Pete Merrigan profile picture

Pete Merrigan

About Me

Audiences everywhere have been enjoying Pete Merrigan's bands and solo performances for more than forty years. Starting at the age of 15 in 1965, Pete's career has taken him from high school stages to concert halls, smoke filled bar-rooms to festivals & opera houses, radio shows -on air and internet- and most every imaginable venue in between, through 19 states and 3 countries, a half million miles and several thousand shows. Pete has entertained crowds from the Caribbean Islands and the beaches of Florida's west coast to the ski resorts of New England playing acoustic guitar and harmonica and singing the songs he and his audiences love to hear.

A love of performing and a genuine love of his audience is what has made Pete Merrigan such a successful entertainer for all these years. People always sense that he truly enjoys what he does and that creates a good feeling in any room anywhere!

His fellow musicians have described him as the best front man they've ever worked with; a consummate performer with an innate sense of theatrics complemented by a funky, offbeat sense of humor, unlimited energy, a strong voice and the ability to portray, rather than just deliver a song. Whether the occasion calls for familiar, danceable material, a quiet dinner set, Pete adapts to the environment.

Three very polished cds chronical his original songs such as "State of Grace," "Born Here" and "Eye of the Devil" (of which Steven Tyler said "That's a great song!")


Although solo performing is Pete's main focus these days, he has a ready list of talented side-men to accompany him when the gig calls for a 2, 3, 4, or 5 piece band. You can buy the cds at www.petemerrigan.com using PayPal!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/21/2007
Band Website: www.petemerrigan.com
Band Members: Usually solo but occasionally I have Vinnie Seplesky on bass T.C. Carr on harp & vocals Lenny Austin on guitar & vocals Tom Kennedy, Glenn Evans, Dana Flewelling or Bob Gagnier on drums Sandy Alexander on keyboards & vocals Brian Kennell on bass Mick "Sugarboy" Seretny on harp and many other 'sitters-in'
Influences: I've been influenced and, more importantly, inspired by some of the gifted musicians I've had the pleasure of working with over the years....including T.C. Carr, Lenny Austin, Dave Williamson, Harry Dailey, Vinnie Seplesky, Stormin' Norman, Tom Kennedy, Glenn Evans, Jim Beach, Hector, Pete Shackett, Sandy Alexander, Mike Ault, and Mario Casella. I grew up in N.H. watching Steve Tallarico become Steven Tyler. Steve taught me a lot about stage presence, drumming, singing and fronting a band. He's been a big influence and inspiration in my "keeping at it" even though our styles are worlds apart. I guess my songwriting is most influenced by guys like John Prine, Guy Clark, Gary Nicholson, some would say Jimmy Buffett and, of course, my good friend Dave Williamson. John Hiatt is a huge influence lately as is Delbert McClinton. I'm influenced in one way or another by all my colleagues...we can all learn something from one another, even if it's what NOT to do!
Sounds Like: I've been told I sound like John Hiatt. I can't get outside myself to hear what I sound like but I'll take the John Hiatt thing as a compliment. I love singing his stuff, I know that!
Record Label: Pete Merrigan Music
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

VERY cool gig! Friday, Obama and Clinton in Unity

 I just got a VERY cool gig! I"m going to be playing Friday morning in Unity N.H. on the Goshen border for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's first joint appearance since the primary ended!! When...
Posted by on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:39:00 GMT

Mad Beach Band Reunion Photos

First Mad Beach Band Reunion 02/09/08John's Pass Blvd - Madeira Beach, FL.Mad Beach Band & Saltwater Cowboys 05/24/08At Sand, Surf & Sun - Treasure Island, FL
Posted by on Mon, 26 May 2008 11:52:00 GMT

Song List

Song List* New Shoes...Paulo Nutini*Master of Disaster...John HiattCry Love...John Hiatt A Little Help from My Friends...Beatles *White Flag...Dido*Handle With Care...Travelin' WilburysSea of Heartbre...
Posted by on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 10:46:00 GMT