Imelda May and Queen bees

Imelda was born in Dublin in 1974 and developed an early love of Rock and Roll particularly the work of the likes of Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent who would influence her sound as she grew up. By 16 she was working the Dublin club circuit, picking up tips of the trade from fellow musicians and even occasionally being barred from her own gigs due to her young age.

Her professional career officially began in 2003 when she released her first album on Foot Tapping Records ‘No Turning Back’, first under her maiden name Imelda Clabby and then again under her married name. Following the album’s release she relocated to London with husband and guitarist Darrel Higham.

Her big break came with the follow up album, 2008’s ‘Love Tattoo’. This time, with the support of a Major label, the album hit number one in the Irish charts and caught the attention of UK music maestro Jools Holland. He invited her to join him on tour and after being impressed with the reaction, also got her to appear on his show ‘Later…With Jools Holland’. All of this helped Imelda’s talents to reach new ears and expand her fanbase.

Her third album ‘Mayhem’ hit number one in Ireland and number 7 in the UK and was a sure sign that Imelda was here to stay. She has even made waves in the US performing on shows like Jay Leno and Conan.