We recently received an email from Kinsale born Pierce Arnopp who lived in Kinsale until 1951. Pierce has just released a CD entitled Kinsale Forever which contains 20 of his self-penned songs including the title 'Kinsale Forever' which tells the story of his childhood days in Kinsale from 1945 to 1951.
He started playing skiffle in 1958, fronting and performing with many bands including Tommy Hammond's Hobos, and playing lead guitar for Ricky Vallance and Crispian St. Peters when they visited East Anglia. Guitar teacher, solo artist, songwriter as well as writer of radio jingles are among his many talents and he has performed with John Hogan and Brendan Shine.
Between 1987 and 2002 Pierce played at Pontins every week where he was billed as The Pakefield Legend.
A number of the songs on the album are especially important to Pierce as they praise the NHS, they were penned following a six week hospital stay. Another song which is very personal to Pierce is 'Ode to Roy', a warm tribute to Radio Norfolk's Roy Waller. Waller gave many Irish country artists their first radio play in the UK and gave much air time to Irish country musicians. Daniel O'Donnell collaborated with Pierce on this song. Pierce provided the words for The Ode To Roy and Roy's friend, Alan Cannell, the music.
For the album Pierce composed the words and music and Alan Cannell provided the musical backing.
Pierce is grateful to many people for their assistance, not least his wife Jenny and son Jason.
We wish Pierce all the best with the album, proceeds of which will be donated to Addenbrooke's Liver Cancer Research Department. Kinsale Forever costs £8 including P&P if you wish to order from Pierce who can be contacted at [email protected] or phone 00 44 01502 573266.