The Highwaymen Reincarnated

The show is an energetic performance with exiting cinematic visual and lighting which relives the decade that brought together four of the most iconic ‘country’ figures – Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson. Between 1985 and 1995, the group recorded three major label albums as ‘The Highwaymen’, pioneering the outlaw country subgenre. The four lead men are part of a 9 piece band with some of \Irelands most talented musicians.

Micheál McGarry will play Cash and is no stranger to the role, having portrayed the ‘Man in Black’ in tribute shows following Cash’s death and subsequent release of the film ‘Walk the Line’ in the mid 2000s. Micheal’s Cash Tribute Band travelled across Ireland and played to packed venues for almost 10 years and he will once again Walk the Line with the Highwaymen supergroup for this explosive show.

Michael McGarry, aka Mike Mack, steps into Jennings’ shoes for the night. Jennings began his career in the 1950s, achieving success in Nashville. However, it was his rebellious attitude and groundbreaking style that set him apart. He left an indelible mark on the country music landscape and remains a beloved figure among fans of the genre. Michael is a huge fan of American country music and has also seen great success taking on the persona of John Prine with his band ‘Bruised Orange’ which has toured Ireland extensively. Michael’s vocal range is well suited to that of Waylon and will perform hit songs such as ‘Luckenbach Texas’ and ‘Ramblin’ Man.’

Micheál and Michael are joined by Aiden McCluskey as Nelson and Paul Leavy as Kristoferson and will be supported by Jimmy Smyth (Lead Guitar) and Tony Smyth (Percussion), two of Navan’s best known musical exponents who have more than two decades of experience with some of the country’s biggest musicians behind them. James Quinn (Keyboards), Charlie Arkins (Harmonica and fiddle), and Brian Grant (Bass) complete bring all their years of experience to complete the nine-piece band that promises explosive sound and vision on the night.

Aiden has been known for taking on difficult and challenging roles in the past through his acting and music career. Thus, taking on ‘The Red Headed Stranger’ is no mean feat and he has spent tireless months studying Nelson’s vocal and playing style. Being an advocate of the arts he even went a step further to recreate Willie’s iconic guitar ‘Trigger,’ almost identical to the original complete with its own hand woven crochet strap, also made from scratch by Aiden himself.

Paul Leavy, who takes the lead of Kristofferson, is a talented and well-respected singer songwriter from Athboy. His passion for music and performance became evident at an early age and he has captivated audiences with his untutored baritone vocals, evocative lyrics, and melodic compositions. Paul’s ability to connect with his audiences on an emotional level has earned him a dedicated following.

Van Morrison, Tony Childs, Roger Daltrey, Curtis Stigers, Chaka Khan, Lisa Stansfield, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Coughlan as well as the National Concert and RTE Orchestras are just some of the bands and ensembles that Jimmy Smyth has played with through a remarkable career that has established him as one of the country’s most acclaimed guitarists, composers and musicians.

There could be no greater compliment paid than that from Rory Gallagher on the ‘Late, Late Show’ one night when then esteemed host Gay Byrne put it to Gallagher that he was Ireland’s greatest guitarist. The Ballyshannon legend reply was that there was one better by the name of Jimmy Smyth from Navan!

The Grammy-nominated artist was on the verge of joining Thin Lizzy as a replacement for guitarist Brian Robertson but declined, as he was just about to release an album with his band The Bogey Boys, with whom he played from 1979 to 1983. Jimmy’s brother Tony has had stints with Ray Lynam, The Waterboys and Paul Cleary as well as local bands, The Picnics, No Name Band and Deep 6.

On fiddle and harmonica, Charlie Arkins needs no introduction either and is coming out of retirement for this spectacular after a decorated career that established him as one of Ireland’s top country musicians.

Charlie was with The Virginians in the early days, then Mattie Fox, Margo, the Cotton Mill Boys, John Hogan, Robert Mizzell and the Jimmy Buckley Band among others. He recorded with the likes of Roly Daniels and Big Tom too and locally, Matt Leavy.

James Quinn is a professional piano player who has a BA Honours Degree in Jazz Performance from Newpark School of Music, Dublin. James holds a busy roster of live gigs, teaches in Cavan College and also undertakes music production projects at Jam studios. He was an original member of Irish band ‘Little Palace’ and ‘The Global Funk Orchestra’ and has toured with Liam Lawton and ‘Elijah’s Mantle.’

Brian Grant from Trim completes the nine-piece. From Niamh Kavanagh to Don Baker, playing both electric and double bass, he has over 30 years experience on the Irish music circuit.

He is the owner and coordinator of the Royal County School of Music in Trim and is a partner in the in-demand corporate jazz duo ‘The Rhythm Masters’. He is currently with popular act ‘The Swing Cats’ and is touring and recording with blues singer Niamh Strong.

All the most recognisable Highwaymen hits in an explosive two-and-half hour set.