Sligo Star’s Flame Burns Bright

The name Fleming originates from Flanders and by way of their trading, made its way to other European countries including Ireland. The name means ‘flame’. It seems an appropriate name for the flame haired singer whose star is burning brightly internationally, including Australia. Tommy has previously toured Australia andTasmania with Irish band ‘De Dannan’ and has forged ahead to tour Australia several times as a solo artist.

Tommy is back in Australia presently, for another concert tour, this time very similar to the one that had a great reception, including standing ovations in Ireland.

Tommy says the concerts he does in Australia dont need to be tailored to fit as they do in some countries, because Australians ‘just get what we do’.

He finds the Australian audiences friendly and is becoming as familiar with Australia as a resident would be. He tells me he loves driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, spending time in Manly and Darlinghurst.

Tommy’s new tour will be a great one for long term fans and those who have never seen him in concert both, as this concert will be a 20 year overiew of his career. There will also be 3 or 4 songs showcased from his new album ‘Begin’, to delight his dedicated fans as well, he will sing many of his hit songs from previous albums.

Tommy’s new album ‘Begin’ also has a companion book ‘Let me Begin’ which documents Tommy’s career up to now and his fans might be surprised by some of the additional information within its pages, such as the fact early on in his career Tommy was in a rock band which he later decided wasn’t for him.

As a youngster Tommy also enjoyed a great love for wildlife and would often go out with his Dad observing native animals.

Tommy has also climbed Croag Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. He says its a tough challenge but not as perilous as you would imagine and he hopes to repeat the feat someday.

Nowadays Tommy’s busy schedule doesn’t afford him the opportunity to indugle in time out in the wild but perhaps the closest he gets is viewing the untamed ocean. He no longer has the opportunity to go out observing native wildlife but Tommy does however still keep pets, including three dogs named after footballers, Robby, Freddy and Teddy.

The book, although poignant, has a good dose of humour such as Tommy’s telling of the story of when required extra ‘practice’ for his First Communion using mints! A story he recently shared and a laugh over with a friend who was a fellow culprit!

Tommy is joined on this tour by local talent in Gavin Murphy and a full band with drum percussion, in fact as Tommy describes it the ‘whole nine yards’

Tommy’s new album ‘Begin’ and book ‘Let me Begin’ are out now.

You can see Tommy Fleming on his Australian tour on the following dates and venues:

Fri 3rd May – Penrith Panthers, Penrith, NSW – www.penrith.panthers.com.au
Sat 4th May – Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton, NSW – www.westsnewcastle.com.au
Sun 5th May – The Juniors, Kingsford, NSW – www.thejuniors.com.au
Wed 8th May – The Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree, NSW – www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/mec
Thurs 9th May – The Saraton Theatre, Grafton, NSW, www.saraton.com
Fri 10th May – Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside, QLD – Box Office 1300 692 582
Sat 11th May – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads, QLD – www.twintowns.com.au
Sun 12th May – Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich, QLD – www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au
Tues 14th May – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong, VIC – www.gpac.org.au
Thurs 16th May – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool, VIC – www.lighthousetheatre.com.au
Fri 17th May – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne, VIC – http://premier.ticketek.com.au
Sat 18th May – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston, VIC – www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
Paula Xiberras