Barry Cooper Drops in for a Chat

Thursday, 10 March 2011 16:01

The Man behind Essence of Ireland's percussion stops by for a chat.

Barry Cooper has been with the critically acclaimed Essence of Ireland right from the first tour and as he takes a well deserved day off, Essence Productions caught up with the man who creates the heart beat of the show for a quick questions and answer session.

Question: You became a Pro Drummer at the age of 20, but from what age did you realise it was something you wanted to do and was it hard to get into the entertainment industry?

Answer: I started playing drums at the age of 16, but it was around the age of 18/19 that I realised I wanted to try and make a career out of drumming. I joined my first Pro band at the age of 20 and I have never looked back. The entertainment business is tough, but you have to take the good times with the bad.

Question: What sort of things do you do on your days off that arent music related?

Answer: On my days off and in between tours, I try and spend as much time with my family, but I also run a Heating and Plumbing business, which keeps me busy.

Question: When your relaxing at home, what sort of music do you listen to?

Answer: I love to listen to all styles of music depending on my moods, but I have a big passion for Rock music

Question: Do you have any favouite films / tv programmes?

Answer: I like anything to do with wildlife epsecially snakes and spiders and I am a big fan of The Deadliest Catch

Question: Do you prefer studio work or touring and why?

Answer: I love the adrenalin and excitememt of playing in a live situation, but I also enjoy the creative side of playing in a studio and hopefully ending up with a well performed finished product.

Question: How did you become involved with Essence of Ireland and why do you love it?

Answer: I have worked with Essence Productions for nearly 8 years now and I was cast when the Essence of Ireland show first started and luckly I am still here loving every minute. Its great working with such a variety of talented individuals that all come together to make one show. I am good friends with alot of the cast and I love meeting new people on the tour as it keeps it fresh and exciting.

Question: If you werent a drummer, what sort of profession would you see yourself in?

Answer: Possibly football as I had trials with Wolves and Port Vale, but I guess I would be in the plumbing and heating business.

Question: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?

Answer: To eliminate death and distruction around the world and petrol would be free, I seem to spend a fortune filling up my car and van

Question: If you could play with any artiste in the world, who would it be?

Answer: I don't just have one, I have three and it would be, Freddie Murcury, Phil Lynott and Buddy Guy

Question: Do you have a message for your fans?

Answer: If you have seen the show, I hope you enjoyed it and for those who havent, please come along as I am sure you would have a great time.

Essence Productions would like to thank Barry or Baz as he is known to the rest of the cast for stopping by. 

If you want to read more about Barry, click on to his profile for more information Linhttp://www.essenceofireland.co.uk/index.php?option=com_tourmanager&func=cast&cm=16k