Listen: Geoff chats to songwriting legend Phil Coulter

Phil Coulter is one of Ireland’s best-loved and most iconic musicians. He's seen a remarkable rise from modest beginnings on the streets of post-war Derry to the summit of the global charts as a composer to a host of the biggest stars such as Luke Kelly, Cliff Richard, Sandie Shaw and Elvis Presley.

Phil has been a towering presence on the world music stage for over 55 years and remains an iconic figure in Irish music.  His new single Dear God went straight to number 1 in the Easy Listening Charts in Ireland and the UK,  and and number 5 in the USA in September.

Chatting to Geoff on today's Lunchbox on WLR,  Phil said the piece was originally composed as a solo violin melody, during Lockdown. He then added lyrics and added the singing voice of fellow Derryman George Hutton, as well as an orchestral ensemble in studio.

Phil is embarking on an Irish tour, below are the dates:

“RETURNING TO TRANQUILITY.”    IRISH TOUR 2021

• FRIDAY, 12^TH NOVEMBER ’21 - THE VENUE THEATRE, RATOATH
• WEDNESDAY 17^TH NOVEMBER ‘ 21 - HARVEY’S POINT, DONEGAL
• THURSDAY 18^TH NOVEMBER ’21 - TULLAMORE COURT HOTEL
• SATURDAY 20^TH NOVEMBER ’21 - WATERFRONT HOTEL, DUNGLOE
• SUNDAY 21^ST NOVEMBER ’21 - HILLGROVE HOTEL, MONAGHAN
• WEDNESDAY 24^TH NOVEMBER ’21 - KILMORE HOTEL, CAVAN
• FRIDAY 26^TH NOVEMBER ’21 - DRAOICHT, BANCHARDSTOWN
• SUNDAY 28^TH    NOVEMBER ’21 - ATHLONE SPRINGS HOTEL
• THURSDAY 2^N.D   DECEMBER ’21 - ARKLOW BAY HOTEL
• FRIDAY 3^RD DECEMBER ’21 -   RADISSON BLU HOTEL, CORK
• SUNDAY 5^TH DECEMBER ’21 - TRIM CASTLE HOTEL
• FRIDAY 10^TH DECEMBER ’21 - CIVIC THEATRE, TALLAGHT.
• SATURDAY 11^TH DECEMBER ’21 - GLOR THEATRE, ENNIS
• SUNDAY 12^THDECEMBER ’21 - LOUGHREA  HOTEL
• TUESDAY 14^TH DECEMBER ’21 - CALMONT HOTEL, GALWAY 
• WEDNESDAY 15^TH DECEMBER ’21 - RADISSON  BLU HOTEL, SLIGO
• THURSDAY 16^TH  DECEMBER ’21 - PILO HOTEL ASHBOURNE
• FRIDAY 17^THDECEMBER ’21 - LANDMARK  HOTEL, CARRICK ON SHANNON
• SATURDAY 18^TH DECEMER ‘21 - MERMAID THEATRE BRAY
• SUNDAY, 19^TH DECEMBER ‘21 - PAVILION THEATRE, DUN LAOGHAIRE
• FRIDAY 31^ST DECEMBER ‘21 - MARITIME  HOTEL BANTRY
• SATURDAY 1^ST JANUARY 2022 - CHARLEVILLE PARK HOTEL

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