" ... a very, very brilliant writer" - Richard Digance

"Darren's songs are heartfelt with poignant lyrics, and a beautiful sensitive touch. We really enjoy it when he appears on the same stage as us." - Andy Powell, Wishbone Ash

"a masterclass in live performance" - Tina Redford, MusicLeader

"Great, fantastic, brilliant, mind blowing and inspiring" - Your Southern Sister, Manchester Is Music

"a genuine highlight of the festival as a whole ... fabulous stuff!!" - Damon Horrill, Pollen 8 / Middlewich Festival

"This man is one of the greats. His wonderfully lyrical version of Love Will Tell Us Apart with the great John Ellis on Piano redefined that song and will stay in my memory as one of the great live moments I will ever see."  - Nick Holmes / Legendary Manchester Busker

Mike Sweeney and Paddy O'Hare are two musicians who’ve come together to write, record and perform their own interpretation of ‘Roots’ music. Taking their cues from The Blues, Country, Folk, Rockabilly, Rock n Roll and influences from the likes of Elmore James through to Woodie Guthrie, Mike and Paddy use a mix of acoustic and retro-electric guitars, harmonica, banjo, mandolin and Cajon to produce a unique amalgam of them all. Playing live as a five piece group known as Mike Sweeney & Paddy O'Hare with The  Collective, their Walking Down The Line debut EP of original songs was released as a sold out limited run of 200 CDs in 2013. Also on ITunes, Amazon, Spotify and all other good online stockists to coincide with the release of the Official Music Video of (I'm A) Walking Down The Line on 23 August 2013 via Pistol Snapper Records Ltd. 

Mike previously found success with punk outfit The Salford Jets in 1977 with minor hits Inc’ : Gina I’ve Got A Cortina and Their Top 75 hit in 1980 Who You Looking At, and has spent more that thirty years as a radio DJ, arriving at his new home BBC Radio Manchester in 2014. Paddy first took to the stage aged two eventually trading his cornet in for his first guitar (given to him by his Uncle Kevin Neill of 60s hit band The Karl Denver Trio) and by the noughties playing such venues as: The Cavern Club - Liverpool, and Manchester Academy to rave reviews for his vocals and guitar work; "Particular note to Paddy there, the lead guitar was terrific!" (Andy Crane. BBC Radio).

After practising and writing some songs together in Paddy's front room, the pair who had previously worked together at 106.1 Rock Radio, began performing as a duo in May 2012. Mike and Paddy encouraged by the positive feedback began recording their EP. This eventually lead to the formation of Mike Sweeney & Paddy O'Hare with The Collective consisting of Mike (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica), Paddy (Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar), Matt Jones (Vocals/Mandolin/Banjo/Guitar/Harmonica), Dave Williams (Bass) and Phil Grainger (Drums). The band built their reputation during 2013 leading to support slots with Ginger Baker, Bill Wyman, Wishbone Ash and db Band (Ex-Supergrass), plus successful sets at Mockfest (to 5000 people), Great British R & B Festival - Colne, Ramsbottom Festival, Diggle Blues Festival, Headlander Festival, and Holmfirth Picturedrome, plus live sessions on Real Radio XS and BBC Radio Lancashire.  

Mike Sweeney & Paddy O'Hare with The Collective are the band to watch in 2014 kicking off in February with an appearance at Hard Rock Cafe - Manchester plus new recordings on the way!


Just making a brew and some changes... Be right back!

British rock band with ethereal vocals and fist pumping beats that pulse through your soul and shake your bones.

Pretty Eclectic is following