Well, there is no easy way to put it, but Gan Ainm are bidding farewell to guitarist Miles McLean and fiddler Alexander Gow...Miles had decided during the fun but incredibly hectic St. Pat's week this year that he wanted to break away and spend more time with his family and on other projects - the last gig we played was actually his leaving gig, but not being one for being fussed over he requested we made no official announcement on the night.
As for Alex, until last week he was all ready to continue... and then he got himself a proper job! Unfortunately the nature of the job and the hours meant that he felt obliged to leave the band, or risk holding it back. As he will be managing a certain pub known well to Gan Ainm and their followers, it seems likely that he will be seen on the fiddle and mandola again in various capacities - maybe even guesting with the new lineup of Gan Ainm at some point in the future!
So it is farewell to two of the longest serving members of the band.... but welcome to two newbies!
With Miles leaving Iggy has graduated from bass to guitar, and in his place we now have a new bassist... and in addition the band is introducing a new vocalist and front man in the form of Belfast boy Paul McCracken. Rehearsals with the two are going great, with the lads preparing for a private gig for the wedding of Eoin (the squeezebox player) at the start of July, which will be Alex's last proper gig with the band.....
As for after that? Stay tuned for further announcements.... abnormal service will be resumed shortly!
