LIMERICK muso Nicky Woulfe will celebrate 45 years in music this Saturday November 16 at The Whitehouse Bar on O’Connell Street where he’s been the resident DJ for 18 years. He has been a music fan all his life and bought his first record back in 1969 which was Elton John’s ‘Empty Sky’ and he continues to buy music and invest in collecting music memorabilia to this day.
Nicky Woulfe’s journey began in Kilkee supporting acts at the Olympia Ballroom, before moving on to venues like the Hydro, Mickey Martin’s, and Queens Hotel in Ennis.
In 1979, Nicky launched his nightclub career at Jack Burke’s on Thomas Street, and became a staple in clubs across the region, including The Basement Nightclub, The Brazen Head, Fernando’s, and Tropics. Known for his extensive vinyl collection, he also amassed a wealth of music memorabilia, including rare posters, photographs, and programs, making him one of the country’s largest collectors.
Beyond the clubs, Nicky toured as a roadie with iconic bands like Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher throughout the 1970s and 80s. He also promoted Irish acts such as Mary Coughlan, Mary Black, and The Cranberries, as well as international artists like Albert Lee and John Martyn.
In the mid-1980s to early 90s, he ran venues, including The Shannon Arms and The Speakeasy, hosting emerging bands from around Ireland.
In 2014, with support from Limerick’s City of Culture initiative, Nicky showcased his vast collection in an exhibition titled Music Memories and Memorabilia, sharing over four decades of music and cultural history. Nicky celebrates a lifetime immersed in the industry, as a DJ, promoter, roadie, and broadcaster this Saturday November 16 at The Whitehouse Bar.
