John McManus, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer.

After more than 250 theatre shows, they rapidly gained a new fan base and became renowned for their dynamic performances, mostly receiving standing ovations. John gained a reputation as an exceptional singer, as well as a respected performer/multi-instrumentalist - playing low whistle, wind machine, bodhran, congas and uilleann pipes. 5 CELTUS albums in total were released.

**'Moonchild' has recently been digitally re-mastered, re-edited, new running order, new sleeve and re-released.

Born near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, John McManus is steeped in musical history. Aged as young as only 7, he was 'All-Ulster Champion' on the tin whistle, and made his first TV appearance with Matt Molloy of the Chieftains. He was recruited into the family group and learnt the bodhran (Irish drum) and constantly toured Ireland, playing traditional Irish gigs and festivals.

John's first band MAMA'S BOYS was with his two brothers - elder brother Pat on guitar and youngest brother Tommy on drums - with John providing lead vocals and bass. As a rock 3-piece, they quickly built up a huge Irish following, and a UK/European tour as support to Thin Lizzy followed. Although they were all very young, they signed to Jive Records and further tours with Bon Jovi, Ratt and Rush took them to the US, Canada and Japan. MAMA'S BOYS gained enormous respect in the rock fraternity, releasing 8 albums which led to extensive touring around the world twice. Unfortunately, the youngest brother, Tommy, fell ill again to his childhood leukaemia, and passed away in 1994 aged 28 which terminated MAMA'S BOYS..

In 1996 John and brother Pat formed a new band called CELTUS - with John singing and playing low whistle with Pat on guitar and fiddle with the addition of various musicians. This was an unusual fusion of Celtic-rock, and Muff Winwood at Sony immediately signed them.
CELTUS's debut performance was as the opening act to Sheryl Crow at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall. The first Sony album titled 'Moonchild' was dedicated to the memory of Tommy, and won 'Best Album' at the Irish World Awards in 1998. CELTUS were invited on two separate occasions to perform live as guests of Angela Rippon and the BBC Concert Orchestra for 'Friday Night Is Music Night' for Radio 2.