The brother of a popular Co Tyrone musician who died in a car crash last year says he is always with the band as they prepare for one of their biggest gigs since his death.
Guitarist Barry Mohan from Co Tyrone band All Folk’d Up tragically lost his life last October aged 28, with brother and singer Pauric continuing to lead the group since his loss.
The band will take to the stage at Mandela Hall this St Patrick’s Day in Belfast for one of its biggest gigs, and Pauric says his brother’s presence is still very much felt by those in All Folk’d Up.
“Barry’s talent along with his bubbly personality was immense in the band and each night we go on stage we think about him and the respect he commanded, both from the other All Folk’d Up members, and our audiences,” Pauric said.
“He was such a popular musician, on top of his game and loved what he done.
“He’s missed every day, the craic that we had with him was incredible. You would miss the harmonies and the craic.”
The band will be releasing a new album this year entitled ‘Barry’ and to coincide with this Friday’s Belfast show, they are releasing a traditional tune called ‘Paddy’s Jig’. The song features acoustic guitar from the late Aughnacloy man which was recorded before his death.
“I think Barry would come back to haunt us if we didn’t continue on and keep doing what we’re doing. He’s just a big miss and he’s always in our thoughts when we are on stage.
“You would be singing a song and waiting on something to come in or a silly comment halfway through a song and you would be looking around for him.”
The six-piece folk rock band was formed by Pauric while he was studying for his music degree in Dublin.
He quickly called upon the services of his younger brother who added a newfound energy with punchy bass lines and vocal harmonies that only the two siblings could create.
A busy summer lies ahead for the band, who are only just back from a series of gigs in England and Scotland.
“We are just hectic at the minute but it’s great to be busy,” Pauric adds.
“We are really looking forward to our show in Mandela Hall, and playing our new song to mark St Patrick’s Day with Barry’s instrumental playing live behind us, will be something the band and I will never forget.”
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