#STORYOFMYLIFE – Day One with John from EI

In this series, we’ll be talking to someone and asking them to pick five songs (over five days) that mean something to them. These may not be their top five songs of all time – merely songs that attach to a specific memory or time in their life.

John from Eurovision Ireland opens this series. What’s his first choice, and what’s the story behind it?

Love shine a light – Katrina & The Waves

In 1990s, Eurovision was seen as something less trendy than today. Members of the fan club Eurovision Network had appeared on various programmes, and in 1997 they were asked for three souls for a Saturday evening show called Whatever You Want. I was asked, and was to take part in a segment that was a quiz – the winner getting to go to the contest in Dublin. It was a close thing, but I won the prize so had an all-expenses trip to my first contest. After 20 years or so of only seeing it on TV, I was really excited. Sadly the segment was never broadcast due to a certain ex-boyband member, a certain celebrity hairdresser and certain DJ taking precedence.

Fast forward to Dublin, and armed with tickets and £100 spending money, I went with my good friend Dermot to the Point Theatre. He’d already blagged us tickets for the Friday night dress rehearsal. Anyway, We witnessed a darn good show, and who should win but the United Kingdom, with hosts Ireland coming second. Imagine my delight as I made my way to the after-show party when I got to meet many of the performers, including Katrina herself.

So because of that night, my first choice is Love shine a light.

If you have five songs that really mean something to you, drop us a line with them and the stories behind them, and you could feature soon.

Author: John Stanton

Source: Eurovision Ireland