John Kelly

Writer & Broadcaster

Lisa O'Neill heads a very strong year for Irish music

John Kelly's top 10 albums of 2023

These are in no particular order and represent no more than a top ten list as it immediately comes to mind.

Music • 19 Dec 23

'He was known before he was known' - John Kelly on Shane MacGowan

In 2018 John Kelly hosted Shane MacGowan's 60th Birthday celebrations at the National Concert Hall – an event attended by President Higgins, with performances from Sinéad O'Connor, Bono, Nick Cave and many more.

In Memoriam • 01 Dec 23

Who are you calling high-brow? John Kelly on why art matters

I was cornered some years ago at a function in Belfast by a man who was clearly intent on rising a row.

The John Kelly Column • 28 Oct 23

John Kelly on a time and a place with Buddha, Molaise and Mose

A few weeks ago I was exactly where I needed to be – back in my home county of Fermanagh; out in a boat and enjoying the last of the long evenings at the Friar's Leap – pronounced lepp.

The John Kelly Column • 16 Sep 23

Black Sabbath, 1970: Bill Ward, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler (Pic: Chris Walter/Getty)

John Kelly on Ireland's role in the invention of Heavy Metal

The contribution of the Irish Diaspora to the popular music of Britain has been well documented - The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Elvis Costello, The Smiths and Oasis are just some of the names on a long and impressive list.

The John Kelly Column • 17 Jul 23

Rufus Wainwright tackles folk standards on his latest album

It's all folk - John Kelly on opening your musical mind

When Elvis Costello appeared onstage at Live Aid and introduced The Beatles' All You Need is Love as "a north of England folk song," I felt a definite shift in my tiny musical mind.

Music • 19 Jun 23

Meeting Belafonte - John Kelly on an audience with a legend

Some years ago Paul Brady and myself travelled to Dakar, Senegal as guests of Plan International – one of the largest child centred development organizations in the world.

The John Kelly Column • 07 May 23

Remember the time Liam Brady (L) took the Mystery Train with John Kelly (R)?

Out of midfield - John Kelly on Liam Brady and his records

Sean Casey's excellent documentary Liam Brady: The Irishman Abroad was given its television premiere on the suitable occasion of the soccer legend's 67th birthday.

Football • 25 Feb 23

The original Sun Studios recording facility run by Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee

John Kelly on writing about what you love - and saying thanks

opinion • 21 Jan 23

The second album from Telefís makes John Kelly's cut for 2022

John Kelly's Top 10 albums of 2022

Music • 03 Dec 22