It’s brought a wee community in Kilmore a lot closer

It’s brought a wee community in Kilmore a lot closer

13 May 2020

A KILMORE singer songwriter is entertaining neighbours and fans around the world from his garden during the coronavirus lockdown.

Eddie Booth may be more accustomed singing to pub goers in Belfast, but now he is now lifting the spirits of thousands of people during his live shows every Saturday night. 

The 56 year-old, who once turned down an offer to play a series of gigs from concert promoter, Jim Aiken, now reaches fans from as far away as America, Brazil and Argentina. 

Eddie, who calls his half-hour-long shows Live From The Lamplight, performs covers from his idols such as Neil Diamond, John Lennon and John Denver.

“I have a regular Facebook following each week who watch on as I entertain my neighbours and poke a little fun at myself,” said Eddie.

“It began a few weeks into the lockdown when I plugged my guitar into an amp I put out the window and played a few songs from the lamppost at the corner of my garden. 

“The neighbours came out and stood in their gardens to listen. We are all doing social distancing, but my vocals could be heard way down the road. It’s just grown from there.

He said: “It’s brought a wee community a lot closer together. I couldn’t be any prouder of the folk who live in Kilmore. They have been exceptional supporters every week as the show goes out. 

“They dress up and bring out their tables and enjoy the show. There is a terrific community spirit abounding and everyone is looking out for each other. It makes for a terrific atmosphere.”

Eddie, who is also a Sunday School teacher, says Facebook supporters and neighbours alike have left thousands of messages of support and it’s this which keeps him going. 

Whilst Eddie used to be crippled by anxiety and depression, he bares no visible scars from his ordeal. 

Originally from the Braniel estate in east Belfast, he went from zero to hero battling hard to overcome his poor mental health, but says his life is only just beginning now.

“When I was in my late teens I spent 15 weeks in hospital to treat some underlying mental health issues. My father visited me twice a day while I was there. I wasn’t in a good place mentally. 

“With in a few short years I was on the streets. While I was homeless I was attacked one night and badly beaten up. I was left for dead but have survived and I made it nonetheless.”

He added that plans are afoot to make a film about his life and his remarkable journey to success. 

“I’ve been performing since I was 13 and have played in so many places and I know how important music is as a way to make people feel better and lift their spirits.”

It’s no surprise to learn that Eddie, who also plays Gospel music, has been entertaining residents at nursing homes and hospitals over the last 30 years. He says the hardest part of the lockdown is not being able to visit them. 

“I always come away feeling a lot better than I did before I went to visit them. Just to spend an hour among these people puts you in a better frame of mind. I consider them my friends.” 

Like all good artists, Eddie has some terrific helpers with his weekly shows. 

He said: “Aoife Boyle is 14 years old and performs a song or two during our weekly shows. She is a very gifted singer. Blake Harwood is responsible for the filming. He is currently studying media and I think he has a great future ahead of him. 

“We have planned a VC day. That’s something like VE Day celebrations but stands for Victory over the Coronavirus. We hope to hold a big party when all this is over.”

At 8pm every Thursday Eddie performs a special gig to coincide with the closure of all bars, hotels and restaurants during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Last week he performed Percy French’s The Mountains of Mourne from the grounds of Slieve Donard Hotel Resort and Spa. Tomorrow evening will see him visit another local hotel before he takes on the rigours of his regular Saturday night Kilmore show.