Dave Fanning has opened up about his time with some of the best known rockstars in the world, admitting there has been plenty of “mad moments.”
The presenter is currently hosting a new show on RTE Radio One, which takes a look through the history of Irish rock, leading Dave to reminisce on time spent with the stars.
“I remember my first Slane,” he muses to VIP Magazine. “I was doing stage announcements so I was backstage, and this helicopter arrived.
“Phil Lynott, the rockstar, stepped right out of the helicopter and onto the stage. That was something we’ve never seen in Ireland before. It was huge.”
Recalling more time spent with Phil, Dave said, “I remember one time he asked me to go out to his house in Howth because he wanted to give me a book of poems. They were lyrics of his.
“I sat on the beach with him for about two hours and we just talked. It wasn’t an interview, we just talked nonsense. He kept saying how he was going to get his life together and it didn’t happen; he died within a year. That was poignant and sad.”
He added, “Rory Gallagher was always one of the nicest guys. He died too. He left nothing behind; no wife or kids or house. He was a real gentle soul.”
Through archive interviewed, tales and music, Dave will delve deep into the history of Irish rock over the space of ten weeks.
Tune into Dave Fanning’s Story of Irish Rock, Tuesday 10.30-11pm.
