Paul Maher's video: Paul Maher Percussionist - Riverdance Rehearsals Berlin 2000

This was my first day, as understudy to Noel Eccles, in the Velodrome in Berlin back in 2000 working with backing tracks and most importantly, the Click track, making sure I stayed in time! The Velodrom almost looks like a spaceship partially submerged underground) and I also remember the heat in the arena was unreal due to the air conditioning breaking down that afternoon, which made it a tough rehearsal as I was literally soaked to the skin! That’s my excuse for the dropped beats on this first run through! It's one of the most exhilarating shows to play percussion on and I'm fortunate that I had 13 years of prior training performing with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under the fantastic guidance of Noel.