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by Lauren Carroll
The Minertones
THE BAND
JOHN BYRNE
// Vocals, Fiddle
John ‘The Miner’ Byrne is a well-respected traditional musician, in the early 00’s he joined fellow members Michael Daniel & Fez on a tour of Norway with popular band ‘Keltic Kaos’ kick starting his big band music career. John adds a flavour all his own to any band with a unique fiddle playing style and a wide vocal range,he has since gone on to play with ‘The Cufflinks’ before founding his current venture ‘The Minertones’.
STEPHEN MCCLOSKEY
// Vocals, Guitar
Founding member Stephen has played on the Donegal music circuit for over 10 years with Original Band ‘The Dead Waits’ and Rock Band ‘Watershed’ who supported the Revs many moons ago on the famous Whelan’s stage in Dublin. He has also recently released several singles written, recorded and produced by his good self. Stephens Vocals and Guitar playing has made him one of the top musicians in the Donegal music scene.
MICHAEL DANIEL O'DONNELL
// Vocals, Drums
Michael Daniel O’Donnell first came onto the music scene with a bang forming Donegal’s first Grunge Band ‘BULB’ with his big brother Fez, later joining Rock Band ‘Tamerack’ and after that ‘Keltic Kaos’. Several years later Michael Daniel went on to form the now iconic Donegal Band ‘The Revs’ touring the world and playing main stage at Slane, Oxygen & Reading Festival. Michael started writing original material and has released several tunes before joining John & Stephen forming ‘The Minertones’.
FEZ O'DONNELL
// Bass
Fez joined the ranks as bass player of the Minertones in the summer of 2017. He was an integral part of ‘BULB’ making up the bands rhythm section with brother Michael Daniel, thereafter coming together with John & Michael Daniel to make up the backbone of ‘Keltic ‘Kaos’. Over the years Fez has played with several bands including the Keds, Watershed,The Hunky McCoys Blues Band and in all genres from folk, reggae, blues and rock.