Mike the Pies to host Liam Norton memorial gig - featuring Gurriers, Meryl Streek, Enola Gay and Esmeralda Raod

Mike the Pies in Listowel, Co. Kerry, will be hosting a memorial gig for "the patron saint of Irish music" Liam Norton on Friday, June 19.

Norton passed away last September following a heart attack. He was a beloved crew member and avid supporter of up-and-coming Irish artists, known for his efforts to help out bands by attending shows, selling their merch, and driving them around on tours.

The lineup for the memorial gig includes a number of artists who Norton supported down the years, including Gurriers, Meryl Streek, Enola Gay and Esmeralda Road.

"He was a massive music man, he would always be into the support [acts] because that's where he used to find his bands," Mike the Pies owner Aiden O'Connor told Hot Press. "He was very generous with his time, and he'd be driving bands on their tours around Ireland, and the UK. He'd drive just to try and save them money. It's a tough game, and Liam Norton will be sorely missed by the community."

"He was always willing to help out, be it selling merch, be it driving the van. He'd put the bands up in his house. Liam would often buy tickets for a small gig at Mike the Pies and might say: 'I'm not going to make it, but I want to make sure the band gets the money.' He was just a massive supporter of grassroots Irish music. He was very proud when Fontaines became superstars and when Kneecap did as well."

All proceeds from the night will be donated to a charity chosen by Norton's family. There will also be an auction and raffle taking place on the evening. While tickets are sold-out, donations can still be made via GoFundMe, with the benefits going to grassroots music.

 

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