BBC Host: Brian Kennedy - described by Q magazine as possessing 'a voice to charm the angels' - is one of the most successful and best-loved performing artists in Ireland.

Born and brought up in the Falls Road area of west Belfast he recorded his first album 'The Great War with Words' in 1990.
BBC Host

He has toured with The Corrs, Tina Turner and Van Morrison, and contributed to Van's 'Days Like This', 'No Prima Donna,' 'The Healing Game' and 'Back On Top' albums, as well as a version of 'Crazy Love' for the Hollywood film 'When A Man Loves A Woman.

Brian's solo shows have played to capacity crowds in Ireland, England, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. He has enjoyed chart success in Ireland with songs such as 'A Better Man', 'Life, Love and Happiness', 'Put the Message in a Box' , 'These Days' (with Ronan Keating) and recently the title track of his album 'Get On With Your Short Life.

In Brian's new series on BBC1 Northern Ireland 'Brian Kennedy On Song' he goes on a musical odyssey around Ireland to seek out the stories behind the country's most famous songs.


Brian is ready to start answering your questions.

Here’s the first question:

Laura, from Bristol asks: Fame Academy's Sinead noted you as one of her favourite artists - What's your opinion of programmes like Fame Academy and Pop Idol?

Brian Kennedy: Well, I love Sinead, so thank you. But those programmes seem to be more about fame than being good at anything, so its strange to see that. Its more like confidence idol, than singing idol, or talented idol. But I don't want to sound too bitchy.

Nora, from Warrenpoint asks: If you were having your ideal dinner party - who would you invite, what would you serve and what music would you play?

Brian Kennedy: I would play Norah Jones. I would serve Indian. Oscar Wilde, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, for starters.

Cizza asks: Who were the stars that influenced you when you were younger?

Brian Kennedy:The ones in the sky. I am afraid. I very rarely listened to music in the house. But as I got older, Kate Bush, and Jonie Mitchell were never off the stereo.

Vee, from Birmingham asks: Is there anyone you would like to work with that you haven't worked with yet?

Brian Kennedy: Tony Bennett. K. D. Lang, Jonie Mitchell.

Dee asks: Do you still keep in touch with Van Morrison?

Brian Kennedy: Yes and we are going to be singing together in May.

Charlene asks: What do you think of bono and u2 as musicians?

Brian Kennedy: Fantastic and inspirational.

Spanglie asks: Will there be a CD or DVD to accompany the series?

Brian Kennedy: The CD is coming out towards the end of March and it is called 'Brian Kennedy on song', funnily enough.

Ray asks: What would be your favourite Irish song?

Brian Kennedy: I was dreading this one... But probably 'Carrickfergus.'

Jean, from Ireland asks: What are the downsides of touring? Do you still stay in close touch with your family?

Brian Kennedy: The down sides are lack of sleep, lack of routine, in terms of food, and I do stay in touch with my family. Thank God for mobile phones and e-mail.

TAM asks: It seems that these days the younger generation are more interested in 'popular' music, as opposed to 'traditional' music in Ireland. What are your thoughts on this?

Brian Kennedy: I think it has always been that way. But its interesting how more popular traditional music is now. The thing about the 20th century, rather the last part of the 20th century, I should say, is that melody seems to have taken a back seat and I want to put that right with this programme.

Carole from N Ireland asks: Brian I love your hair - please don't ever cut it - but have you ever wanted to?

Brian Kennedy: I really wanted to cut it this morning. But I only had a trim.

Cathmac asks: You sing with such emotion in your songs Brian, are you an emotional person at heart?

Brian Kennedy: *Sigh* Yes. The music is so beautiful, and music is the language of emotion and someone asked me if I got lost when I sang, and I realised that I found myself when I sang.

Brian asks: What are you touring plans for the coming year?

Brian Kennedy: Immediately, we play Dublin, on the 7th and 8th of March, Limerick on the 13th, Belfast on the 14th and 15th and hopefully Australia and America later on in the year.

Spanglie1 asks: Would you consider working with the likes of Kylie Minogue?

Brian Kennedy: Yes of course. I once had my make up done beside her at the Brit Awards. And she was very friendly.

Shona, from Galway asks: Some of your music seems to be based on your own life and is deeply personal (like Christopher Street and the ballad of Killaloe). Do you find it difficult to perform songs like these in front of an audience?

Brian Kennedy: Well, thats the challenge. I want to be honest in the performance, and I want the audience to believe what I am saying and so I have to believe it myself first. In the case of those songs, thats what was going on in my life at the time and I am glad I was able to express it through song.

Leslie asks: Did making the series give you an even greater appreciation of some of the songs you have been singing for years?

Brian Kennedy: It was a total education. Lots of the songs I thought I knew, and I didn't. And I was very moved by the melodies and the stories behind them.

Linda asks: Of all the things you have achieved i.e. music. presenting, radio etc. Which are you most proud of and why?

Brian Kennedy: Well I would say right now, I am so proud of the series and getting the chance to record so many beautiful songs. The BBC were very brave. Roisin and Marie Louise were fantastic women to work with.

Liz asks: Would you live in Belfast again?

Brian Kennedy: Never say never. But I lived there for 18 years, 12 years in London, 2 years in New York and about 4 in Tipperary. So who knows where is next.

Ray asks: What advice would you give my daugher who would like to become a singer?

Brian Kennedy: Ask yourself one question, how badly do you want to do it. And if the answer is more than anything, then thats a start.

Brian Kennedy: Don't let anybody tell you you can't do it. And listen to as much good music as you can and perform at the opening of a fridge door. You have to use your instinct.

Trevor asks: Did you enjoy your stint on the Gerry Anderson Show and will you do it again?

Brian Kennedy: I loved it. I got to play some of my favourite music and spend a bit of time in Derry and I would do it again.

Clare, from Derry asks: When will your novel be published and what inspired you to write it?

Brian Kennedy: Well, my life inspired me to write it. Even though its a mixture of fiction and fact, so we will call it faction. I am tentatively looking for an agent first, and then the publisher comes later. But my first two short stories have been published, in a new collection called 'Breaking the Skin', out now on Black Mountain Press.

Julie Howes from Nottingham asks: Do you have any plans to write your autobiography?

Brian Kennedy: No. I don't. I would like to have a long and full life first. But there is a woman who has taken it upon herself to start writing my biography, so watch this space.

Sharon asks: You always dress with such pizzazz! Do you choose your clothes or do you have a stylist who takes care of your wardrobe for you?

Brian Kennedy: I had a fantastic woman called Naula McCaffery, who chose the clothes for the series. I am not in love with clothes, but every now and again, something catches my eye.

Aisling, from Dublin asks: How do you remain so down to earth?

Brian Kennedy: I think my success has been so gradual, that I have been able to be a human being. Also my best friends are basically the same best friends that I had when I was a young boy, so they knew me before I sang for a living.

AnamCara asks: Expression is inspiration expressed - how are you inspired?

Brian Kennedy: By the nearest thing. Whether its a film or a book, or an overheard conversation. Love of course, is the ultimate expression.

Jenny asks: Do you have any famous drinking buddies?

Brian Kennedy: Ronan Keating and I have shared a glass of wine or two. I could go on, but I won't.

Jakki asks: What would you like as your epitaph?

Brian Kennedy: I told you I was sick. But thats what Spike Milligan said. He had lovely hair...

Kate, from NYC asks: Where is your favorite place to get away from it all and do you prefer summer or winter?

Brian Kennedy: Well New York City is a good start. I don't mind about the temperature, as long as the company is right. And the Starbucks is nearby.

Obs asks: What annoys you most about other singers?

Brian Kennedy: Fake accents.

Shauneen asks: I have friends in England who would love to see the programme, is there any chance it will be shown across the water?

Brian Kennedy: I think there is every chance. Because it has been received so well and the guests have been fantastic. So fingers crossed... or better still, ring your local MP.

Louise, from Sydney asks: Do you ever suffer from writer's block? How do you deal with it? When will you be Down Under?

Brian Kennedy: I try not to think about writers block, but I would probably end up writing about the fact I had writers block, to try and undo it. I hope to be in Australia in May, watch my web site. www.briankennedy.co.uk (THE BBC IS NOT RESPONSBILE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL SITES)

Jacqueline, from Newtownabbey asks: Congratulations on the BBC series - it's great. Has there been a highpoint for you?

Brian Kennedy: To be honest, every single part of it was a high point. Sorry to sound crawly, but it really was, Sinead O'Connor was a dream to work with, Paul Brady the same, and its made me love the music even more.

Karen asks: You have such a fantastic guitar sound when you play - is it self taught?

Brian Kennedy: Yes. Pretty much. But I have to acknowledge a woman called Denise Crummey who taught me my first three chords of D G and A when I was about 14.

Dave asks: Have you ever felt intimidated when you've gone to work with any artists in particular? If so how have you dealt with it?

Brian Kennedy: When I get nervous, I get very hyper, and crack stupid jokes. But usually the most famous people I've ever met have gone out of their way to make me feel relaxed. I was lucky enough to go to Kate Bush's house and I thought I would be really nervous but she was so friendly and talked about my first album, and I was so flattered that it was easy to just realise she's an ordinary person too.

Declan Dublin asks: Brian ... do you like it when the crowd sings back your songs and lyrics ... how does this make you feel?

Brian Kennedy: There is no better feeling in the world. Especially when some of the words have been written in a smelly bed sit in London and then I am in a beautiful theatre, there is no greater compliment.

Jonathan1 asks: I've just seen George Michael sing an anti-war song, 'The Grave'. Would you consider releasing 'The Green Fields of France' in the same vein?

Brian Kennedy: Well how strange you should ask because I am recording it for series two.

Brian1 asks: Do you miss anonymity?

Brian Kennedy: No, because, I am only really well known in Ireland, so I can go to Iceland any weekend I like.

Paula, from Holywood asks: Would you ever contribute to workshops as it would be a great opportunity to sing and learn from such a distinctive and charming performer?

Brian Kennedy: I would absolutely love to. Please send in a request via my web site.

Brendan asks: Would you consider recording an all Gaelic album?

Brian Kennedy: I would yes. I recorded 'Taimse Im Chodladh' recently, and hope it will come out soon.

Karen asks: What song that you have written are you most proud of?

Brian Kennedy: Well, the Ballad of Killaloe is special to me.

Catherine, from USA asks: Would the present political situation in the world have any bearing on where you would tour?

Brian Kennedy I think its a difficult situation, but, I would rather music be available than not. I don't believe in banning if at all avoidable. I would play in south Africa, definitely.

BBC Host: Here's Brian with a final word...

Brian Kennedy: I want to thank everybody who has logged on tonight and I am sorry if you didn't get through. Please visit my home page on my web site, www.briankennedy.co.uk (THE BBC IS NOT RESPONSBILE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL SITES) which is in the capable hands of Jane Blackley and look forward to seeing you all soon. Love Brian Kennedy...



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