Heyday – Mic Christopher

Bill Hicks might not approve but the next song was brought to you courtesy of an advertising campaign. Mic Christopher was an American born Irish singer. Admired on the Irish music scene, his band The Mary Janes never had a breakthrough hit despite touring widely. Upon their breakup Mic went solo and seemed on the verge of something really special when he tragically passed away after a fall while touring with The Waterboys.  His family and friends helped finish off his solo album Skylarkin and release it. It won industry awards and sold well.

However to many of us it only came to the attention of many of us when the brilliant Heydaywas used in the iconic Guinness ad “Quarrel”.

In the ad, Michael Fassbender, strides across Ireland and makes his way to New York to say the hardest word.  It was an instant hit with those who love the black stuff, great music and brooding handsome, troubled Irish men. Yeah basically everyone.

Damien Rice’s album O is dedicated to Mic and his music has become a mainstay of The Frames set list. It’s sad to ponder what could have been. Perhaps that’s why his music was such a brilliant choice for the ad. A soundtrack for someone wanting to make amends before it was too late. There is a new documentary coming out about Mic’s life that will hopefully reintroduce the world to his music. Perhaps he will have his heyday at last.

- Collie