Submitted By Jean Mounsey [email protected]
JACK Lukeman is set to return to Limerick on June 1 to perform at the Spiegeltent. The singer has a few more tricks up his sleeve; supporting Jools Holland during the summer, playing at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and a forthcoming album.
Since the release of his first album Metropolis Blue in 1999 to critical acclaim, he has build up a reputation as a performer. He enjoys the stage and says: “Fascinating and great thing about this, every night is a challenge”. In the early days he drank a lot. He saw that it was effecting his performing so he drinks less now.
I ask why he is not more well-known internationally. He says: “I’m happy doing my own thing than getting lost in showbiz world”. He explains that things are going very well and that he performs regularly in the UK, Europe and America.
He hopes to release his new album in October. He has recently recorded a song with Camille O’Sullivan called ‘Mon Coeur’ (My Heart). He would like to perform with Martha Wainwright someday. In the past he has supported many acclaimed musicians such as: Nick Cave, Johnny Lee Hooker, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and Spiritualized.
Jack grew up near Athy. From an early age he was obsessed with music. About being able to sing he says: “luckiest thing that ever happened to me really”. He worked for a time as a teenager in the family garage business but decided to embark on a music career. He adds it, “Made me feel at home in the world at least I could do this”.
He reluctantly reveals his own favourite gig to be the New Years Eve show last year in Cork’s Everyman Theatre. His musical influences stretch way back to Robert Johnson, Adam Greene, and Jacques Brel. The Pogues were a big influence too.
Jack’s on stage style has toned down from a more flamboyant one in his early career. However he might put on the top hat yet.
Tickets to the concert in Limerick’s Spiegeltent are available from Ticketmaster.
Submitted By Jean Mounsey
