In Profile: Brian Kennedy

Belfast singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy will perform as part of the Ros na Rún Christmas concert in aid of Pieta House on Thursday, November 28.

The concert will see the cast and crew of Ros na Rún come together for an evening of traditional Christmas music and a very special guest performance by Brian. Tickets are €20 with the entire price being donated to the Pieta House West’s fundraising initiatives.

Your greatest achievement?

Surviving childhood on the Falls Road is one of them!

Favourite time of year?

Summer for the brighter later nights and any excuse to light the barbecue. And Christmas time for the darker colder nights with tiny lights in the streets and candles and Ella Fitzgerald music everywhere.

Your happiest memory?

There’s a few but when 2000 comes to mind when I was living in New York City and singing in Riverdance on Broadway for nine months. Bliss.

Glass half full/half empty?

It depends on the week and indeed the drink.

Spender/saver?

I’m pretty good at both when called upon.

How would you spend a million?

Very, very carefully!

Best holiday and why?

 I’m not a big one for holidays at this point. I travel often for a living which is the greatest privilege.

Film/book?

Oh God I like both; it depends on the writer.

How do you relax?

I love walking in the elements and then cooking a fantastic dinner and drinking great wine into the wee small hours.

Favourite smell?

Lavender essential oil in my bed linen, it’s a gorgeous relaxing experience, oh and so good for hiding farts!

Possession you most treasure?

My handmade Lowden guitars probably.

Night owl/early bird?

I’m a natural night owl I think but very good at getting up very early and being cheerful when I need to be.

Last meal before dying and would it include wine?

I think it would have to be an incredible Indian Feast with loads of very cold beer.

Best advice you ever got?

Better out than in.

Your hero and why?

Joni Mitchell. She has influenced me the most as a writer thinker and guitar player.