“Anormal tie is for catching your breakfast,” says Whiskey Mick, resplendent in the mid-afternoon sun. “I only wear bow ties or cravats.” We’re sitting, pint in hand, on the huge terrace of The Constitution, one of north London’s last ‘real’ pubs, with its scenic canalside location. And I’m admiring his garb.
It’s fair to say that many readers would easily be able to spot Mick in a line-up: part of his appeal is his distinctive (what he calls “shabby chic”) appearance. “My hat’s from a specialist shop in Bridport,” he says, adding that he still shops in Camden – although “it’s changing by the day”.
But we’re here to talk about Mick’s legendary local shows with his merry band of musicians, who perform raise-the-roof stints weekly at both The Old Eagle and Tapping The Admiral. Always seated around the table, they play an often euphoric rag-bag of Irish, Americana and blues, lapped up by an always responsive crowd.
the place lights up; some nights it doesn’t.” Photo: John Banyard
Rewind seven years and the beginnings were somewhat inauspicious. “The nights started very quietly,” he says, with a chuckle. “My daughter used to come down and sing a few songs with me – although I’d often play quite a few nights on my own. I was still doing the London Irish circuit – with a band called Whiskey Before Breakfast. And I worked it up from there.”
Why does he think the sessions have become so successful? “The secret is they’re open to anyone who wants to roll up and play, so there’s a formula, and that’s keep it musically simple. We’ve had nights with over twenty musicians on sax, ukuleles, mandolins, guitars. I love that it’s grown, and the quality of musicians never ceases to astound me; entry level musicians find their way. We play songs that are in three or four chords, accessible for people finding their feet to join and have a real laugh. You see their smiles at the end; watch their confidence grow.”
Some “astonishing” musicians and bands have sprung out of the evenings, too. “Dana Immanuel and the Stolen Band are an all-girl band who have the most amazing songs,” he says. “You work out where the chemistry happens.”
Mick is not short of tips for those curious to join. “The art of being a really good musician is not being able to play – that’s a matter of hours and hours’ practice in your bedroom – it’s knowing when to shut up and listen to someone else play. That’s the trick, that’s where the contrast comes from: when there’s a solo everyone else drops so you can hear it. You get that sense of contrast and musicality, otherwise it’s wallpaper. People learn that quickly. Anyway, it’s illegal to play a wrong note in the Eagle. And if you do, just do it twice.”
It wasn’t always thus. Born in Edgware, Mick arrived in Kentish Town twelve years ago after two decades in Borehamwood working as a lecturer teaching automotive engineering. When he “kind of retired” and moved to NW5, his friends and family were astonished that he would want to relocate into central London. “They said I was insane. But if you’re a musician, Camden Town is still the place to be. I soon bumped into Paul McGuinness from The Popes, Shane McGowan’s band, and begun wonderful tours with them, and with The Stranglers, touring Australia.”
It helps that Mick is versatile. “I play mandolin mostly, but my musical history is complicated. I was dispatched off to piano lessons at the age of eight, and no-one introduced me to jazz or blues. I then picked up guitar at 17, and know my way around chords, but I’m not the best player ever.” What’s so special about the mandolin? “It’s amazingly versatile, and at the heart of country and bluegrass bands; plus, it’s tuned like a violin in fifths, which makes it easier to play.”
The nights at Tapping The Admiral differ from the Eagle in subtle ways. “I never know who will turn up at either. There are hardcore regulars, but sometimes there’ll be five banjos, sometimes five fiddles, which means the flavour varies. Generally it’s a mix of mandolins, banjos, guitars, U-bass (or bass ukulele) and more – there’s even been a euphonium. Sometimes you capture the pub, and the place lights up; some nights it doesn’t.”
But Mick won’t say which of the two pubs he prefers. “The Eagle is as engaging as it gets; the Admiral is a gentler affair, but it means I can hear the other musicians better – it stops me in my tracks listening to soloists. I forget where I am. We also now do Monday nights at the King William IV in Hampstead, which Old Eagle owner Jimmy McGrath took over, where it’s invited musicians not casual turn-ups.” Has a night ever got out of hand? “I only ever once had to tell someone to stop. The bloke was enjoying himself, drunk as a sack and beating the crap out of the table.” Whoops.
And finally Mick – who’s also a vintage cycle tour guide by day – has a surprise for fans. At the grand old age of (nearly)sixty he’s finally penning his own choons.
“Traditionally I never have, but in the last year I’ve got into writing,” he says. “But this is a new thing: I’m much more used to jumping in with others and having fun.”
Mick’s Top 5 songs
This trad song is in E minor and G – one of the best versions is by Rory Gallagher. There are lots of opportunities for the players to solo: it’s hard-driving and fast.
2. If I Ever Leave This World Alive
This track by Flogging Molly works a treat.
3. Folsom Prison Blues
This is the one with the train whistle: “All aboard!”
4. Hickory Wind
You can’t play hard-driving songs all night. This beautiful Gram Parsons tune works well with its slow, lilting country feel.
5. Dirty Old Town
This Black Velvet classic always gets the crowd going.
Whiskey Mick plays Old Eagle (251 Royal College St NW1) on Wednesdays and Tapping The Admiral (77 Castle Rd NW1) on Thursdays, from 8pm. Find out more here.
