Originally from Boston, Eddie Dillon of Fairhaven, Massachusetts is a well-known entertainer and songwriter who has performed many years in Irish folk clubs and festivals throughout the Northeast. A multi- instrumentalist, Dillon plays the guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass. At home on any stage, Dillon combines his instrumental virtuosity with a keen wit for an original and entertaining performance. Dillon’s love of comedy always shines and his professional stage delivery marks the presence of a veteran performer. With over thirty-five years of entertaining audiences in every venue, Dillon is the only American to have toured with the Clancy Brothers and was a member of the Clancy family reunion performance at the world’s largest Irish festival in Milwaukee, WI.
Having played many years with the Irish folk group, Shananagans, Dillon has cut his teeth on performances in many venues, opening for such diverse acts as Don McLean and Mary Black. In addition to touring with the Clancy Brothers, he has shared the stage with most of the well-known Irish acts including Cherish The Ladies, The Saw Doctors, Hal Roach, Solas and the Furey Brothers, Tommy Makem, Aoife Clancy, Alfie O’Shea, the Shananagans and the Aliens.
Never one to forget his roots, Dillon has been seen as the unknown guitar player in local watering holes, showing up just to play a few tunes with his friends. Then he would don a tuxedo and be the bass player for another friend. He’s played at many political events for both Democrats and Republicans. If there was ever anyone who has “played for wakes and weddings and every country ball,” this is Eddie Dillon.
But, his main interest in music has always been songwriting and his original songs have been recorded by several Irish artists including Aoife Clancy, Barleycorn, Kieran McDermott and Seamus Kennedy. Aoife Clancy’s CD, “Soldiers and Dreams,” features Dillon’s “Love To Do Over.” More recently, the Jammin’ Divas released “Like A Bird.” In New England, Dillon’s tunes have been recorded by Dan Smith, Shananagans and Eric Simon.
He has released two CDs. The first, “Things You wished You Said,” consists entirely of original music on an acoustic theme. His songs can be romantic, funny, sentimental, toe tapping and wry. Most importantly, each song is well crafted with a strong melody and polished- but edgy- lyrics. His second CD, “The Barber’s Lament” was released in 2001 and consists of original and Irish guitar solos.
In the past Dillon has appeared on most of the Boston area television stations including PBS and network affiliates. He currently appears in venues on the East Coast and as a solo performer in night clubs and private concerts in New England. An adept and witty entertainer, Dillon’s performances are fresh and a surprise to the uninitiated. In his spare time, he writes new music, has completed two as-yet unpublished novels and a full length musical and has produced a solo monologue on the Irish American experience.
In August of 2018, Dillon will be releasing three video animations. The Armadillo Waltz, Jack the Mouse and Tough To Be A Spy have been animated by Glenn Alexander and will be posted to YouTube after a debut release at the Verse To Video presentation on August 24th, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, located in the Co-Creative Center, Union Street in New Bedford, MA.