Brian Hassan with the legendary Ray Sawyer after playing support to Dr Hook in  The Waterfront Hall, Belfast on 17th February 2011

Brian Hassan with Bruce Johnston and Mike Love after playing support to the legendary Beach Boys in Castlebar on 26th June 2010. Mike Love commented that " listening to Brian perform his own songs was like listening to a new Dan Fogelberg."

Jose Feliciano, 8 time Grammy winner, has local singer- songwriter as support.

Local man Brian Hassan was greeted with rapturous applause as he took to the stage at Dublin’s prestige national concert hall, on Tuesday 2nd November where eight time Grammy winner, Jose Feliciano played his best ever gig in Ireland. Brian was not the only local influence on the night as local based concert promoters, Joe Gallagher Entertainments, were responsible for touring the 8 times Grammy winner, Jose Feliciano, to Dublin. The night however clearly belonged to the local musician Brian Hassan. Playing to a full house, the local singer/songwriter received rave reviews for a programme of original material. Brian took to the stage shortly after 8.00 and performed non- stop for some 30 minutes before the main act took the stage. During the interval and after the show many of the audience praised Brian for his choice of music and even Feliciano himself praised the support act saying he was superb and he wished he could take him on the road with him.
This support slot is the latest in a long list for Brian, which has included opening slots for 80s chart toppers 10cc’s Irish Tour, Frances Black, Sharron Shannon, Tommy Fleming, The Fureys, Kieran Goss, Donal Lunny and Colfin. These support slots have allowed Brian the opportunity to perform on the same stages as many internationally acclaimed entertainers. Brian has now performed in many locations including venues such as the prestige Waterfront, Belfast, The Millennium Forum, Derry, The Royal Theatre, Castlebar, The Tripod, Dublin and the Dun Mhuire Theatre, Wexford. As a result of playing before these artists, Brian has had the opportunity to record some of the live material performed each evening. With this collection now in Brian’s possession it is planned that in the very near future a “Live” album will be released featuring a selection of the songs preformed and recorded live at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, the Waterfront, Belfast and the Empire, Belfast. A studio album of original material with full studio production and backing band is also in the pipe line.
But for now Brian still has the memory of supporting Jose Feliciano, the man famous for his rendition of Light My Fire. Brian has commented that to date it was his best gig and that listening to, watching and being on the same stage as the legendary Jose Feliciano was an inspiration. More details can be obtained by following the links below.

 

myspace.com/brianhassan

facebook.com/brianhassan

Brian was amongst a small number of song writers who were invited to attend a workshop in Dublin hosted by Christy Moore on October 24th 2009.

The events of September 11th had a profound effect on all the Fire Fighters in Northern Ireland who have staged many events to raise funds for their comrades in New York.  "The New York Fire Brigade Appeal Fund" has been set up and Brian hopes to add a substantial amount to the fund by re-releasing a cd single this summer.  Permission to record "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" originally recorded by The Hollies,  has been granted by Judith Scott of Jenny Music and Mr. Iqbal at IQ Music Ltd., and Chelsea Records who have donated their percentage of any royalties raised for this charity.  

Many others have given their time, services and expertise free of charge to keep production costs to a minimum.  These include Ronan Doherty (arranging & recording), Robin Robins (of the Silver Bullet Band) at Mid Atlantic Digital (mastering & recording), James Devlin (artwork for cover\cd), Outlet Records (distribution).  Financial support was provided by Anthony at John Fahy & Co. Solicitors, Crescent Link Fire Station Sports & Welfare Club and Kate at First Class Web Design.  

Sample Sound:
Click on the track below to hear a sample. You will need RealPlayer to play the clip.

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

Brian's new 8 track CD was released in June 2010 and contains six original songs self penned or co-written with other talented Irish writers and two Traditional Irish tracks.  These tracks cover a wide variety of musical styles.