Born in Cobh, County Cork into a musical family, by age 17 he was playing professionally. At 19, he moved to London, where he busked in subways, and developed his unique voice and guitar style.
In 1974, he was a founding member of ‘Scullion’. Later he formed ‘The Fake’, regarded as one of the seminal Irish bands of the late ‘70’s. Next came The Freddie White Band formed in 1978, which toured with Eric Clapton that year.
His first album, Live on Tour brought him national attention. His second album, Do You Do, was the biggest selling Mulligan Label album of 1981. With these early albums Freddie introduced an eclectic repertoire of music which spanned musical genres and eras, to an Irish audience.
Long Distance Runner was launched in 1985, and it featured the hit single ‘Frozen Heart’.
In May 2002 the 2-CD set Lost and Found was released, comprising digitally re-mastered versions of two of Freddie's best selling early albums, albums, namely, Live on Tour and Do You Do. The re-release was warmly welcomed not only by the many whose original vinyl copies had long since worn out, but also by those who delighted in discovering these classic recordings.
In 2004 Freddie released an all-new studio album entitled Four Days in May. That same year, Freddie returned to Ireland after many years living in the USA.
Released in 2008, ‘Stormy Lullaby, is a stunning collection of moody tracks in which Freddie White’s musicianship and voice shine through.
In 2012, the album Here With You was released. It introduces Trish Hickey and is a collection of songs from some of their favourite writers. The album was recorded in Ireland and Australia.
Freddie's 2014 album, Better Days, is a collection of 10 original songs..all but one written in the past year by Freddie and his wife Trish. The exception “Down Without a Fight” also written by Freddie, appeared on the now unavailable album “Long Distance Runner” 1985.
The album was recorded in Sydney, Australia where Freddie and Trish now live.
Matt has been the Musical Director for Country Music Starmaker 2011 Winner, Luke Dickens, for the last 2
years, travelling to Nashville US, launching a successful duo performance and band on their return for Luke Dickens’ music. Matt penned the title track to Luke Dickens 2012 album ‘Devil in the Wind’, about the Qld Floods with further credits to Matt on this album.
Matt performs as a solo artist around town and in successful duo and band line-ups. He showcases 20 years of musical experience in a performance style that ranges from low-down traditional delta blues to sweet country and Rhythm & Blues. Matt launched his E.P 'Early Morning Rain' at the Cat & Fiddle in 2009 and released his self-titled Album in 2015.
Matt is also a lead singer and guitar player for the popular weddings and corporate functions group, The Baker Boys . Matt has a comprehensive repertoire of popular covers and original music. The latter has been inspired and influenced by the American music he has played over the last 20 years.
He continues to showcase his music as an independent artist whilst also playing with some of best musicians around town.
www.facebook.com/MattRossArtistFrom humble beginnings playing numerous gigs without pay to opening acts at major international events VTRIBE have come along way with no sign of slowing down.
Bursting onto the social scene in 2005 they quickly set themselves apart from other bands with their unique style and individual sound.
Often affectionately joking that they’re “Bringing their Tongan backyard tunes to the main stage!” they are adored by fans for their down to earth nature and funky style peformances.
VTRIBE’S sound is a specialized blend ROOTS ROCK REGGAE all wrapped up into the one dynamic show!
As special guest to artists for the likes of award winning Fiji, Katchafire, Nesian Mystik, Adeaze, Jboog, Ardijah and Australia’s 2007 Urban Music Award Winner, Red Room they are quickly gaining the entertainment industry recognition that they have worked so hard to achieve.
VTRIBE HIGHLIGHTS
* 1st Runners up the “GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS”Competition (03/11/0
* Front man Joseph Vaivao featured at the NRL Rugby League World Cup, reciting the anthem.
* Winners of the Stage 2 Battle of the Bands 'BEST IN THE WEST'.
*Featured as one of the main acts in the Oceana Festival for World Youth Day 2008.
Their complete 11 piece band consists of Mino Vaivao ( keyboard, vocals), David Vaivao (bass), Rodney Vaivao (drums), Raymond Vaivao (keyboard), Joseph Vaivao (vocals), Andrew Silva (guitar), Vee Fa'amoe (vocals, percussion), Marcus (percussion), Benny (trumpet), David Lavalu (trumpet) & Tui Fifita (trombone).