The Rob Strong Band play a matinee show on 22 December at The Purty Kitchen, Dún Laoghaire with special guest Sue Porter. We asked Rob the BIG questions . . .
The show kicks off at 2pm and tickets are available here.
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The 73-year-old blues and soul singer is celebrating over fifty years on the road. He began his career on Ireland's showband circuit, playing with The Polka Dots and fronting the Plattermen.
He has also performed with Johnny Logan in The Giants as well as The Las Vegas Showband, The Rockets, The Commitments Band and The Rob Strong Band in a career that has spanned almost six decades.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I was born and reared in Derry City. I grew up in Springtown Camp on the Buncrana Road. The camp consisted of 302 tin huts which were used by The American Navy during The Second World War
I played with three showbands The Polka Dots, The Plattermen and Las Vegas before forming Rob Strong and The Rockets which led to The Rob Strong Band.
My son Andrew Strong, who played Deco, in The Commitments movie from 1991, and daughter, Niamh Strong, have both followed me into the music business.
How would you describe your music?
Soul and Blues
Who are your musical inspirations?
Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and JJ Cale.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The Derry City Showband in The Embassy Ballroom Derry in 1959.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Heard it Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We update our website regularly with information on gigs. Our Facebook page is ROB STRONG BAND LIVE.
Alan Corr
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