Mick Flavin reveals he once stepped away from music to return to his trade believing he’d never make it in the industry, before a chance opportunity changed everything
Mick Flavin for RSVP Country (Image: Anna Groniecka, annagroniecka.com)
Country singer Mick Flavin is one of Ireland’s most successful country stars, but he admits there was a time when he stepped away from music, believing he might never make it in the industry.
The Longford native was one of six children in a busy household where music was always playing, and it was a chance gift from a neighbour that first sparked his love of country.
“My older brothers and sisters were into Elvis and Buddy Holly, but some neighbours gave us a couple of Hank Williams albums,” he recalled.
“I had never heard of him or much about country music, but I started playing around with an old record player and listening to his music. I loved his voice and the songs and I got hooked on country.”
At just 16, Mick joined his first band, The Bright Lights, performing in local halls and quickly building a reputation.
“We started in November 1966 and we were doing great business, playing all the local halls for about two years,” he said.
But like many young musicians, life soon took him in a different direction when the band eventually broke up.
Mick returned to his trade, completing his apprenticeship as a carpenter before moving to Dublin in 1970 to work on building sites. Music, however, was never far from his mind.
“I’d always go to dances at the National, the Irish Club or Town and Country,” he said.
It was on those nights out that he met his wife Mary, and the couple — now married for 54 years — later returned to Longford, where Mick built their family home himself.
They went on to welcome their two sons, Michael and Brian, but those early years of parenthood brought unexpected challenges.
“We didn’t realise when Michael was born first, but I’d often come in in the evenings and bang the door. I said to Mary I thought there was something wrong – I didn’t think he could hear,” he explained.
“Mary took him to Crumlin and they told us he was deaf. A year later Brian was born and we were watching out for it then, and he was born deaf as well. It was an awful hard pill to swallow.”
Despite stepping away from music for a time, Mick eventually found his way back.
“I hadn’t played a note since The Bright Lights broke up, but in 1975 I met a man who told me he was putting a band together and asked me to take part,” he said.
From there, he began performing regularly again, building up a following on the pub and wedding circuit.
A turning point came in 1986, when he crossed paths with fellow country star Declan Nerney, who encouraged him to record his music.
“He told me he thought I should record a couple of songs and that I had a great voice,” Mick said.
What started as a small project quickly gathered momentum, with Mick recording ten tracks and pressing 500 cassettes, which were picked up by local radio stations.
The response led to a record deal in 1987 and the release of his debut album I’m Going To Make It After All — a title Mick felt reflected his long road to success.
“I’d been trying for years to make it into the big time. Then Peter Smith rang me and asked if I would consider going full-time and we took it from there,” he recalled.
At first, crowds were small.
“Some nights there were only 27 people there,” he admitted.
But things soon began to change as his music gained traction, with an opportunity involving the late Larry Gogan marking a major turning point.
“I was getting played on RTÉ. I met Larry Gogan on Grafton Street for an outdoor broadcast and he played a few of the songs,” he said.
“I then did a live interview with Gay Byrne on his morning programme and there was an unbelievable reaction to it. Suddenly I was playing to crowds of up to 800 people.”
From there, Mick went on to enjoy decades of success, touring extensively and building a loyal fan base both at home and abroad.
Among his many highlights is performing at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
He also organised trips for fans to the United States, bringing groups to Nashville and Memphis for unforgettable music experiences.
“We took out 160 people, three busloads. We toured around and spent five nights in Nashville and Memphis, which was an incredible experience.”
Other highlights included a nomination for a Global Artist Award, recording with Philomena Begley, and touring as far afield as Australia.
“There were so many great moments, great nights and wonderful people all along the way,” he added.
“We had a great time over the years. The music has been very good to us.”
To read Mick’s interview in full and see all the stunning pictures, pick up the Spring edition of RSVP Country on shelves now.
You can buy your copy and have it delivered directly to your door through our online shop here. Postage fees apply.
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Photography Anna Groniecka, annagroniecka.com,
IG: @annagroniecka
Hair: Rachel Tallon, The Celtic Goddess Hair and Make-Up Studio, Longford, IG: @the_celtic_goddess_longford
Make-up: Lily Fitzmaurice, The Celtic Goddess Hair and Make-up Studio, Longford, IG: @lilyfitzmua
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