Country great Hal Ketchum plays the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday 29 October as part of an Irish tour. Hal, who was honoured as a member of the Grand Old Opry, has sold over seven million albums, with popular hits such as 'Past the point of rescue', 'Mamma Knows the Highway', 'Small town Saturday night' and 'Sure Love'. He is a regular and popular visitor to Ireland.

"My first visit to Ireland was in 1995 and I have had some wonderful times there. My band are from Austin, Texas; it's normally hard to get them out of there, but not when Ireland is concerned. We try to visit once a year. The people are friendly and passionate about music. We've made some great friends and are looking forward to our visit," he says.

A late starter in the industry - he didn't receive his first contract until he was 38 - Hal has been greatly influenced by the songs of Buck Owens and by bluegrass. He first moved to Texas with his wife and children, where he started playing in small town local groups. Following a chance meeting with legendary songwriter Howard Harland, he launched his music career.

His music has had a long connection with Ireland. It was Irish songwriter Mick Hanely's song, 'Past the Point of Rescue', which took Hal to worldwide stardom. His debut album, which took the song as its title track, went gold establishing him as part of the so-called new country movement. Since then, Hal has had 15 top ten hits.

Hal has preformed on stages with all the top country greats, including Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash and Vince Gill, while Garth Brooks has often commented that Hal has been a big influence on his career. A very accomplished songwriter, he has penned hits for Trisha Yearwood, The Mavericks and Leanne Rimes, his real passion lies in live performances and negotiations are currently undergoing at the possibility of Hal presenting his own show at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Tickets (€30) are available for Hal Ketchum from the Town Hall box office on 091 569777 or at www.tht.ie.

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