JOHN KELLY
“I have been singing since I was 8, brought up with Irish music loving parents, and vinyl and
cassettes all over the house, music has been my life. Musically, I am self taught. I started a
band in my teens (Another Dead Rabbit) writing and gigging whenever and wherever I could. I
took on the guitar, bass and keyboards and I'm pleased to say I’m still dodgy on them all”.
John Kelly is a warm, funny, passionate musician with over 30 years’ live experience.
He is a lover and a (non-violent) fighter for equality, inclusion and human rights.
His songwriting sits alongside that of his heroes and peers; containing all the
compassion & conviction of Woody Guthrie, the fiery passion of Billy Bragg and the
imaginative storytelling of Ian Dury & The Blockheads.
As a solo artist and lead member of the band Rockinpaddy he has wowed crowds at
gigs ranging from backroom pubs to sold-out stadiums.
John’s music is informed by his broad musical tastes encompassing Irish, folk and
traditional music alongside rockabilly, punk, ska and blues.