Dublin People - Fields Of Athenry writer pens one for the road

Home

News

Features

Fields Of Athenry writer pens one for the road

Thursday, 22 May 2008

NORTHSIDE songwriter extraordinaire Pete St John who has written such timeless classics as ‘The Fields Of Athenry’, ‘Dublin In The Rare Old Times’ and ‘The Ferryman’ has turned his talents to a modern-day Irish scourge - drink driving.
new song ‘Never Drink And Drive’ has been written in the hope that it might help to save lives on Ireland’s roads.
“I very happy with the way the song has turned out,” says Pete.
“There’s a nice catchy hook and chorus which I hope will lodge in people’s consciousness.”
Pete was also very aware of the serious nature of the subject matter when he was writing the new song.
“Of course it’s a serious subject and I had to be aware of people’s sensitivity when writing it,” he says.
“However, my reasoning is that if this song makes people stop and think before they hop into their car and if it even means one single life being saved on out roads it will be a totally worthwhile project.”
Pete isn’t saying who actually sings or plays on the record, leaving listeners to guess the voice and musical style of the mystery band. It already has the backing of road safety experts in Australia and officials in the US are thinking about making use of the tune.
Don’t Drive And Drive was launched in association with the Irish Road Safety Authority (IRSA) and CRAOL (Community Radio Forum Of Ireland) in the Spa Hotel, Lucan, on May 17.
The Country Underground Band, a collective of some of the best Irish session musicians and singers, played on and recorded the song.
People will instantly recognise many of the players and singers on the new tune.
Brain Farrell, PR Executive IRSA, said: “We are delighted to back this Pete St John song all the way.
“We hope that the great melody and lyrics will get right through to all Irish road users. We believe Pete has given us another classic with Never Drink And Drive and we are looking at another huge hit from the Pete St John stable.”
Writing songs from his base on Collins Avenue is still second nature to Pete and he works very hard at his craft every day.
“You can never know too much about this game and I’m always surprised when I come up with another tune that people actually like to listen to,” he says.
“I’m also a very big fan of community radio as I believe that is where true fans of good music listen in to hear what’s going on at the moment.”
You can get more information about Never Drink And Drive and how to purchase a copy of the new song by going to www.petestjohn.com.

Providing services for victims suffering in silence

Tuesday, 06 January 2009

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC), which has been based in Leeson Street in Dublin 2 for several years now, has a new base in Coolock providing counselling services for victims. Anyone who can...
+ Full Story

Building volunteers leave their mark

Tuesday, 06 January 2009

A total of 572 Dubliners, including a large Northside contingent, joined almost 2,000 volunteers to make history by taking part in the largest group of white people ever to build houses in a...
+ Full Story

Driven Sarah ready for challenge

Tuesday, 06 January 2009

Sarah Keane (34), from Skerries, is one of four Irish adventure enthusiasts who have made the cut for one of the world’s most gruelling 4x4 adventure competitions. Sarah is a GP in a local...
+ Full Story

Fathers desperate to see kids over Christmas

Saturday, 20 December 2008

AMEN, founded in 1997 by Mary Cleary, provides a confidential helpline, a support service and information for male victims of domestic abuse. Thousands of men and supportive members of their...
+ Full Story