*Johnny Fean on stage with Horslips.
A STAGE in memory of legendary guitarist Johnny Fean will be unveiled in Shannon this weekend.
Best known as a guitarist with Horslips, Johnny died peacefully at his home in Moy Park, Shannon at the age of 71 in May 2023.
Horslips are regarded as founding fathers of Celtic rock, with hits including Dearg Doom and Trouble with a Capital T. Fean played on all ten of the band’s albums, including landmark works Dancehall Sweethearts and The Book of Invasions.
He spent his childhood in Shannon and Garryowen, his father worked in Shannon Airport. The banjo, mandolin and harmonica were some of the other instruments played by Johnny.
On Saturday, the Johnny Fean Stage will be launched in his memory at Shannon Springs Hotel from 2pm to 3pm with an evening of music commencing at 9:30pm. To kick off the festivities, an open session takes place on Friday from 8pm in the Wings Music Lounge of the Shannon Springs.
Damian O’Rourke first pitched the idea to co-owner of the Shannon Springs, John Gavin who immediately gave the green light and he then received approval from Johnny’s loved ones including his wife Maggie and brother Ray Fean.
He told The Clare Echo, “Shannon is my hometown of which I am fiercely proud of. We have a big music culture in the town that I think a lot of folks don’t realise. Johnny Fean was a world renowned guitarist and lived in Shannon for many years. Having a stage named after him let’s local people know that a gifted musician lived among us for a long time. This also allows people who know the legacy of this guitar master to come and view the memorabilia that will be permanently on display including one of Jimmy’s Gibson guitars, gig photos and neon sign”.
After receiving the family’s blessing, Damian worked with Ray and John who has funded the project to put together the line-up of musicians. All proceeds on the night will go towards Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. “Volunteers will be present on the night to take donations and sell raffle tickets for the prizes of 2 Horslips box sets containing 33 CDs 2 DVDs, signed pictures of all band members and much more,” O’Rourke outlined.
