West coast singer/songwriter from Ireland…
Ever since the day he mesmerised the audience at his local school concert singing Don McLean’s American Pie, Marc Roberts was destined for stardom.
It was the spontaneous burst of wild applause from parents and friends in his hometown of Crossmolina, Co Mayo, that sowed the seed for his love of performing.
Marc was bitten by the showbiz bug that night, but never imagined that by 1997 he would be representing Ireland on the international stage, singing in the Eurovision Song Contest before 300 million TV viewers.
He came second with Mysterious Woman, and it officially launched his career as he went on to perform on top TV shows that included the Late Late Show, Richard & Judy, Open House, and the Kelly Show. Since the glory days of Eurovision, Marc has been carving out a lifestyle as a live performer, singer/songwriter and even finds time to host a popular Saturday afternoon radio show on Galway Bay FM.
He has enjoyed critical acclaim for his tribute concert to the late John Denver, who is one of his influences along with other singer/songwriter legends like James Taylor, David Gates, Dan Fogelberg, Janis Ian and Carole King.
Marc has also become a mentor to his showbiz pal Daniel O’Donnell, guiding and encouraging the superstar to become a songwriter. Realising that Daniel’s turn of phrase had a lyrical quality, Marc coaxed him into co-writing songs with instant success. The fruit of their partnership had led to several O’Donnell/Roberts songs appearing on Daniel’s recent top-selling albums.
With the singer/songwriter now back in vogue, thanks to the popularity of artists like David Gray, Marc has now released a timely album called Meet Me Half Way
The album establishes Marc as a writer of classic songs. They are rich in emotional depth and bursting with heartfelt sentiment. They are songs of love and the politics of personal relationships. They trail through the trials and tribulations of life, offering hope and inspiration. Marc s songs mirror our own life and times
Blessed with a creative mind, Marc has the added good fortune of possessing a honey-combed voice, which is a perfect vehicle for his compositions.
There is also a Daniel O’Donnell connection on Meet Me Half Way. One of the album’s stand out tracks, When I Found You, was co-written by Marc and Daniel’s then bride-to-be Majella as a surprise love song to her husband on their wedding day. Now it’s one of the most requested songs on Irish radio.
Marc has finally come of age as a songwriter with Meet Me Half Way. He has found his way both lyrically and musically. Now it’s time for us to sit back and enjoy his wonderful talent.
Words and Photo from the official Marc Roberts website.
Discography
Meet Me Half Way
CID Records 2003
Tracks: Meet Me Half Way, Without You, Shanghai Breezes, Four Empty Walls, When I Found You, On The Road, Daddy´s Little Girl, Today, Letting Go, Once Upon A Time, How Long & Little Eva.
Musicians on the Meet Me Half Way album: Marc Roberts, Paul Gurney, Eddie Lee, Noel Bridgman, Willie Dunne, Des Sheerin, Paul Sheerin, Danny Sheerin, Carol Forde, Brian Megahey, Eugene Kelly, Jennette Sheerin & Nigel Connell.
Marc Roberts
The Grapevine Label 1998
Tracks: The Wrong Reasons, To Be Loved By You, Babe, Mysterious Woman, Forever (Cross My Heart), Consider It Done, I´ll Be Over You, Heaven Waits, Some People, Long Time, The Word Goodbye, Four Empty Walls & I Can Dream About You.
Musicians on the Marc Roberts album: Marc Roberts, Graham Murphy, Karen Hamill, Paul Harrington, Ray Harmon & Dave Whyte.