Brooks tribute has roots in the borough

Band members from left to right Chris Cassidy on bass guitar, Fearghal McMahon on lead guitar, Joe Campbell on lead vocals, Dave Breen on drums, Meaghann Ward on keyboard and vocals, Aaron Monaghan on acoustic guitar. Missing from photo is Denise Wilkinson on fiddle.

Joe Campbell, who lived in Lurgan and Craigavon for many years, is now settled in Omagh and making his way a Garth Brooks tribute act as part of a seven-piece band.

Joe (39) has been paying tribute to Brooks for many years.

In 1999 he appeared on Stars in Your Eyes with Matthew Kelly as Garth Brooks.

He said: “It was a great experience that opened a lot of doors for me.

“The winner on the show was Phil Collins. He’s gone on to do very well for himself.

“I’ve just recently transferred my video of the programme onto DVD.”

Discussing the number of Garth Brooks tributes around at the moment he said: “There’s no doubt it coincides with Brooks being back on the road.

“I’m good friends with Johnny Brooks (another tribute act). What we’re doing is at the upper scale of it with a full live band. This isn’t someone singing with a mic and a PA system playing a backing track.”

Joe said it has got his tickets for Garth Brooks forthcoming Dublin concert having seen him play in the same city in 1997.

Get your tickets to see Joe in the Seagoe by calling at the venue before June 7.