Still Getting His Kicks
With his debut album about to hit the racks, football legend Paul McGrath talks to Jackie Hayden about music, how soccer has lost its physical side, the fate of the current Irish team, his bust up with Alex Ferguson, the contrasting managerial styles of Giovanni Trapattoni and Jack Charlton, John Fashanu breaking his teeth, Norman Whiteside climbing out windows, and laughing at Vinnie Jones.
Jackie Hayden, 07 Oct 2011
Footballers and pop music do not always make for comfortable bedfellows. If you’re old enough, you may well be haunted by memories of Hoddle and Waddle’s ‘Diamond Lights’ and Gazza and Lindisfarne’s demolition of ‘Fog On The Tyne’. You will understand, then, why I am filled with foreboding upon discovering I am to be ‘treated’ to an exclusive advance hearing of the debut album from Paul McGrath. Yes, Paul McGrath. The soccer legend has decided to become a recording artist. This could be interesting.
As it turns out, my worries are in vain. On Handle With Care, McGrath shows he can deliver a song with a laidback confidence. More than that, he brings real warmth to ‘And I Love Her’ by The Beatles, Bob Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’, ‘Ol’ 55’ by Tom Waits, Van Morrison’s ‘Have I Told You Lately That I Love You’ and ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ by Kris Kristofferson. When I meet him at a bustling Wexford cafe he is relaxed, modest and friendly. He also laughs a lot. Life, you can tell, is treating him well right now.
Jackie Hayden: People who hear your album might wonder why it’s taken you so long to get around to putting out a record?
Paul McGrath: (laughs) It really began with the idea of doing some recordings for charity. I’ve never sung in public really. I’ve always loved singing ‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ in the shower. Brian O’Flaherty and Hugh Drumm persuaded me to record it. I blame them! Seriously, it wouldn’t have happened at all if it hadn’t been for their determination and their patience. Although I know there are certain things you can do in the recording studio, I presumed it’d be a disaster anyway. I thought I’d have a go for their sake. I surprised myself in that I thought it didn’t turn out so badly. A percentage of the profits from the album will go to the Acquired Brain Injury Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Ireland.
So how did one track turn into an album?
Page 1/10 <Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next>
©Hot Press 2011. Why be a member? | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy