Hollywood star Kevin Bacon speaks about his love of Irish music

Kevin Bacon

Hollywood star Kevin Bacon proves that you’re never too old to start falling love with Irish music.

The Footloose legend revealed that he had been getting into some of traditional music’s biggest stars including the Chieftains.

He has even learned to play the bodhrán and has started writing songs, with one about a giant squid.

He made the comments via a video connection with Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show.

Bacon said that Irish music has: “a certain edge that’s hard to put your finger on.

“It’s got a rocking edge that I find really, really compelling. I’m a percussionist, I play hand drums in my band, and my brother got me a bodhrán a few year ago. 

“I’m not good at it, it’s a real skill that I don’t really have. I wrote a song about a giant squid and once the band got together and started playing it, it ended up having a very Irish feel and I ended up playing bodhrán on that song.”

Tubridy recommended that Bacon adds another great Irish artist to his playlist to go along with the Chieftains.

He said: “His name is Christy Moore, write his name down and get busy on YouTube. He’s a legend here so we’ll try and get the two of you here in a year’s time or thereabouts.”

Tubs also suggested that the Bacon Brothers should come to Ireland to perform once the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Bacon was delighted with the invite and said he intends to take him up on the offer.

He said: “That’s sounds great. I’d like to come over and get lessons, frankly. That would be the best idea.

“Find somebody who is the most badass player and have him sit down with me and take me to school.”

Take a look at the video below.

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By Michael Kehoe

Michael Kehoe is a writer for Irish Music Daily and Ireland Calling. His favourite Irish Music bands are Flogging Molly and the Dropkick Murphys.