Downpatrick teenage musician Charlie supports rockers Ash at landmark gig

Downpatrick teenage musician Charlie supports rockers Ash at landmark gig

2 November 2022

A TEENAGE Downpatrick musician will be living the dream when he takes to the stage with his hometown heroes — Ash. 

Seventeen year-old Charlie Hanlon, a promising musician who describes himself as a “one man boy band”, will be supporting the Downpatrick band at their 30th anniversary gig in Belfast’s Ulster Hall  on December 16.

Charlie is a member of the well known and highly respected Hanlon family. His father Eamon is a renowned jazz, funk and soul bass player when he’s not working in the family business.

Music is in Charlie’s blood, and he now has an opportunity to share it with more potential fans than ever.

Charlie has loved music all his life. He is currently studying Musical Performance at Belfast Metropolitan College and plans to concentrate on his music  when he graduates in June this year.

“Hopefully when I finish my course, I will go into music full time,” he said. I want to keep going on this trajectory, gigging with people and releasing music.”

As well as supporting Ash, Charlie has several other gigs lined up — he will be supporting Bangor four-piece band The Florentinas at Belfast’s famed Limelight venue this Friday.

After cutting his teeth with several live gigs across Northern Ireland, including performances in McHugh’s Bar in the heart of Belfast. Charlie then supported Bronagh Gallagher — the Derry-born actress and singer — at Whelan’s music venue in Dublin in June.

It was these live performances that caught the eye of music industry professionals such as  Charlene Hegarty, a talent development manager with over 17 years of experience. Under Charlene’s guidance, Charlie took part in the ‘Scratch My Progress’ development scheme for young performers in Belfast. 

This initiative allowed Charlie to improve his abilities and make new exciting connections in the music business, and it was Charlene who suggested on Twitter that Charlie would make a perfect support act for Ash.

The band’s support team then got in touch with Charlie, who jumped at the chance to appear with his fellow Downpatrick musicians.

Already a fan of the band, Charlie said: “I am chuffed. It is very cool to play at the Ulster Hall and to be supporting a Downpatrick band.

“I’ve seen Ash a few times, the time being at Belsonic in Belfast in June when they supported Liam Gallagher.

“I am buzzing about getting the chance to play with them. It’s a big, big gig and it could be a changing moment in my career.”

While he is excited about getting his name out there and reaching more music fans, Charlie insists that his drive comes from performing live and sharing his music.

“ It is more than about money. I do this for the love of playing music and performing live. As long as someone’s listening to me, I’m happy.”