1. When did you think about a career in comedy and what were your first steps into it?
I began playing the accordion and guitar in primary school. At home there was always country music playing. My mam was involved in music and I would have grown up listening to her sing and watching her head off to gigs at the weekends. I started to go with her as a teenager and would get up and sing a song or two. I loved performing so much it just went from there.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to? George Strait, in the T Mobile Area in Las Vegas last year. In September I saw Ringo Starr and his all star band in Radio City, New York. His band included Steve Lukather, a fantastic guitarist and member of Toto; ex-Men At Work man Colin Hay and the great Graham Gouldman from 10CC. My other highlight is hearing the great late legend George Jones in the Ryman auditorium, Nashville. I later went on to record a duet with him also was a dream come true.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band? Garth Brooks.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island? A county music mix record with all the greats on it, including Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks.
5. And the book? I’m not a fan of reading books so I’d save the room in my bag for a guitar instead.
6. Top three films? Champ, Rocky and The Shawshank Redemption.
7. Worst film you’ve seen? The Human Centipede – it’s so weird and messed up.
8. Favourite authors? I don’t have any. Maybe when my schedule settles down a little I will have more time to sit and try to actually read a book
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team? I have always loved GAA and golf. I support our local Portumna GAA team and Galway hurling.
10. Ideal holiday destination? Las Vegas. I have been many times and love it there. It has the best in hotels, food and entertainment and it’s open 24 hours a day.
11. Pet hate? When people jump queues.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Roast chicken.
Dessert? Chocolate fondant or crème brulee.
Drink? Heinekin.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other? Elizabeth, my wife
14. Is there a God. I believe there is.
:: Mike Denver will play Derry's Millennium Forum on January 17, Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan on January 27, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on February 8 and Armagh City Hotel on March 8. For full list of venues and dates visit themikedenverband.com
