A rock music event in aid of the Foyle Hospice is to be staged in Derry in memory of a much-loved and popular local woman.
Marian McFadden, a mother of one from Farmhill Park in the Foyle Springs area, passed away in the Hospice on 8 February this year after a long and brave battle with cancer. She was 56.
Now Marty, as she was affectionately known, is to be remembered at a fundraiser at which two of her favourite bands have agreed to play.
Local rock legends, King Rat, and Pat McManus, one-time member of top heavy metal/celtic rock band Mama’s Boys, and his band are to share the stage at The Venue (Rafters) on Northland Road on Saturday, 23 April next, for what the organisers say will be an “epic night of music and craic.”
Pat, famous for one-third of the Fermangh-based “Mama’s Boys” and Celtic new age band “Celtus,” is still rocking the world, touring all over Europe and beyond with his band.
Needing no introduction to the Derry music scene, “King Rat” are renowned throughout the North West and beyond for their fusion of blues, rock and jazz classics.
Featuring the talents of Norman Doherty, John McLaughlin and Terry O’Donnell, they have been performing over the past five decades.
Marty’s husband, Kevin, said she would have been “pleased” the Hospice was to be the beneficiary from the fundraiser.
He said: “Marian would be delighted that this is taking place in aid of the Hospice.
“Throughout her illness, the doctors, nurses and all the staff there looked after her in a very special way.
“She would especially be pleased that King Rat and the Pat McManus Band have agreed to play as they were her favourite bands."
The organisers say “for anyone who loves their rock music, this is not a night to be missed and it is very fortunate that these two bands can perform on the same night due to their hectic schedules.”
Doors will open at 9.00pm and admission is £10.
Tickets are available from Rafters off licence and a small number will be available on the door on the night, with all proceeds going to the Foyle Hospice.
A spokesperson for the organisers said: “Please arrive early for what is going to be an epic night of music & craic.”
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