Now based in Texas, likes to talk about growing up in Galway in the 60s and 70s. From the highs of opening for Thin Lizzy at the Hanger, to being admitted to St Patrick’s psychiatric hospital at age 20 after suffering a nervous breakdown, Kelleher takes his audience on his “wild journey”.
“Like everyone, I’ve had my ups and downs during my long career,” explains Kelleher.
“But the good times far outweigh the bad, so I see my one-man show as a celebration of the joy music has brought into my life, and the many wonderful opportunities that have been afforded me during my 55-year career.”
Kelleher has battled depression, anxiety, and alcohol addiction, but on November 1 this year he reached an incredible personal milestone – celebrating eleven years of sobriety.
A familiar name to Galway music lovers, Kelleher began his music career in Galway in the late 1960s, performing with Galway-based bands Spoonful, Life’s Feast, Skull and Rock and Roll Circus.
Immigrating to America in 1975, he pursued a career in music, and since then has toured across the US and Europe, performing over 7000 shows in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Excelsior in Rome. He now performs as a solo artist.
For the past nine years, he has been sharing his story with audiences across America with his motivational talk Shine the Light. His message has three key components: help those who struggle, raise awareness of the lack of funding and resources for those who struggle, and normalise the conversation around mental health and addiction.
Kelleher’s story is one of hope and resilience. At the Crane Bar this December 29 at 8pm, audiences can expect a celebration of music, survival and the enduring power of telling one’s story.
