Broadcast Details: Monday 18th May, 9.35pm, RTÉ One
An access all areas look at the life and career of renowned accordion virtuoso Sharon Shannon, featuring esteemed collaborators & exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from her gigs.
She is one of Ireland’s most beloved musical artists and with a career spanning almost forty years, Sharon Shannon has redefined the boundaries of Irish traditional music. Her fearless musical exploration and cross-genre collaboration have both enchanted audiences around the world and made her a household name here at home.
Featuring live performances, candid interviews from collaborators and exclusive behind the scenes access ‘Tradfluencer – The Sharon Shannon Story’ chronicles the life and career of one of the most influential figures in Irish traditional music.
From humble beginnings in rural county Clare to sold out venues in Tokyo, Sharon’s remarkable story and career-defining moments are highlighted, including her time with The Waterboys, her record breaking 1991 self-titled debut album, her role A Woman’s Heart and the unexpected global success of Galway Girl.
Along the way, friends and collaborators help tell her story with contributions from Adam Clayton, Imelda May, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Mike Scott, Paul Brady, Steve Earle, Francis Black, Donal Lunny, Mary Coughlin, Lisa Canny & Mundy. Steve Earle describes her as “the best box player alive,” while Adam Clayton credits her with making the accordion “hip and sexy.” Paul Brady adds that “no matter how long that music goes on, Sharon will always be in the top drawer—there’s no one better.”
Beyond the music, Tradfluencer examines Sharon’s personal story with honesty and sensitivity. It reflects on her experience of loss and resilience, including the passing of her partner Leo and both her parents in recent years. Sharon speaks candidly about how she still struggles with anxiety when speaking in public and reveals how at school she felt like she “never really fit in”. Her love of animals is evident in the deep bond she has with the many rescued cats and dogs she shares her home with, revealing a grounded, deeply empathetic person, with a wicked sense of humour.
The documentary also highlights just how rare her journey truly is. For a traditional Irish musician to become a household name is no easy feat – achieving it as a female instrumentalist makes it all the more extraordinary.
Tradfluencer is a tribute to a musician who has spent a lifetime bringing people together through the universal language of music. It’s a celebration of a living legacy still unfolding as Sharon continues to inspire new audiences around the globe, redefining what traditional Irish music can be in a modern world.
