, comedy, soap, documentary and live TV event?
Drama has to be Love/Hate: it was a great series, well-written and produced – I couldn’t wait for each episode. Comedy: I love Only Fools and Horses and will often binge when it’s on TV. Brendan Grace always cracks me up too. Soap I have to say is Fair City. I don’t generally watch soaps but ick in and out when there’s a good storyline. States of Fear has to be the documentary: it exposed the industrial schools and Church for what lay hidden for decades. I wrote a song, Woe to the Holy Vow, based on the documentary and my personal experience of same. Live event: Live Aid back in the 1980s. That was amazing at the time and captured the whole world’s attention, raising millions – and it was a damn good show.
What Irish film would make a good adaptation to TV?
My Left Foot is a brilliant movie and would have made a great TV series
– to see how each of the brothers progressed through life, bringing a lot of the old Dublin to life. It was a reminder of how families stuck together no matter what, the simple games played on the streets, the struggles of inner-city life, and not forgetting the Dublin wit and of course, the Irish Mammy.
Are there any genres of TV you just can’t abide?
Only reality shows. Some are downright trashy and send all the wrong messages to kids today: life is hard enough without thinking you need to emulate some of the people on these shows.
What’s the best TV theme tune ever?
Has to be The Old Grey Whistle Test – I love it. In fact, I play a damn good version with the band on my harmonica.
What shows do you watch the old-fashioned way, i.e. once a week at a particular time?
I have to say I will always watch The Late Late Show. Ryan Tubridy is great, a very natural interviewer and I love the Toy Show when he reverts back to being a kid himself and has a great rapport with the children on the show. It is hard for anyone to step into Gaybo’s shoes but he has done a mighty ne job of it.
How accurately do TV dramas portray Dublin?
I think Love/Hate hit the nail on the head in every way. Very realistic to the culture of today and very accurate on the life of a Dublin criminal – looks glamorous on the outside but when you step inside, it’s all fear.
Don Baker performs with Rob Strong in An Evening of Blues & Soul Inspiration, on a nationwide tour until November 27.
See donbaker.ie for details