Lonnie Donegan’s son Peter pays tribute to dad at Chester show

Sep 10 2009 Flintshire Chronicle

THE surname is no doubt familiar to the thousands of fans of the late and great ‘King of Skiffle’, Lonnie Donegan, whose musical influence shaped the careers of countless numbers of today’s top artists.

But now his son, Peter, is carrying on his father’s legacy but with his own unique sound.

Peter is an accomplished pianist and guitarist and also plays banjo and harmonica.

Another of Peter’s talents is his songwriting – which his father encouraged – and he performs some of his own songs live.

Two songs on his new album Here We Go Again were co-written by former Lindisfarne frontman, Billy Mitchell.

Peter’s musical influences, perhaps not surprisingly, come from his father: “He inspired me and in searching what inspired him, I found inspiration there myself.

“My father took songs from the likes of Woody Guthrie and brought them forward and funnily enough, we do that same thing for today’s audience.”

The Lonnie Donegan Band, featuring Peter Donegan, will be performing at Alexander’s in Rufus Court, Chester, on Thursday, September 17.

Tickets are priced £12 and can be obtained on 01244 340005.