Killyleagh man Conal Montgomery (49) is entertaining local people in his home town by singing requests on Facebook during the lockdown.
Incredibly, Conal may sing up to ten requests in a day, a veritable gig by entertainment standards.
on Facebook singing requests.
Speaking to Down News, Conal chatted about his love for singing. He said: “It all really started when I was in my teens. My older brother had an Elvis collection and I was hooked by that. I loved the vibes from the Sixties and realised what excited me was the lead singers such as Bon Scott of ACDC. I just loved the idea of being a lead singer. Never did it occur to me to play an instrument. My voice was my instrument. It’s only recently I’ve started into playing the guitar.
“As I got older I sang with a range of bands since my early twenties. It was cover number and I played in bars and clubs and anywhere I could. It eventually provided me with an income which was great.
“I’m basically a classic rocker but I’m now singing everything from swing to country music. I just love to test out my vocal range and it has really helped me develop more as a singer.
“Basically I just fell into singing and never had lessons. It takes me most of the day to get through the Facebook requests. I practice from around 1pm listening to the songs a few times first and then playing the songs in the afternoon and recording them using a karaoke system, then I load them onto Facebook in the evening. It is really quite a day’s work but I love it.
“Last December I released my first CD, ‘Happy Being Free‘, and you can get these on Spotify, You Tube and Apple Music. It is a life story-board really. When I was younger I have a problem with alcohol and drugs, but have been free of that now for several years. One of my tracks on the CD (all of which I wrote) is called ‘Angel and the Demon‘. It’s about the fundamental shaping choices we have to make in life, the paths we have to chose.
Check out: Conal Montgomery Music and listen to his songs.
“Years ago I needed a drink to get up on stage and soon became dependent on it. It was a dark time in my life but I’m over it finally. I sought help and have many supportive friends who see me through if I ever needed help again. But I’m great now.
“A number of years ago my daughter suffered from schizophrenia and she is fine now, but that time in my life was difficult and I came through it for her. So songs such as ‘He Ain’t Heavy‘ have a special meaning to me. We all need to look after each other and our loved ones. Her difficulties made me pull myself together so I could help her and I recovered from my addiction.”
Conal explained he had played in many local venues throughout the district such as the Dufferin Arms, the International and the Central Bar in Killyleagh, Quinn’s in Newcastle, Murphy’s and Denvir’s in Downpatrick, Magee’s Crossgar, Masons Kilmore, the Dirty Duck Hollywood, McHugh’s and Pug Ugly’s in Belfast and many more.
“At the moment I play in a four piece band called Stillwater with three guys from Hollywood, Damian, Laurence and Simon. It’s a great sound.
“I feel as though my music career is now settling down after many years and even last year I did a number of interviews with local media and even was on NVTV twice. So my name is definitely out there now. And as I broaden my range of styles I’ll get more followers.
“The response I’ve had on Facebook has been incredible. I’ve certainly been on a journey in my lifetime and now I’m really enjoying my music… alcohol is a thing of the past. I get through life one day at a time. One step at a time. I understand the stress that many people may be feeling now in lockdown. So I’ve happy to do what I can to brighten up their day, or evening, with a song. The response has just snowballed. I’m just delighted to make so many people happy.”
In chatting to Conal, I found a story within a story, and I also found a brave and caring man who faced his daemons… and won.
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