I have been meaning to write about the passing of Des O'Dwyer for some time now. The massive turnout last night at the Tribute night for Des at Dolans speaks volumes of the very high esteem in which Des was held amongst family, friends and music-lovers. Personally I would have met Des a lot at gigs and through my uncle Eamonn Hehir, one of his closest friends and bandmates. Simply put, Des was a seriously sound guy and would always salute you and give his time freely to you, and this was reflected in the hundreds of people who gathered to pay tribute to him.
A collection of Limerick's finest musicians gathered in tribute to put on a magnificent show for a jam-packed Dolan's Warehouse.
The bill boasted the likes of Joe Browne & the Dirty Dawgs, Toucandance, Tuesday Blue, The O'Malleys and a one-off collaboration entitled Medicine Machine - Des's musical pseudonym for his solo projects.
Joe Browne kicked off proceedings with his backing band the Dirty Dawgs and treated the audience to a mixed set of original songs and a selection of covers which got the crowd going. He was promptly followed by legendary Limerick outfit Toucandance (Eamon Hehir, Dawn Browne, Sean Fox and Eddie Clancy & guest vocals from Siobhan O'Brien and Jenny McMahon) - a special treat as the band haven't played together in quite some time. They played two of Des' own songs which feature on the 13 track album, 'Home James' and two Toucandance classics, 'Dry Land', and 'Steve Brodie Took a Chance'. to the delight of the crowd. See videos below.
Tuesday Blue took to the stage to a rapturous welcome from the crowd in a rare appearance, and played a blinding set including classics such as 'Cut and Dry', 'Love Me Simple' and 'Tunnel Vision'. They were extremely tight and played with the gusto of a band that had never stopped playing together. Mike Ryan's vocals were unbelievably powerful and Dave Keary played a blinder on lead guitar for the entire night, hardly leaving the stage all evening making an appearance with every act on the bill.
Tuesday Blue were followed by Medicine Machine, a conglomerate of all the acts and Des' musical colleagues, who played a number of Des' original songs all of which are featured on the album. Guests included Brian O'Connor & Niall Quinn of the Hitchers and Fin Chambers from Woodstar and John Steele who featured throughout the night. "Every Home Should Have One of These" was a particular highlight.
Between acts we were treated to projected pictures and videos of Des which included the video of Green Eyes by Toucandance and a 1989 MegaMix show appearance from Toucandance performing Radon Daughters.
The O'Malley's brought the night to a close. The last time I saw the O'Malleys was in The Greyhound Bar in Kilkee in the Summer. A great night of music with Des on top form so it was fitting to see them close out this tribute night to Des.
The night concluded with a cover of David Bowie's Heroes performed by John Steele, Mike Ryan and Dave Keary which had the crowd singing in full voice. Des' album 'Home James' was released on the night and can be bought behind the bar in Dolan's - all songs written, recorded & produced by Des.
All in all, a great night was had by all. This emotionally-charged evening provided a delightful dose of nostalgia whilst celebrating what it was that Des was all about. Indeed, it was a fitting tribute to Des, a fantastic musician and an all-round nice guy and I'm sure everyone there would agree that it would be great to see a night like this become an annual event.
Cheers for the music Des.
R.I.P Des O'Dwyer
1962-2010
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Some more photos here.
http://s893.photobucket.com/albums/ac139/Builderfromhell/Des%20ODwyer%20Benefit%20Dolans%20New%20year%202011/
Brilliant Gig. Glad I went.
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