All The Best: A Tribute to John Prine

John Prine is one of the most important songwriters of the last century.

With a catalogue of songs spanning 5 decades and 18 studio albums; a collection of songs that stand the test of time. Songs like Sam Stone, Illegal Smile and Angel From Montgomery from his early days, lesser knowns like Linda Goes to Mars, Grandpa Was a Carpenter and Six O’Clock News, right up to his final album Tree of Forgiveness with Summer’s End and Knockin’ on Your Screen Door, Prine has left behind a treasure trove of songs, laced with humour and sadness, social commentary and satire, love, honesty and realism.

All The Best is a show put together by a bunch of hardcore Prine fans, featuring Paddy Nash, Junior Johnson, Sean Doone (No Oil Paintings), and Donal Scullion (The Unholy Gospel Band), with special guest vocalists and an amazing band behind them. Their first performance took place at Atlantic Sessions in November 2024 in a sold out Portrush Playhouse to a great response.

A tribute to John, who we sadly lost back in 2020, the band want to try and capture the beauty of Prine, never exact copies of John’s versions, but loving homage to songs they all cherish.

I’ve seen more artists cover John Prine songs down the decades than the man himself had vodka and ginger ales but this show was truly something else. A heartfelt, note perfect elongated love letter to the man and his music this was a night that dampened the eye and tickled the funny bone in equal measure. Just like the songs of JP could always be relied upon to do really. Lovingly crafted by an array of master musicians who clearly hold the great man in the highest esteem and most importantly understand how his songs connect with audiences here on the deepest possible level this is a night for hard core Prine timers and first timers alike. The audience reaction in Portrush was truly remarkable but then again so were the songs and players performing them so I don’t know why I’m surprised. A night of old favourites and devastating deep cuts that I just know JP himself would happily raise a glass to in appreciation. I certainly did! Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster

Find out more details on All The Best on Facebook or Instagram or check them their performances on YouTube.