Live on Spike sparkles in the sun

Live On Spike was a spectacular success last Saturday 3rd September. Even the sun made an unexpected guest appearance for this first live music event on the island. However it was on the stage where the brightest lights shone. Cookie from Cobh set the bar very high with her opening set and the audiences were eased into a comfortable afternoon of music with her soulful sounds and stunning voice. 

Singer songwriter Aine Whelan’s haunting vocals resonated around the ancient fort walls as she performed some new songs as well as more established numbers from her albums ‘Don’t Mind The Rain’ and ‘Between The Moon And Mercury’. 

Ken Cotter & Mark Slade performed tracks from Ken’s forthcoming album ‘Anatomy Of A Goddess’, based on his reading of James Joyce’s Ulysses, before music fans were treated to a special acoustic set by headline act, The Frank And Walters. The Franks wandered through a bevy of hits from their back catalogue in a laid-back fashion, fitting perfectly with the chilled out vibe. 

As the last of the ham rolls were eaten, and flasks of tea were emptied, the audiences were treated to one more act. The Cobh based band, The Empire Lights, wowed one and all with their polished pop-rock. Music fans hit the ferries back to Cobh with their song ‘Momentum’ ringing in their ears as they left this most unique venue. 

Red FM’s Dave Mac kept everyone well informed from the stage between the acts, and Cork County Council had laid on a special photo exhibition in one of the old cells, which proved to be a big hit with everyone. Here’s to next year's events on Spike.