Seán Brady - Irish singer FAQs

I perform classics recorded by The Dubliners, The Pogues, Christy Moore, The Fureys, The Wolfetones, Johnny McEvoy, Van Morison, Paddy Reilly and many more. I can also sing a wide variety of country songs by acts such as Hank Williams, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Darius Rucker, Hank Locklin, Patsy Cline and similar country icons. I can also perform Country & Irish songs by Big Tom, Brendan Shine and Foster & Allen. I also have a selection of contemporary songs by Simon and Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Oasis, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, The Drifters,  and many more. My latest song lists are here.

It depends on various factors such as whether it’s a solo, duo or band option, the location, date and duration of the gig. The best way to get a quote is to make an enquiry via the form, by WhatsApp or by calling me. You can get some ballpark figures on my current fees here.

In Britain I travel anywhere on the map. I also work overseas.

It’s me on guitar (electro acoustic Takemine) and vocals with a top of the range Bose L1 (full) PA system. (I don’t use Karaoke style backing tracks or songsheets)

It’s usually with either my banjo, concertina or fiddle player. All superb musicians.

It’s usually me with a banjo and concertina and/or fiddle player. It can also feature an accordion player if required or an uilleann piper/tin whistle player. (Subject to availability)

Around 80% of my gigs are performed solo and it works really well. However, having an extra musician will add to the overall dynamic of the show and with a banjo or fiddle there’s the added option of being able to play traditional Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes if required.

At most of my gigs I use a top of the range BOSE system, Yamaha mixer, an industry standard Shure SM58 microphone and a Takemine electro/acoustic guitar. For small gigs of up to 50 people I use the latest Bose S1 bluetooth powered speaker.

Absolutely. When you book me you can select a play list from my current song lists found here. It’s best to email your selection to me a few days before the date of your booking.

Not usually, however, if it’s a special song required for the occasion I can often learn it for you in time for the event if I’m given enough notice. Feel free to ask when you make your enquiry.

If requested to yes. The currently most requested songs from my own recordings are The Thatcher Song, Jackie’s Army, De Valera, Michael, The Drumshanbo Exile, The Ballad of Katie Taylor, Free the Six, Valley of Tears and my latest single, ‘I Wasn’t Born In Ireland But Ireland Was Born In Me’.

I have lots of rebel songs that I can perform, including Kevin Barry, Sean South of Garryowen, Grace, Joe McDonnell and many more. I don’t perform them unless the actual booker has requested me to do so.

I take a lot of bookings at short notice especially for funerals and wakes. It’s always a good idea to enquire in plenty of time for summer weddings and definitely for St Patrick’s week.

When you book me, the details of the event, date, timings, location are written into a contract. This is then emailed to you to check, agree, sign and return. A deposit will be required (usually around 25%-50% of the overall fee) which can be paid by bank transfer or PayPal. The balance is payable prior to the event either via bank transfer (48hrs prior) or in cash on the day. In some circumstances the fee in full will be required in advance (Example: If the date of the booking is within 30 days). 

Yes, I have full public liability insurance and can provide a copy of that on request.

Yes, all my equipment is PAT tested and certified.

That’s not always possible unless I have an upcoming pub gig at the time of your enquiry. However, the majority of my gigs are private functions. You can see my videos and hear my audio samplers here. You can also hear many of my albums and singles on all of the major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, etc.

Generally no, unless agreed between me with the booker beforehand. It’s a slightly tricky area with strict rules in place on health and safety these days. I also have to adhere fully to my public liability insurance T&C’s. 

I prefer to make my shows a more live experience. For me, using karaoke style backing tracks and reading the words and chords from a screen while trying to connect with an audience is something that can detract from that rapport in a live gig situation. But of course lots of performers do successfully use props very competently and successfully. For me, learning the words and chords off by heart keeps me focussed. 

If you cancel 90 days or more prior to the date of your booking, you’ll need to pay 50% of the overall fee less the deposit already paid. If you cancel less than 90 days prior to a booking the fee is due in full less the deposit already paid.

Irish dancers generally use their own backing tracks to match their carefully choreographed shows and tempos. I often play their backing tracks through my PA at weddings and parties.