Event Information

Howth Roots and Blues Festival Presents

Rob Strong Band plus Niamh Duffy

After his hugely successful show at last year’s Howth Roots and Blues festival, Rob Strong and his band are coming back this year to headline the Sunday afternoon. The Derry native, known as 'The Godfather of Soul' is celebrating an amazing 61 years on the road this year and as the title of his biography suggests, is ‘STILL GOING STRONG! 

In the 1970’s nobody in Ireland personified the raw energy of rock, blues and soul music like Rob Strong! Rob started out in the Showband era when he fronted the iconic PLATTERMEN SHOWBAND from Omagh in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, packing out huge ballrooms all over Ireland. Rob progressed to play in his own bands,’ Las Vegas’, ‘ Rob Strong & The Rockets’  and  ‘The Rob Strong Band’ right up to the present day.

Rob’s son, Andrew Strong, starred as Deco Cuffe(lead singer of the band) in the worldwide smash hit movie ‘The Commitments’ in 1991. Rob was also the vocal coach for both soundtrack albums of the iconic movie and toured with The Commitments band across the UK and Europe.   

Rob Strong is still revered in the Irish music business as evident in these quotes:

Rob Strong is incredibly talented. In my opinion he is the best Blues or Soul singer to ever come out of Ireland. His innate gift is his voice and his timing is incredible - COLM WILKINSON 

The thing about Rob is, he’s a serious package, bass chops, voice and presence - BARRY DEVLIN (HORSLIPS) who also wrote the foreword for Rob’s biography.

I think Rob Strong is an incredible singer, an amazing talent. I just don't understand how he hasn't become much bigger worldwide! - MARY COUGHLAN 

Rob Strong is one of the true originals - PAUL BRADY

Ticket Information

General Admission: €20.00 (Incl. Booking Fee) 

Doors: 1:30 pm

Show starts: 2 pm

Limited, unreserved seating.