The cherry on top

Renowned Leeside songwriter John Spillane is set to release a live version of one of his most iconic songs as he sets forth on a tour around Ireland.

‘The Dance of the Cherry Trees’ is taken from his forthcoming album, ‘In Another Light’, which was recorded live at the Right Here Right Now Festival with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra.

Originally recorded in 2002, the track has found a place in the hearts of many music lovers in Ireland and internationally, with its themes of new life, hope, warmth and wonder.

This new live version of the song will be accompanied by an imaginative video, directed by former member of Gráda, Alan Doherty.

John says: “This is its 20th year and the song has had many adventures. It took me to Japan in 2003, the home of the cherry trees. It is like my ‘Fairytale of New York' in that it gets a burst of radio play every year in its own season.

“The song then got more radio play than ever in 2020 in the first Covid year. Everybody stopped and suddenly noticed the spring blossom. Like a tree, the song has grown some tree rings in the 20 years. There’s a riff in there that was composed by Peter O’ Toole, one of the Hothouse Flowers, who produced the first single, and there’s some lovely notes in there as well that came from Donogh Hennessy, the great traditional guitarist.”

As part of his ongoing tour, John will play Sea Church, Ballycotton on 30 April, Drimoleague Inn on 1 May, and The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on 15 May. For tickets and more information, visit johnspillane.ie.