The name Flavin originates in the Irish name ‘Flaith’ meaning ‘prince’ or ‘ruler’ and not a more perfect name could there be for the man they call in Ireland the king of country music, Mick Flavin.
Irish country artist Mick Flavin is making his first visit to Australia, a fact he can’t believe has finally arrived and it seems the word is definitely out about this much admired artist as he enjoyed a standing ovation at his concert in Ipswich last week.
Promoter Terry Gordon is the one who was instrumental in bringing Mick to Australia having been a fan for many years. Popular Irish entertainer Daniel O’Donnell when he was in Australia on tour earlier this year also endorsed Mick, as did Daniel’s singing partner, Mary Duff and encouraged those who love Irish country music to go along and see him.
In spite of the headline to this story ‘Flavin’ is pronounced to rhyme with ‘travellin’ and indeed it seems Australian audiences are taking up the call to travel with Mick as he continues his musical journey across the country. A journey that began on a farm in Longford stretched its way to the Grand old Oprey in Nashville and now to Australia.
Mick hails from Longford the midland or heartland of Ireland and it wouldn’t be a great stretch to say Mick is indeed the heart of country music in Ireland. Mick’s been involved in music for over 25 years and started out with a band of 4 lads, and lass as he would put it. While this band eventually broke up Mick was always going to make a career of music even taking up a trade, in this case carpentry as a day job while he continued in his quest for a full time musical career.
In a story befitting a musician’s movie bio with the attendant fairy-tale elements, Mick remembers working on the farm and his trips to the well to fetch water. He would sometimes place the bucket on his head on his way to the well so he could hear the reverberations of sound as he sang. Mick went on to release his first album ‘I’m going to make it after’ which was discovered by the pirate radio stations of that time and quickly became a favourite. One of the songs out of some 12 albums and 3 videos that mean the most to Mick is ‘The Old School Yard’, a song about the very school he attended and ‘When I lay me down’.
Like so many of the Irish artists Mick has no airs and graces and will be travelling by road from gig to gig over most parts of Australia. Whereas in Ireland it’s usually 4 to 5 hours between gig venues here in Australia that time is extended to 7 or 8 hours travelling. It’s a gruelling schedule with very few days off in an almost month long tour here. Mick will be making the most of his first visit to Australia and seeing quite a bit of it along the way!
Mick is also the only Irish artist to be nominated for the Country Music Association Global Artist Award, an award which seeks to promote arts among the eight participating countries. Mick didn’t win that award, it went to a Canadian artist but for all those that admire his music and for all those that will get to his concerts during his time in Australia he is already a winner.
Mick will be performing on Wednesday 30 May at the Country Club Show Room Launceston and on Thursday 31 May at Wrest Point Entertainment Centre Hobart.
Paula Xiberras
