Brendan Shine (born 2 June 1947) is an Irish folk and country singer, television presenter[1] and accordion player from Athlone. He has achieved 40 chart singles[2] in Ireland and 5 Irish number one singles, and is best known for his songs about everyday Irish life, such as "Do You Want Your Old Lobby Washed Down" and "Spuds".
Career
Shine originally started off as a barman. He set up a pub in Baylough in Athlone, across from St. Comans Park, calling it 'Shine's Bar' and it was run by his wife. Shine has recently sold the pub but the name 'Shine's Bar' remains. He now lives in Moore, on the main road to Shannonbridge, in an ordinary, old, two-storey farm house.
Shine has released more than fifty albums and has had over forty-five hit singles.[3] He began his music career by playing in his father's country band while still at school, and also in Kieran Kelly's Ceili Band along with schoolfriend Johnny Dawson (who still performs with Shine in the Brendan Shine Super Band). He originally made his name as an accordionist before taking up singing and becoming one of Ireland's best-known entertainers.[3] In 1971, he topped the Irish charts with "O'Brien Has No Place to Go", which stayed in the charts for five months.[4]
In the 1970s, he recorded a few number one hits in Ireland. These included "Where the Three Counties Meet" (1973), "Abbyshrule" (1974), "All My Roads Lead Back To You" (1976), "How Much Time" (1977), and "Do You Want Your Oul Lobby Washed Down" (1979) which stayed at number one for six weeks and in the Top 50 for over 40 weeks. Shine performed this song to Pope John Paul II when the Pope visited Ireland.A 1986 single 'You'll Never Go Back' received much radio play despite not charting.
Shine has also presented several television series in Ireland, including Nice and Easy in the 1980s and Shine On as well as appearing on The Late Late Show.[3][5] In the 1990s, he was a regular guest on The Lyrics Board[6] and performed many of his songs on music shows and chat shows.
In 1998, he released his new single the "Celtic Tiger" which charted just outside the top 20.[7] Shortly after that, his brother, and band leader, Owen Shine died while Brendan was on tour in the UK in Birmingham.[8][9] Later that year, his daughter Emily Shine joined his band, and he won the World Country Award for the second year running.
In 2004, Shine was banned from driving in the UK for a year after pleading guilty to drink-driving.[10]
In 2007, Shine released his major comeback hit "Grandad"[11] which charted for four weeks in Ireland, peaking at number 24.[12]
In 2009, Shine was subjected to another legal battle which he lost and was fined over €2000 for tax avoidance and failing to apply for income tax.[13]
In 2010, Shine was awarded The Freedom of Roscommon Award (the highest civilian honour in County Roscommon) to recognise over 43 years of musical achievements. He is only the second person to have ever achieved this award.[14]
Shine's latest album, Where Did You Meet Her was released on 16 April 2012, along with a DVD, Lily of the West.[15]
Discography
This list (which may have dates, numbers, etc.) may be better in a sortable table format. Please help improve this list or discuss it on the talk page.(December 2012)
^ abcdNeil Warwick, Tony Brown, Jon Kutner (2004) The Complete Book of the British Charts: Singles & Albums, Omnibus Press, ISBN978-1-84449-058-5, p.985
