Kieran Goss ready for Opera House return

Three years after his fantastic run of shows at the venue, the Co. Down singer and songwriter will once again be joined by some of his ‘friends’ as he goes back to the stage where it all started.

“I started off in my student days going to see my musical heroes at the Grand Opera House and it’s lovely to be back, being on stage with some of my heroes,” he said.

Following his sell-out run at the Opera House in 2008, Kieran is ready for two more nights, which are all but sold out, featuring some of the best artists around, including Tom Paxton, Eddi Reader, Maura O’Connell and Brendan Murphy.

Speaking to the Star this week ahead of the shows tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), Kieran said: “I really am looking forward to being back. The first time I tried this the idea was essentially me and some friends performing together. I tried to keep it to actual friends including Rodney Crowell and we filmed that show, which will actually be out on DVD on Friday and available for people to buy.

“We are doing it once again and the line-up is fantastic. We have Tom Paxton,” he explained. “I’m 48 and when I started playing guitar 40 years ago he was one of the biggest songwriter’s in the world, his songs have been sung by Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton amongst others. Maura O’Connell, who a lot of reader’s will know, Eddi Reader, from Fairground Attraction and most people know the song ‘Perfect’, she’s a fantastic singer, and then Brendan Murphy, the lead singer of The Four Of Us.

“We are more or less sold out, with the odd seats here and there,” Kieran said. “The Opera House is an old building so you have some odd seats here and there, but if anyone wants to come along they still can.”

Each of the performers will be taking to the stage both nights, with the performers each singing with Kieran throughout the evening.

“That’s the way we do it,” he explained. “We’ll start and do three or four songs, and then someone will join me for three or four songs and then the next artist will come on.

“For people who haven’t been to the show before, it is good fun, they are all great musicians and that is what our characters bring, a sense of fun and friendship.”

Kieran will also be showing his generous side by having Marie Curie volunteers along on the evening selling daffodils for the charity on the night.

“My mum died a few years ago from cancer and I’ve seen the wonderful work they do so I like to arrange that when people are going into the show the Marie Curie volunteers can sell daffodils and people can make a donation.”

Kieran’s work in the last few years has steadily taken him abroad, with songs becoming hits in the USA and Canada meaning he is often on the road, taking his career in a new direction.

“Over the last two years things have begun to take off in the States and Canada,” he said. “I will be over there all of July and August which is exciting.”

Despite his commitments abroad, the Co. Down man is looking forward to getting back to Belfast and is promising a great night for fans.

“If you are looking for something good to do this weekend then this is a great show,” he said.

To book tickets, telephone the Opera House box office on 02890 241919 or book online at the Opera House website; www.goh.co.uk.

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