Arthur’s Day And Mic’s Heyday

251 years ago the Guinness brewing company, headed by Arthur Guinness, began it’s trade from St. James’ Gate brewery. Last year, to coincide with the 250th anniversary, the Guinness company decided to throw a big bash on the 24th of September in various cities world-wide with special live music gigs and special offers. After it became a huge success they decided to do it again this year. It’s success is due, in part, to a clever marketing campaign you can see in the video below.

This year it takes place today (yeah, I don’t know why they changed dates either) and it has resulted in much Guinness talk around the office.

Most of the talk in the office, apart from “where are you drinking tonight?”, revolves around the many advertisements Guinness have given us over the years. Some good, some bad. Everyone is aware of the “Guinness is good for you” posters you can see in pubs (or Irish bars for the American’s among us) but Guinness really shines on the small screen.

As well as the video above, some adverts of note were treated to a round of “oh yeah, that was a good one” from our informal round table. The best? I guess the answer to that will change person to person. But the most recognisable for a lot of Irish was this little ditty.

Despite it being used way back in 1994 we all knew the tune and could instantly hum it upon mention. It’s like a brain worm. It may be noted that the advert was largely copied from a short film called Joy. But that’s not really what’s important.

Another add that came up, one that I like and one which is much more recent, is this.

The song you hear in the background is by the talented Irishman Mic Christopher. Mic toured regularly in the 1990s with a band called The Mary Janes and managed to make friends with pretty much everyone of note within the Irish music scene. Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan and especially Glen Hansard all counted him as a buddy. Glen specifically having such a bond that they would do things like busking on a busy street together:

Mic is the one with the hat…

It wasn’t until 1999 when The Mary Janes split up that Mic started to record solo material. He released an EP called Heyday that featured the titular song.
Anyway, the talk of the ad brought back the memory of the song which brought back the memory of Mic.

Mic Christopher died in 2001 aged just 32 years old. He slipped on some steps and it caused some swelling to the brain which resulted in Mic falling into a coma that he never woke up from.
To this day there are musical dedications to him from his friends. Heyday is played by Glen Hansard’s band The Frames at most gigs. Several albums and songs have a “For Mic” note on the insleeve.

Despite the fact that Arthur’s Day is just a promotional marketing tool to sell a few extra pints, I’m very glad that an integral part of the event is live music. If for nothing else than to bring something like what is in the video below into our lives. That’s something worth raising a glass to.

– Aaron Poole is not just a pretty face. Sorry, I meant to say, Aaron Poole is not a pretty face. But he is an internet whore. Not only does he edit this here website but he also makes contributions wherever possible. You can find such things by visiting his blog http://aaronfever.blogspot.com

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