Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Country singer Johnny Brady on The Eagles, Bon Jovi and The Gruffalo

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, country music singer Johnny Brady

Randalstown singer Johnny Brady grew up in a family where country music was huge. His grandfather was an uncle of the late Big Tom McBride
Randalstown singer Johnny Brady grew up in a family where country music was huge. His grandfather was an uncle of the late Big Tom McBride Randalstown singer Johnny Brady grew up in a family where country music was huge. His grandfather was an uncle of the late Big Tom McBride
By Jenny Lee

1. When did you think about a career in music and what were your first steps into it?

I grew up listening to my mum and dad’s record collection and was hooked. My uncles Paddy and Pete gave me my first start in a band when I was just aged 15 and I haven't stopped singing since.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to? American country singer Vince Gill in Nashville in 2016, rock band Whitesnake at the Waterfront Hall in 2006, and most recently, local band The Mindbenders at the Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band? Bon Jovi – all you need for a great night.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island and why? Eagles –The Best of Eagles. It's got everything – songwriting, musicanship and great singing.

5. And the book? The Gruffalo because it's the only book I ever read and it was so good.

6. Top three films? Man on Fire, Gladiator and Notebook.

7. Worst film you’ve seen and why? The Lego Movie; it didn’t piece together well for me. Lol.

8. Favourite authors? Harry Potter writer JK Rowling, oh and The Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, of course.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team? Football, especially during the World Cup and my favourite team is Brazil.

10. Ideal holiday destination? Obviously Nashville, the home of country music.

11. Pet hate? People telling lies.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Fajitas.

Dessert? Cheesecake – any flavour.

Drink? Coors Light.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other? I've two best friends, Brian and Andy, and we've known each other from school days.

14. Is there a God? I hope and believe so.

:: Johnny Brady will be appearing alongside fellow country music artists Derek Ryan, Lisa McHugh, Cliona Hagan and Philomena Begley at this year's Farmers Bash at the SSE Arena, Belfast on Friday October 12. Cotton Eyed Joe chart toppers Rednex are also jetting in from Sweden to perform an exclusive set. For further information and to buy tickets visit Farmersbash.com