Flash Harry and friends to rock the Courtyard with Irish classics

flash Harry frontman Harry Hamilton may be better known for taking on the persona of Freddie Mercury, but at his next appearance in East Antrim he will also be Van Morrison and Phil Lynott.

The renowned Queen tribute band is taking a month out from its usual show to play a seven-date Classic Irish Rock Tour, arriving at the Courtyard Theatre in Newtownabbey on Saturday, October 13.

It celebrates the musical heritage of Ireland with tracks that have simply rocked the world.

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“There’s so much fabulous Irish rock that has had a great global reach over the years. Tracks that are so strong, like ‘The Boys are Back in Town’, for instance. A lot of people do not celebrate the quality of music that has been produced in Ireland with bands like Thin Lizzy, U2, Snow Patrol and of course, Van Morrison,” he said.

The Classic Irish Rock Tour brings together a mix of timeless Irish rock, which as Harry points out, everyone will recognise.

“We had a lot of debate about which songs to include in the show but an audience wants to be entertained and we chose songs that are recognisable, not the more obscure album tracks,” he said.

The show brings together not only classic Irish rock, as well as the best from the Queen back catalogue.

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It’s an interesting diversion for Flash Harry, who has been celebrating the music of Queen for more than 20 years. Originally planned as a one-off show in response to the sad passing of the legendary Queen lead singer, Freddie Mercury, Flash Harry played its very first show at Lurgan Town Hall. Since then, the band has entertained thousands of people and played to sell-out audiences across all Ireland and the UK including Belfast’s Odyssey Arena and Waterfront as well as The Point Theatre, Dublin and The Royal Albert Hall in London.

“From our point of view it is nice to do something different and we really are going back to our roots with this tour. The music of Thin Lizzy and Gary Moore was what my generation grew up with; what encouraged us to take up instruments in the first place.

“Yes, it’s a challenge to take up the different styles but we are really enjoying it and so far on the tour the audience seem to really enjoy it too, if the standing ovations are anything to go by,” Harry said.

Joining Flash Harry’s talented members for this latest tour will be a variety of special guests to form a massive 10-piece band, complete with twin lead guitar and brass section.

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“They are a great bunch of musicians and really help to add the extra colour and shade to various tracks,” said Harry.

“We hope the show will appeal to all those who really love music, so if you enjoy music you’ll enjoy this gig!” he added.

Tickets - costing £14 - are available from the Courtyard Theatre ticket office, telephone 028 9034 0202 or check out the website www.thecourtyardtheatre.com