FRIENDS of the musician Paul ‘Mad Dog’ McGuinness have organised a benefit gig to help support his recovery eight months after he was seriously injured in a car accident.
Pogues star Shane MacGowan is among the crowd signed up to perform on the night at London’s Underworld venue in Camden on Sunday, July 6.
The event, which costs £20 entrance per person, also boasts the likes of Hungry Grass, The London Lasses, Juno’s Daughter and The Crooked Jacks on the line up.
All funds raised will support McGuinness’ ongoing rehabilitation as he recovers from serious brain injuries sustained in a traffic accident last November.
The London Irishman has remained in hospital since and while he is making a ‘great recovery’ his friends and family claim there is still a long way to go.
Benefit organisers Tom Creagh and Dave Lally told The Irish Post: “Paul suffered a serious brain injury in a traffic accident last November. Thankfully he's making a great recovery in Homerton Hospital, but has a long road ahead of him. So the proceeds from the event will help defray Paul's expenses as he undergoes continuing rehabilitation.”
The pair decided to organise the unique musical event in McGuinness’ honour, to bring a host of quality Irish acts together and help raise vital cash to support his future.
They explained: “The show on July 6 will feature Paul's friend and band mate Shane MacGowan of The Pogues. But there are many more great bands lined up also and it promises to be a fantastic night.”
They add: “It’s a rare chance to see the legendary MacGowan perform in an intimate venue and support a worthy cause.
MacGowan and McGuiness have been friends since the guitarist was a crew member with The Pogues.
With the support of MacGowan, the musician went on to form The Popes.
The band, which currently features Ian Bramble, Will Morisson, Greg Courtney, Dave Allen and ‘Whisky Mick’ Rowan, made a statement on their website on McGuinness’ behalf this week.
“We’re delighted to announce that Paul continues to make great progress and is now gaining his confidence since moving in to a self-contained flat within the brain injury rehabilitation unit at Homerton Hospital,” they said.
They add: “His physical strength and mobility is improving daily and so are his cognitive skills. Paul would like to thank everyone for their support and best wishes over the past six months, and looks forward to seeing everyone again before too long.”
For further information see the Facebook page Friends of Paul “Mad Dog” McGuinness.
