Holywell Street has been catching up with Paul Gallagher, Liam’s and Noel’s older brother. Paul has been giving us his musical opinions, influences, and the bands he has worked with, as well as his DJ experiences. This is perfect for our football, Celtic, terrace scene, and counterculture section.
Thanks for chatting to HWS Paul, how’s things with you?
Hi yeah, all good. Just sitting in a freezer and avoiding the sunshine, amongst other things.
We believe you had a radio slot with Islington Radio. I tuned into Boogaloo Radio when you had a slot. It was an education getting to hear bands that had perhaps bypassed me. Do you still do radio?
Yeah, there are a few reasons why. In the past five years, there has been an influx of amazing music that deserves to be heard, and for whatever reason, the UK radio owners and beyond are obsessed with ignoring new music and sticking to the old acts. Now, whether that is to do with demographics bullshit or the probability that they – the labels and publishers want another return on the music they have paid for years ago and are pretty happy to ignore the new stuff – which they won’t see a return on it? Everything comes down to free money with rich folk. So I will play it!
How would you describe your musical upbringing, and did you influence your younger siblings with that?
Like most of my mates in Manchester, we grew up in an Irish house. My father was an Irish Country and western DJ, so the music was everywhere. When you hang out with your mates, you hear different sounds and then find your own path.
You are doing a photography these days as well, I believe?
Yeah, I think I’m in the most creative part of my life just now. I have no idea how things worked out, but they did. I just follow what I like and yeah, I do a few things to keep alive.
We are aware of your DJing career—it appears you travel to obscure places. What music do you play?
It has been a bit of a roller-coaster. I am with Liam now and do his pre-shows, which differ from playing in a club, so you have to adapt to whatever you’re at. Thankfully, it has been great.
What would you say was the best band you signed when looking back?
I didn’t sign many bands they were mostly publishing within Creation Records but I can name them – Own Lady Owner, Wireless, Super J Lounge.
This could be tricky … your favourite five albums of all time are? …
I am not an album guy per se, but if I’m pushed …
Odessa – Bee Gees
Universal Hall – The Waterboys
Sound Affects – The Jam
The Specials – The Specials
Pure Comedy – Father John Misty
Do you think Man City will retain the league, is there a period of domination for them?
Is this a trick question … of course, YES and YES
Apart from the fact City are the best team in England do you miss the old ground and area instead of to the corporate structure?
I suppose we all need to move on. If we were still at Maine Road, we wouldn’t have what we have now?
You and the brothers are also Celtic fans. Do you still make it to many games? I know you came up in the ’90s, even when things were not so great.
Yes. I came up to many games. But I am done with all football stadia these days so the last game was Porto in 2021 Champions league final.
You were given a Celtic mug as a kid, did it all start from there?
Yeah, and of course we’re an Irish family also it’s a big thing innit?
What would your most memorable Celtic team?
Any team Jimmy Johnstone played in, I just remember seeing footage of him racing down the wing.
What do you think of Kyogo at Celtic?
Yes, he’s tops. Let’s see what he does this season. They have to do it all again; second is no good in Glasgow.
Do you and the family get over to visit Ireland as much?
Yeah, my mother has a house there and I get back when I can.
What bands are you listening to just now – do you still try and get to as many gigs to check out new bands?
I listen to a variety of genres. I can’t possibly name just one, two, or even 10.
Are there any bands you would like to promote?
There are far too many great acts out there right now to single them all out, but, in the UK in 2022 then … Joe unkown, Holy Youth Movement, Noisy. In the USA it’s even harder but … Jaialai, Nick Leng, Kevin Morby, FJM , Nathaniel Rateliff, Curtis Harding, Anderson East, Gregory Porter. In Europe … The Liminanas.
Thanks for speaking to us Paul.
No worries.
Holywell Street 