Mick Flavin marks 21 years with Mullingar visit

Mick Flavin, Ireland"s International Ambassador of Country Music, celebrates his 21st anniversary as an entertainer and is poised to woo the crowds when he plays the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar on Sunday next, June 29.'The Gentle Giant"s' musical journey has taken him from his native Drumlish. Co. Longford to the status of internationally acclaimed recording artist: to Wembley Stadium to Nashville and everywhere in between.His first release back in 1987 entitled 'My Kind Of Music' was a four-track EP or, as it was called back then, a maxi single. It caught the imagination of the record buying public and went to the top of the charts making Mick a household name. The single was quickly followed by a top ten album, 'I"m Gonna Make it After All'.He received a gold disc for the sales of the album, and throughout his career, Mick has released a total of 18 albums and two DVDs.Mick"s dedication to his craft paid off. He developed a true country fan base. His loyal fanbase, he says, is the reason for his success. His fans helped his records to climb the charts one after the other making him one of Ireland"s ten most-played radio artists of the 80s, 90s and the present.Mick"s singles were some the decade"s most memorable; from 'Try It, You"ll Like It' to 'Wild Flowers'. Mick is easily identified for his string of hits including 'She"s My Rose', 'Old Home In Mayo', 'Hill of Tyrone', 'Someday You"ll Love Me', and one of his biggest, 'The Old School Yard', a song that held its position at the top of the Irish charts for many weeks. All of these tunes have been immortalised by enthusiastic fans who demand to hear them wherever he plays.Mick Flavin"s individual sound and performance personality has captivated audiences around the world. That warm, soothing, mellow voice that whisks you away to a happier time belongs to none other than one of country music"s most enduring and best-loved stars. Mick has thrilled millions over a career that has spanned over two decades.Of all the recorded highlights Mick has enjoyed, they take a back seat to his first love - Mick Flavin lives to perform on stage. 'I make records because I want people to enjoy my music and come along to my show,' he says with a grin. 'Recording music for people to just listen to is great, but I"ve got to be out there on stage making it.'Fans who have seen him perform agree. Known as one of the industry"s hardest-working performers, maintaining a hefty tour schedule and steady presence in front of his fans, Mick"s commitment to delivering live music is unsurpassed.A true ambassador of country music, he is the consummate entertainer, always ready with an autograph, a warm smile, and an uplifting tune. Whether in the recording studio, or on a stage in front of his legions of fans, whether you hear Mick Flavin with a new release on the radio, or see his face on the cover of a new CD, you will always find him doing what he was born to do - perform in front of an audience.'The clubs and halls are home for me; it"s comfortable and I"m always with friends,' says Mick. His love of performing and the seemingly insatiable appetite for his music among his loyal fans is what keeps him going.To celebrate his journey in the music industry, Mick has released an anniversary scrapbook and photo biography which runs to 42 pages, and is published in Ireland by Mick in association with journalist Audrey Healy.Mick spent many months researching and identifying photographs which traced his career through the decades, from initial success in 1980s. The photographs, which include shots with numerous celebrities and items from the family album, are accompanied by reproductions of newspaper clippings highlighting his career achievements, and assorted record and concert advertisements.