John Earle (musician) facts for kids

John "Irish" Earle (born October 6, 1944 – died May 7, 2008) was a talented saxophonist from Ireland. He was especially famous for his amazing saxophone solo on Thin Lizzy's live song "Dancing in the Moonlight." You can hear this solo on their live album Live and Dangerous. John also played with many other well-known musicians and bands, including Ian Dury, Graham Parker, Rory Gallagher, and The Boomtown Rats.

John "Irish" Earle: A Saxophone Legend

Early Life and Musical Start

John Earle went to school at Synge Street CBS. As a young boy, he started playing the clarinet. Later, he learned to play the saxophone. After working for a short time as an artist who drew pictures for businesses, he began his professional music career in the mid-1960s. He played in popular "showbands" in Ireland. These bands played popular songs for dancing.

Playing Music Around the World

In 1966, John moved to Libya. He played in a band that performed cover songs for US Air Force members at Wheelus Air Force base. After that, he moved to Germany. There, he played for US service members on other US bases. He performed many popular chart hits. Around this time, his bandmates started calling him "Irish." This was to tell him apart from two other Johns in the band. This nickname stayed with him throughout his career in the UK. Later, he joined a band called Nine Days Wonder. He played in clubs across Europe and recorded his first album with them.

Moving to England and New Bands

In 1972, John Earle left Germany and moved to England. He wanted to further his music career there. After playing with a band called Gnidrolog, he found it hard to find music work. So, he took a job in a place where music albums were packed and sent out. This even included albums by Gnidrolog! While going to auditions and informal music get-togethers (called jam sessions), he met Ian Dury by chance. This meeting led him to join Dury's backing band, Kilburn and the High Roads.

In 1977, John performed a saxophone solo on a song called "England's Glory." This song was written by Ian Dury and performed by Max Wall. John also worked as part of the stage crew at the newly reopened Rainbow Theatre in 1977.

Famous Collaborations

John was introduced to Dave Robinson, who was the boss of Stiff Records. This led him to play with Graham Parker and The Rumour in the mid-1970s. He played on their albums Heat Treatment and Stick to Me.

In 1976, Graham Parker and The Rumour supported Thin Lizzy on tour. Because of this connection, John was invited to play saxophone during Thin Lizzy's main show. He later played on The Clash's album London Calling. He played the baritone saxophone twice on the song "The Right Profile" to make it sound fuller.

Later Years and Legacy

Later in his life, John Earle moved back to Ireland. He lived in Rathmines, Dublin. He often played with local blues and jazz musicians. These included Tam White and Ben Prevo.

John Earle passed away on May 7, 2008, at the age of 63. He is remembered for his incredible saxophone talent and his contributions to many famous songs.