| About The Colleys | The band's two constant members, Irene and Billy, have always lived for music, though their taste may be a bit behind the times. The idea to create a band was planted in Billy and Irene Callaghan's heads from their inhuman love of music, and the need to keep the sound of Rock 'n' Roll (Classic Rock) music alive. It came to their attention that the legends that are Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, Leadbelly, Bo Diddley and the like are no longer given much thought by the younger generation, and are rarely played on the radio. Thus, it was born, The Colleys! As an attempt to bring music at it's best, as in old Rock 'n' Roll, back to the world, Irene and Billy try to use that style in their music as much as possible. Other major influences have included The Beatles, The Traveling Wilburys, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, Guy Clark, Johnny Cash, Mark Knopfler, Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Kris Kistofferson, James Taylor, Steve Earle, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and so on.. About Billy: Billy Callaghan makes his living as a writer. To date he has written two books, and many short stories. He is currently in the process of writing two new books, one of short stories, the other a novel. He taught himself guitar, having grown up listening to the likes of Clapton and Knopfler. He always dreamed of being a musician, but never did anything about it 'til his younger sister, Irene asked him to join her band. He encouraged his sister to write songs, taking advantage of the talent he saw, and brought her to concerts of true legends. With the help of his extensive collection of records and CDs, he planted in her mind, and heart, a love for Rock 'n' Roll, Classic Rock and Rockabilly. About Irene: It's hard to describe Irene, as she doesn't reveal much about herself, only to those she's close to. She does, however, take the time to talk to anybody. From what I know of her, she's very spiritual. Though young, she writes songs of a fashion close to those of George Harrison. That can be hard to imgine , but she is wise beyond her years. She enjoys time alone to meditate, and is much more comfortable in the company of animals, than that of humans. Saying that, she's no hermit! She believes in love and peace, and describes herself as "a cross between a hippy, and one of those 'apple scruffs'!". Vegetarian, due to her love of animals, and though she doesn't talk much about her religious beliefs, I know that she studies the philosophies of various religions and cultures, ranging from Catholicism (by which she was raised), and Hinduism to Buddhism. She gladly gives Billy all the credit for having given her the love she has for music. On a regular basis, music of such people as Carl Perkins or Muddy Waters can be heard blaring from their house. Irene plays a number of instruments, though she says her favourite by far is guitar, her first love. And though she has gone to lessons from time to time for various instruments, she is mainly self-taught. It's hard to say what their music sounds like, but it is clear from listening to them that the music of the late, great George Harrison plays a big part in Irene's lyrical and melodic writing. |
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