Legendary drummer Ted McKenna returns to his roots

Oct 14 2009 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Ted McKenna

OVER the years Monklands has produced its fair share of great bands and musicians, but there is one name that stands out as truly world class.

Ted McKenna has performed with some of music’s biggest names in a 43 year career that has led him around the world, but ultimately always leads him back to his home town of Coatbridge.

His legendary status as one of the finest drummers in the world is richly deserved. As an original member of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band he gained a reputation as one of the most flamboyant and original drummers around. His talents came to the attention of top Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher with whom Ted played with for five years and his reputation went global. His career has seen him perform with a wide range of artists including Michael Schenker, Tear Gas, Ian Gillan, Greg Lake, Gary Moore, Womack and Womack and many others.

Ted is currently part of The Paul Rose Band and fans can see the band live when they play at The Georgian Hotel in Blairhill on Friday, October 23 at 8pm.

Paul Rose is regarded as one of the finest blues and rock guitarists in the world. Indeed, Paul has been voted ‘Best Guitarist In The World’ by readers of Guitarist Magazine and also ‘Best Stratocaster Player in the UK and Ireland’ by Fender Guitars.

This is a triumphant homecoming for Ted, the former St Patrick’s High School pupil, who also lectures to the next generation of musical superstars at the Faculty of Creative & Applied Arts at North Glasgow College. He said: “Paul is possibly the best guitarist I have worked with.”

Iain Strefford, of Intimate Gigs, promoter of the forthcoming Georgian show, said: “I have seen Paul and Ted live many times and it is an awe inspiring show. Ted is without doubt one of the finest drummers in the world and the fact he is from Coatbridge makes this a very special show.

“Ted and Paul are both gentlemen and always takes time out to talk to the fans. They are a real inspiration to all musicians out there.”

It has been a busy year for Ted with headline gigs at festivals throughout the UK with Paul, tours of Australia and Japan with Michael Schenker and a series of dates across the UK with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.

Tickets for the show are available from the Georgian Hotel or online at www.intimate-gigs.com. Call 01236 421888.