In 1983, Tommy Hayes left and was replaced by Fran Breen on Drums and Peter Keenan on keyboards, giving the band a more pop/electric sound. Their first American tour, in 1984 was marked with the release of their compilation 'American Special', and a live album 'Take One', recorded in Dublin and Galway was released in 1985. Extensive worldwide touring followed; the return to the studio in autumn of 1986 brought 'Full Flight' which itself gave rise to four singles, 'Why Wait Until Tomorrow', 'Avondale', 'New Clare Revival' and 'So Many Miles'. 'Celtic Roots' followed in 1988, and the band topped the bill at folk festivals across America to support it.
The band reshuffled again in 1991: Davey McNevin on banjo and mandolin replaced Kieran Hanrahan, and Fran Breen and Steve Cooney left. This more accoustic lineup recorded their latest album 'The Crooked Rose' at the beginning of 1992 and has been touring both the US and Europe in support of it.
Paul Roche - Flute, Tin Whistle, Vocals
The tall man from Ennis, Co. Clare is Maurice Lennon's counterpoint on wind; the two of them together are the fire behind the bands traditional sets. He has composed a number of tunes for the group as well.
Mike Hanrahan - Vocals, Guitar
Another Ennis man, and brother of founded Kieran Hanrahan, Mike is the lead vocalist and balladeer, having composed many of the groups slower songs, such as Beautiful Affair. Before joining Stockton's Wing, he toured with Maura O' Connell for some time.
UPDATE: Eamonn McElholm has replaced Mike Hanrahan as lead singer (and also plays keyboards, guitar and 'cello), sometime in 1995, and is featured on the latest album, Letting Go.
Peter Keenan - Keyboards, Vocals
From Dublin, and with a background in rock, he played with The Lookalikes before joining Stockton's Wing in 1985, in line with the change to a celtic rock/pop format.
Dave McNevin - Banjo, Mandolin, Guitar
He grew up in Dublin from a musical Galway family, who had played accordion and flute for generations. He joined up in 1991 and has the usual slew of All-Ireland medals and Slogadh awards.
To the best of my knowledge, none of the band is involved in other musical groupings. Steve Cooney has been popping up all over the place since he left the band, most recently with in a very dynamic duo with Seamus Begley. Tommy Hayes has recorded with Brian Dunning of Nightnoise (the Puck Fair project) and is still going strong in other guises.
1978 Stockton's Wing Tara 2004 1980 Take a chance Tara 3004 1982 Light in the Western Sky Tara 3009 1984 American Special Tara 4001 1985 Take One (live) 1986 Full Flight 1988 Celtic Roots Revival 1991? The Stockton's Wing Collection Tara 4 (compilation) 1992 The Crooked Rose Tara 3028, Shanachie 3028 1995 Letting Go Tara 3036
Most of their current albums are available online from
CD Universe.
Copyright (c) 1994-1998 Ceolas. Last major update: 1996.