Country star John McNicholl celebrating 20 years in the music industry with special anniversary concert in Derry

Irish country star John McNicholl is celebrating 20 years in the music business this year and to mark the occasion he is holding a special concert in his home city of Derry.

Over the last two decades the Foreglen native has performed on stages around the world from USA to Canada to the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal as well as the length and breadth of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

He has shared the stage with international recording artists including Sir Elton John, Reba McEntire, Lonestar, Ricky Skaggs to name but a few, as well as countless Irish artists.

Throughout his career, John has represented Ireland at the festival of nations in Dollywood, recorded nine albums and three DVDs and won numerous awards from Male vocalist of the year, album of the year, entertainer of the year, best dressed male, international ambassador for country music and contribution to country music.

On Friday, June 21, John will take to the stage in Derry's Millennium Forum for a very special concert to mark the milestone anniversary.

On the night, John will sing songs from his albums down through the years, some old and new country and Irish music.

John, who now resides in County Mayo, took some time out of his busy schedule to speak to the County Derry Post ahead of the anniversary show.

Have you been singing from a young age or were you always into music?

Music was playing in our house growing up and mum and dad would have been very musical with dad playing the accordion and mum singing so I suppose I grew up with it really.

How did you get into the music industry?

I began singing at an early age in the Foreglen folk choir and enjoyed going to different concerts and shows to see the likes of Sandy Kelly, Philomena Begley, Margo and of course Daniel O’Donnell who got me up on stage on a few occasions and it was there that I built up a fan base and was encouraged to go out on the road.

How accomplished do you feel to be celebrating your 20th anniversary?

It’s hard to believe that’s it’s 20 years because I’m still a young boy (if only), but it really doesn’t seem that long since I recorded my first album Someone Else’s Star and now I have nine albums and three DVDs under my belt I feel very proud to have achieved this. 

What changes have you seen in the industry over the last 20 years?

Things are definitely a lot tougher now, not only for those starting out but also accomplished artists.  I think Covid changed a lot of things for people. From venues having to close to the loss of loved ones. 

What is your personal career high? Any lows?

I suppose the highs for me is going on to many stages around the world and sharing the stage with the likes of Sir Elton John, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Lonestar to our own talented Irish entertainers. 

The lows would be missing special family events due to work commitments. 

How would you describe your music?

My programme would vary from traditional country to rock 'n' roll to Irish and some gospel. I do like the new country music but for me the old stuff is the best. 

Have you a favourite song?

Throughout my career I have been very lucky to have songs written for me including Irish Heart by Derek Ryan which was a number one hit for me but I have to biased and say my own song Come On Dance which was also a number one hit for me and I’m very proud to say that we recorded the video for that particular song in and around our beautiful city of Derry. 

Who would be your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?

Well for me it would be Dolly Parton, she has been an idol from I was young and I’m very lucky that for the past 18 years I have been blessed to bring tours out to Nashville and Pigeon Forge visiting Dollywood which is totally magical and I’m looking forward to bringing a tour there on the 24th of May for ten days. I did have the pleasure and honour to represent Ireland at the festival of nations in Dollywood a few years back. So it would be a dream come true to do a duet with Dolly. 

Are you looking forward to returning to your home city of Derry in June to celebrate your 20 years in the music business?

Yes it’s great to be coming home to Derry to celebrate with everyone. I always love performing in my home city and it’s been quite a few years since I had my own show in the Millennium Forum. I have been there over the last few years as part of other country shows so it will be nice to have the theatre all to myself again. 

What can fans expect on the night?

I will be performing my hits from over the years and a few new ones, so it’ll be a mix of country, Irish, gospel and maybe a few surprises. 

Your music has taken you all over the world, where is your favourite place to perform and why?

Every stage is as important as the next whether it is in the Millennium Forum in Derry, the Basilica in Knock or across the world I enjoy performing on them all and meeting everyone at each venue. 

What plans have you for the future?

To continue what I am doing for as long as I am able and to enjoy every minute of it. 

Tickets to the Derry show can be purchased here or by calling the Box Office on  028 7126 4455.