By Rosine Alleva, Journalist/Photographer-Rock At Night France
Venue : Woodstock Guitares – Ensisheim-April 2017
Pat McManus (The Professor) is the guitarist/violinist virtuoso of the former MAMA’S BOYS from the eighties and CELTUS from the nineties. The ‘Pat McManus Band’ is a powerful Blues/Rock trio. The line-up includes Pat and 2 other Irish musicians: Marty McDermott on Bass and Backing Vocals and Paul Faloon on Drums
I interviewed the band in 2012 already and was very pleased to see the musicians again, as well as Sally, Pat McManus wonderful wife, when they came to Woodstock Guitares. PAT McMANUS BAND is an excellent live band, and I was a bit sad I couldn’t stay for the concert this time unfortunately…After greeting them all, I still had the opportunity to assist to the soundcheck!
The Professor’s dexterity, charisma, were omnipresent on stage. Pat McManus fingers were running up and down his fretboard, followed by his amazing rhythm session, the bassist Marty McDermott and drummer Paul Faloon.
What an awesome trio!! I loved it when Pat took the violin, it was such a magnificent moment. It was hard to leave.
Pat McManus toured with Gary Moore throughout Europe. Inspired by this special Irish touch, he wrote him the song “Belfast Boy” shortly after he passed away, one of the highlights of their new album.
Rory Gallagher and Gary Moore are pioneers the band pays tribute to, and are part of Pat biggest influences.
The Pat McManus Band is touring Europe with its new live release “Live Along The Highways”. The title says it all, the album has been recorded throughout various European gigs. Last June 2nd, like every year, the trio (part of the headline acts) performed at the famous International Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon.
I hope to see them again soon, and be able to assist to their concert next time! If they come to your town, this is something not to miss, moments of magical music!!
Photo Gallery
Pat McManus Band “Belfast Boy”& more at Rory Gallagher Festival
THE BAND
Pat McManus – Guitar, Violin and Vocals
Marty McDermott – Bass and Backing Vocals
Paul Faloon – Drums
From Belgian and Italian parents, I grew up with music, dance and big fun! I love singing since I'm a little girl, I still am, haha. When I was 14, I saw my first concert: T-Rex. Later it was FrankZappa, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Fela, Canned Heat, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, Earth, Wind and Fire ....
I dreamed to have a chat with each of them 😀 Before interviewing bands, I used to sing (and still do) and met lots of great musicians. I had the chance to be the support band to Joe Cocker in 2007. I love to communicate and meet people (Italian blood).
Working for magazine, a few years ago, l met José Oliveira! We were working at the same festival in Colmar. 2 people from the South with the same passion just recognized each other...and we stayed in contact since then. Here I am! Enjoying concerts, covering interviews and articles with José for Rock at Night!!
- Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal at the Yecla Jazz Festival – Spain - October 13, 2024
- Memorable concert and interview with Pat McManus La Zenia – Spain - October 1, 2024
- Interview: Massimo Galatone on his biography ‘THE ONE – THE ONLY MR. JOE COCKER’ - February 8, 2024
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