By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE death of one parent is crushing – to lose both at the same time is enough to send you into the depths of despair.
For Irish singer-songwriter Tommy Fleming, losing his elderly parents within hours of each other early last year sent him to the one place where there was solace and things made sense – into his music.
In the months that followed he took a long break from his career and evaluated his life, his music and what steps he now needed to take, and now he returns to his more traditional folk roots releasing a collection of emotional heart wrenching songs to make up his new album BEGIN.
The album, which Tommy describes as the most cathartic work he has ever done, is a collection of 15 songs inspired by the influences he has received throughout his career and is a personal tribute to his beloved mother and father. Tommy admits that recording and working on the album helped him come to terms with the death of his parents and gave him the strength to BEGIN again.
And Begin again he has – the Irish singer songwriter renowned as “The Voice of Ireland” has return to Australia for the third time to tour and bring his new album (which was released here on 5 April) to his fans.
Unquestionably one of Ireland’s most successful entertainers, TOMMY FLEMING’S hugely successful career spans over 20 years and has been celebrated with album sales of over 1.5 million, invitations to represent Ireland at major international events, sell-out concerts and adoration from his audiences.
Known for not only his powerhouse voice but also his quick wit and humour, the humble and proud Irishmen is looking forward to his return to our shores on the back of his sell-out 2012 season.
“The Australian audiences are sincerely the best,” he said of why he was keen to return.
“They get so involved and become part of the show and they completely get my sense of humour. It’s like we have this understanding. We’re probably all related somewhere along the line. We have the same sense of humour, we love our beer and we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
Who: Tommy Fleming
When: Saturday, 11 May
Where: Twin Towns Services Club
Interested?: www.twintowns.com.au
