Lanigan and Shields: Biography
Tom
Lanigan and Thomas Shields are talented, original
songwriters and performers; together they are truly
extraordinary. They began playing as a duo in 2008
with Tom Lanigan (guitar, vocals, and songwriting)
and Tom Shields (guitar, vocals, and songwriting.
Originally they played together as part of the Tom
Lanigan Band, seamlessly blending traditional Irish
ballads, folk and rebel songs with originals written
by Tom Lanigan, formerly of Dublin, and Tom Shields,
who hales from Boston. The band developed a diverse
group of fans, from young folk and rock lovers to
Irish grandparents.
The duo made a television appearance in March 2008
in Boston, Massachusetts when they were featured on
the Liz Walker show, on CBS, channel 4.
Lanigan and Shields’ diverse American influences
include Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Cracker, The Carter
family and Bessie Smith. Their Irish roots include
the Dubliners, the Pogues, Christy Moore and the
Clancy’s. As a result of the cross-pollination of
culture and experience their music has a unique
acoustic folk/rock sound and style.
The charismatic and gravelly voiced lead singer, Tom Lanigan, is formerly of “Screaming Under Stars”, with whom he released two CD’s. The band enjoyed a string of successful shows in the New England area playing with acts such as the Commitments, The Slip, Black 47, The Machine, NRBQ, and Guster among others.
The versatile Tom Shields is the former leader of Tom Shields and Big Society, a roots rock band based in North Carolina. Tom is a prolific and seasoned songwriter and plays guitar as well as banjo and piano. His songs have been covered by bands such as King’s Dream and The Feebles.
A collection of their songs, titled “Lanigan & Shields” has just been released. A yet untitled full length original debut CD by Lanigan & Shields will be released in late 2008.
For additional details or booking information, please contact Eleanor at (401) 207-2600 or via email at eleanorf@cox.net.