I first met Pecker Dunne in Waterford city in the late 60's busking on a street corner on a busy day. Although he played in pubs & concerts it was as a busker he excelled. Anywhere he performed a crowd would gather & suddenly in the middle of a song he would stop& say ok no-one move, I'm going to pass among you with a hat, if you have no money ,smile, but not too many smiles please!
In 1971 or '72 I took him to England for a short tour,his 1st performance was at the Gardeners Arms Oxford.The local radio station were interested interviewing him,before going on I told him to mention as often as possible where he was playing . The queue to hear him stretched down the road, we heard music from outside as we were putting out the chairs & there he was busking his own queue!! both performances were excellent.
Vic Smith mentions Pecker playing in the pub in Lewes, it was I took him there & a great night was had by all.
I met the Pecker many times in Ireland after that, I remember on one occasion in Athlone, Pecker was booked to play in a posh hotel,as we entered the manager took one look at him and barred him...he must be one of the few artists who couldn't attend their own performance.
With my friend the singer Pat Ludford, we took him to England on a couple of other occasions,Pecker was a wonderful musician & song writer.For someone who rarely went to school he had a wonderful way with words.
I often a quote from one of his songs,                            'The road isn't easy but it's what I choose,                         I'm not always a winner but I'll never loose.'
Goodbye Pecker & keep off the drink!