T he Black legs where formed in May 2006 by Eamon and Gabby. The band consists of intelligent seasoned musicians who play their instruments exceptionally well. The make up of the band is a combination of experience coupled with ability and most instruments are catered for and played in a live performance. The instruments featured in a live performance are Fiddle, Uilleann Pipes and Gaite Pipes, Accordion, Flute, Whistle, Guitar and Octave Mandolin along with great vocals harmonies. The Black Legs have a very lively program and perform to highest standards five nights a week at Peadars Bar in Waterloo street Derry. Further Information: myspace.com/blacklegminors
myspace.com/peadarodonnellsgroup
Eamon McLaughlin (Derry) Eamon has played music all his life. In the early eighties he was featured with a band called Thundering Down, which consisted of Eamon and his three brothers. They where a Huge success and every venue they played was totally packed out. He later went on to form another band in 1990 called the Mad Hatters, which was a big success also. He has toured Europe a number of times with bands and as a session musician. In May 2006 Eamon met Gabby and shortly afterwards The Black Legs where formed. Eamon provides the main rhythm for the band with progressive cord sequences and he is also the main vocalist.
Gabriel Fitzgerald (Dublin) Gabby has also being around the scene a long time. He has played the national and international circuit a few times. His lives for his music and he is a self-motivated individual. He formed a band called Celtic Brew in the early nineties, which was a national success for him with some TV appearances and then went on to form another group called Against The Grain in 1995, which was also a great success. Gabby's piping adds somthing special to the blacklegs in that he can capture an audience with his playing..
Merle Drost (Donegal .. Germany) Merle is a newer addition to the band. She comes from a family of fiddle players in Donegal. Her Father/Mother and two sisters play fiddle also and she herself adds a unique fiddle sound and tone to the Black Legs. At present she is studying for a Degree in music at McGee University Derry. Merle has a Hugh repertoire of music handed down from her Father who is well know for his music and fiddle playing in donegal.
Steven Carlin. (Derry) Steven also comes from a family of traditional players. His family plays Fiddle, Flute, Pipes, Whistles and Steven himself plays the button accordion. He is a terrific player and can capture a full audience on his own with his dynamic style of playing. He is studying for a Degree in music and will finish university in May 2007. He has being with the Black Legs since they formed in May 2006 he hopes to travel to Europe with the band this year when they tour.
The greatest thing that we have for each other is admiration and respect for one another just like a family and this will drive us on as a solid band to better things in the future.
