Renowned saxophone player Keith Donald will launch his new memoir, Music & Mayhem: Passion, Addiction and Redemption in the Golden Age of Irish Music at a special event at the city’s Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop on Thursday next, June 12, at 6pm.

Keith Donald from Portstewart in County Derry, has played saxophone and clarinet with some of the biggest names in Irish music, including Van Morrison, Christy Moore, Mary Coughlan and Ronnie Drew, among countless others.

In 1981, he formed the legendary supergroup, Moving Hearts with Christy, Davy Spillane and Donal Lunny. Donald was the manager, star performer and inspiration of the group whose unique fusion of jazz, rock and traditional music shaped the soundtrack of an era and was a huge influence on the next generation of Irish musicians.

Donald is also also a composer for theatre, film and television and has, over the past 60 years, played alongside hundreds of artists and recorded over 20 albums.

The memoir is a frank, honest, courageous and at times, hilarious account of one talented musician’s ultimately triumphant journey through life, music and addiction.

The launch at the Middle Street bookshop will include a 30-minute musical and storytelling performance from Keith Donald and all are welcome.

Pictured: Keith Donald launching the book at Little Acorns Bookstore in Derry, his native county.