Black 47 frontman at the Arts Centre
THE Wexford-born, New York-based musician and writer Larry Kirwan will be accompanied by two busloads of American and Canadian fans when he arrives back in his home town on an annual Irish pilgrimage to perform in Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, October 18.
Kirwan was raised in nearby George’s Street and played his first gigs with The Johnny Reck Showband at the Arts Centre (formerly the Wexford Town Hall). He performed with Pierce Turner in Turner & Kirwan of Wexford and Major Thinkers before forming the ‘riotous and controversial’ Black 47.
Black 47 played 2500 gigs in 25 years with everyone from Neil Young to Joe Strummer. The band released 16 albums, appeared on every major US TV show, and its songs were used in many movies.
Kirwan is also a well-regarded playwright. His musical ‘Paradise Square’ will open at Berkeley Rep in California for a three month run in December with a probable move to Broadway thereafter.
His latest novel ‘A Raving Autumn’ a mystery set in the years after 9/11 will be published next year by Cornell University Press.
A social and political activist Kirwan is president of Irish American Writers and Artists. He writes a bi-weekly column for The Irish Echo and is host of Celtic Crush on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
He will perform many Black 47 favorites and songs from his various musical theatre works. Afterwards, he will enjoy a pint in Mary’s Bar.