Kieran’s big gig challenge

Kieran McMahon

A TALENTED musician is picking up his guitar once again to raise money for Dr Kershaw’s hospice - this time by playing 24 gigs in 24 hours.

Kieran McMahon is hoping to raise as much money as possible during the gigs on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11.

The Springhead musician will play in pubs, clubs and even supermarkets across Saddleworth as well as a few late night/early morning private house parties in his bid to raise cash for the Royton hospice.

SPRINGHEAD-based singer-songwriter Kieran McMahon is practising hard ahead of what will surely be the mostly gruelling gig ever next month.


In fact make that gigs, because Kieran, a student at the prestigious British and Irish Modern Music Institute in Manchester, is hoping to raise a bundle of cash for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice by playing a mammoth 24 gigs in 24 hours.

A talented singer and guitarist, Kieran is used to hard graft on stage. Last year he played almost non-stop for an amazing 114 hours, raising around £1,500 for the Royton hospice.

Now, though, he’ll be using all his stamina to belt out 24 roughly half-hour sets on what will hopefully turn into a momentous day which starts at 9pm on Friday, July 10, at the Spinners Arms in Springhead, and culminates with a special grand finale at the Delph Club on the Saturday night.

In between, he will play in pubs, cafes and even supermarkets and garden centres across Saddleworth, as well as a few late night/early morning private house parties.

A softly-spoken guy, who cites his major influences as Bob Dylan, Donovan, The Jam and Squeeze, Kieran said: “I did a big charity fund-raiser last year, but this time I thought I’d just try and do something a bit different.

“It proved quite hard to choose the different venues in the end to be honest. There were lots of options, but all the ones I’ve chosen I really like and everyone at those venues have been very helpful.

“The plan is to do roughly half-hour sets at each gig.

“I’m just hoping I get through it okay — I certainly don’t want to have to quit after the 23rd gig. I’d only get a load of stick on Facebook if that happened!”

Kieran first picked up a guitar at the age of 13 when he spotted his elder brother practising on his and was jealous of the look.

He joined the band Asylum and they played a number of gigs at the Uppermill Civic Hall among other local venues, but they split and Kieran has been solo ever since.

He has dipped in and out of bands in much the same way as a session musician, but he’s clearly happy as he is at present.

He added: “Being solo just works for me at the moment. I’m busy with my studying through the week, but I try and fit a couple of gigs in at the weekend whenever I can.

“My sets are generally covers, but I have been working on some of my own material and I’m hoping to record some stuff in the summer.

“I’m hoping to set up my own independent record label called Sharma Records too, so I’m looking forward to some interesting times.”

Kieran’s 24th and final gig at the Delph Club on July 11 — the doors open at 7.30pm — is ticket only.

They cost £5 and are selling fast. Purchase them from the venue.

It promises to be a truly special closing show, with McMahon set to be joined by guests Paul McGladdery and Gaynor Wilson, Harry Lavin of the Velocetas, Sammy Ireland of Purple Fridays and headliners The BC's who have recently formed including members of The 99s and The Sleazy Maguires - two of Saddleworth's most prestigious bands

The 24-hour marathon is Kieran’s way of saying thank-you for the care given to his mother, Joan, who had breast cancer and died at Dr Kershaw’s when she was 43.

Donations can be taken online at: www.just giving.com/KieranMcMahon24GigsIn24Hours.

Check out his Facebook page or on Twitter, go to: @KieranMcMahonUK

Kieran’s gig list:


Friday, July 10


9pm, Spinners Arms, Springhead

10pm, Peels Arms, Springhead

11pm, Lees Live Lounge

12pm, Dog and Patridge, Springhead

Gigs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 — private house party gigs


Saturday, July 11


8am, Tesco, Greenfield

9am, Limekiln Cafe, Dobcross

10am, New Band garden centre, Dobcross

11am, Greenfield Cricket Club

Noon, King Williams IV, Greenfield

1pm, The Wellington, Greenfield

2pm, Kingfisher, Greenfield

3pm, The Waggon Inn, Uppermill

4pm, Hare and Hounds, Uppermill

5pm, Java, Uppermill

6pm, The Commercial, Uppermill

7pm, Uppermill Civic Hall

Finale, Delph Club