Paul Weller pays homage to Derry singer-songwriter Eamon Friel in Link 47
Weller was honouring the newest addition to the Link 47 Wall of Fame
Former frontman of the Jam, Paul Weller, was a special visitor to Derry on Tuesday night as he paid a special tribute to the late singer-songwriter Eamon Friel.
With a music career that spans 40 years, Weller, alongside Friel's family, was in Link 47 to pay homage to the newest addition to their 'Wall of Fame' - the late Eamon Friel.
Posting on social media, Link 47 said: "It was an absolute pleasure to have the Modfather himself, Paul Weller, stop by Link 47 tonight.
"He called in to dine and honour the newest addition to our Wall of Fame - the late Eamon Friel, a much-loved local songwriter whose track El Dorado Weller recently re-recorded and is set to release.
"Joined by Eamon’s son Colum and mum Caitlín, it was a really thoughtful moment to remember one of Derry’s most respected musical voices.
"A special chapter in Link 47’s story."
Paul Weller named his upcoming album in homage to the late singer-songwriter.
‘Find El Dorado’ takes its title from a lyric from ‘El Dorado’, a song Eamon originally recorded for Joe Mahon’s 1986 film ‘The Best Man’ which starred local man Seamus Ball as hapless best man and confirmed bachelor Billy.
The album ‘Find El Dorado’ is a deeply personal collection of reinterpretations.
“These are songs I’ve carried with me for years,” Weller says. “They’ve taken on new shapes over time. And now felt like the moment to share them.”
Weller recorded his version of the song 'El Dorado' and enlisted his friend and collaborator Noel Gallagher of Oasis to play guitar on the record.