Music Matters: Chris Loughrey

Mullingar Carers Concert 2025

The Mullingar Carers Concert, organised for many years by Billy Mac, goes ahead this year with Camillus Egerton and Chris Loughrey at the helm, and a line-up of top quality artists for Tuesday April 8 at the Greville Arms Hotel.

This event raises funds for Family Carers Ireland, in support of their valuable contributions to the community.

The concert in April promises an evening of exceptional entertainment. Doors open at 7,15pm and the show starts at 7.45pm. Staring on the night are (in no particular order) Simon Casey, TR Dallas, Chris Loughrey, Dave Lawlor, Matt Leavy, Ciarán Rosney, The Rosneys, Camillus Egerton and Heads Up, Joe Connaire, Michaela Hogg, Joe Cooney. The night will also feature The Tennessee Breakdown Band; and John Corroon will be the MC.

Tickets are €20 and are on sale at: The Greville Arms Hotel; and Family Carers Ireland, 2 Castle Street, Mullingar, phone: 044 934 7922.

Music Matters: Chris Loughrey

What is your favourite album?

It would have to be Nanci Griffith, ‘Other Voices, Too (A Trip Back to Bountiful)’, its sweet tone sound blended with its rawness and incredible dynamic are what do it for me. The album has a range of artists singing on it.

What song do you wish you written?

I would have loved to have written Bruce Springsteen’s Racing in the Street, it’s a song that just makes me feel something could happen.

Which band from any era would you loved to be a member of?

It would have to be the Blue Moon Boys featuring Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore on lead guitar and Bill Black on bass. Those sun records recordings were incredible, if I could go back in time it would be the mid-50s era.

What song are you most proud of?

I think it would be River of Hope, I created a character that I have a lot in common with.

Guiltiest musical pleasure?

If I was radio hopping and Mozart and classical music I come across… yeah, I like listening to it.

Most memorable gig you’ve ever been to?

The front row in The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 2009. There was a range of artists there, but being within 10 feet from Little Jimmy Dickens was kind of surreal.

Most memorable gig you’ve ever played?

Receiving my award at The Irish Entertainment Awards in 2012 – it was fantastic and incredible feeling.

Biggest musical inspiration?

The first time I discovered Elvis Presley, I was 16, I knew exactly from that moment what I wanted to do. He had incredible vocal ability and was the greatest performer I’ve ever seen. His voice never let him down, even towards the end.

Who is Westmeath’s greatest ever musician?

Westmeath has a lot of great musicians, and it’s great to see, but in my opinion it would have to be the late great Vinny Baker. I recorded two albums with him and learned a lot from him. His playing ability and knowledge of music go to a different level.

If you could only listen two five songs for the rest of your life what would they be?

True Love Ways

My Way

Rocky Mountain High

Blue Suede Shoes

Racing in the Street