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"While she was regional manager for Guinness in the Asia Pacific region, Helen O'Byrne mailed a regular music newsletter to Irish pubs in the region. She recalls a Guinness-sponsored tour for top Australian Celtic Rock band FLING, which went to 20 Irish pubs in all the major cities of Asia. 'The survey we did to follow up showed a significant rise in profits for those pubs on the music evenings,' she says. 'In most instances sales of Guinness were up by 44 per cent and overall sales by 38 per cent.' ..."The Buzz" Issue 6 1999

"Excellent sound ...excellent compositions and you can't stop your feet tapping to the jigs and reels. You can't ask for more. I would love to see them on stage...." ...Claude Calteux (Belgium)
The Folk Pages
1999

"Your CD came today (June 3, 1999) and I put it in the player first thing when I got home from work.
It's terrific. I am reminded of many of the groups I really like -- i.e. Battlefield Band, Oyster Band, Altan, Ossian -- but then you have a unique sound that's all your own. The band also has tremendous breadth, playing traditional and contemporary tunes with equal ease.
The album is also beautifully produced and the art work (huzzah for Macs) is smashing.
The final set of tunes especially remind me of the Battlefield Band in its great days when Brian McNeill (fiddle, bouzouki, guitar, etc.) and Dougie Pincock (pipes, whistles) were part of the group.
My wife, a hammered dulcimer player incidentally, is already trying to pick out some of the tunes (that's hammer out some of the tunes).
She too, is enthralled by your album.
In the next couple of weeks I will be doing an all antipodean program featuring Fling, Bogle, Judy Small, Weddings, Parties, Anything...
My curiosity was piqued by the song "Wadjemup." The line " a great place for a holiday, deaf to the history which smears its walls" makes me want to know as much about the place as I can learn. It's even made me want to visit. Any place that's "a great place for a holiday" has got my attention...
And if, someday, you come to the States and Chicago, you are welcome.... Come in the middle of your winter because up here it's summer, nice and warm. Only the welcome you'll receive at these doors will be warmer." ...Mike Fleischer
"Treasures From the Isles" - WDCB-FM Radio, Chicago
June 1999

"Listening to Australia's premier Celtic band is a sheer delight. I was caught up from the first with FLING's strong snappy percussion meshed with the energetic sound of the pipes. I found myself tapping and resisting the urge to hop up and dance to the rhythm of this well-groomed cross between rock beat and traditional Celtic folk. I was surprised by the remake of the classic rock song "Brown Eyed Girl" into a fabulous, rather non-traditional, Celtic piece. I found the entire experience a joy and would love to have the chance to see FLING live on stage...." ...Jonathan Patrick Frazee
Brigit's Feast Vol 3 No 1
Feb-March 1999

"Fling were booked here at the "Backpackers" totally unknown to any of us......thank God we did!!
What was planned as an introductory one night gig turned into a mini-festival all of it's own. The band ended up staying and playing for four nights in a row; and far from the audiences getting bored of hearing them the crowds grew every night as the word travelled round the town.
Their energy and love of the music was infectious. It was certainly one of the most talked about few days of the year and we have had endless requests for their return. (I don't think a lot of people fully appreciated how far the band had travelled!!) The CD is a constant favourite with the customers in the café and restaurant, it'll keep them all going until "Fling" return." ...Ben Butterell
Glastonbury Backpackers
1/12/98

"Indoors, award winning 'Fling', whose style is described as 'Powerhouse Australo-Celtic Music' are regarded as one of Australia's finest Celtic bands. They gave everyone a last boost of energy to get back on the dance floor, then came back to start up the music on Saturday with 'more kick than a kangeroo'. " ... Brampton Live 1998
Festival Review
19/8/98

We generally only include reviews from official music publications in the critics section - however the opinions of the general public are also extremely valid and often less contrived! The following review of a Fling performance by a happy concert goer is therefore included:
"My wife Keiko and I went to the Dubliners Irish Pub in Osaka in order to enjoy the music of the FLING last Saturday. They were fantastic! It was a most enjoyable musical evening for us. Their original songs and tunes as well as traditional ones were great. Each of the members of the band is an accomplished player and singer. I admire Ormonde Waters' fantastic performance of uilleann pipes, Scottish highland pipes, tin whistles, low whistles and concertina. What a talented musician he is! Suzanne is also a wonderful fiddle player! Jonathan's original song such as "When It's Too Late" is a gem! Very poignant! David also write great songs such as the title song of their first CD. "Sweet Life." Richard, the bass player, is a backbone of the band! They well deserve more recognition! I bought their two CDs, "Sweet Life" and "Peeler and the Goat" at the concert. They are both full of beautiful and exciting music. Beleive me! I've been intently listening to music for the past thirty-four years, so I can really tell! They are GREAT!...I am happy to know that they will play at this year's Celtic Festival in Japan. All the people who witness their gigs will be infatuated by their magic...I'm already looking forward to their second Japan tour. I hope it will happen in the very near future." ...Kazi Goda
Celtic Festival of Japan Visitor's Book
25/10/98

"Critically acclaimed for their fascinatingly spirited music, Fling's rootsy turn of the Celtic tradition lends their instrumentation a rousing grounded life of its own, compelling with its strong sense of cold pubs and warm people through the centuries. Irish charm in its entirety. The traditional origin of their music is blended skilfully with a contemporary folksy reality that somehow does not undermine or disrespect the classic genre, a musical feat indeed.
...And yes they live up to their name. The melodies that come from this band are a somewhat stunning broth. There is a certain subtlety in the music that works towards a current of swirling sound, especially on their delightful instrumentals. Come on, with instruments like the uilleann pipes, warpipes and mandolin, how prosaic can you get? Not at all, as Fling shows, playing lustily after some olde spirit of eternal youth and innovation. To be honest, they did remind me of Synge, that brilliant Irish playwright, the endless melodies that accompany the riders to the sea, on horseback...with sprays of the pigeon-coloured sea rising above." ...Jesse Peng Yuan Kai
Happening! on-line magazine, Singapore
15/7/98

"Over two nights more than 1,000 people filled the Fly with even more than the usual high expectations for a great performance from local Celtic folkies The Fling.
Organised by the band as a parting gift to Western Australia prior to leaving for a four month tour of Asia and the UK, the rapturous response gave fair indication that forgetting is not on the cards for anyone lucky enough to have been there.
In addition to their usual five piece line-up they were joined at various stages by pipers, fiddlers, a three piece brass section and a percussionist. The dancing was not confined to the front of stage either as young girls from the Kavanagh Irish Dancers made several appearances. The Fling have always had a broad sweep in their repertoire, going from traditional reels and jigs to well chosen (and rearranged) pop standards and Dave Johnson's pretty ballads, and the guests only further emphasised this part of their appeal.
There had been plans to incorporate a small string section into the show, but time did not allow it to be completed satisfactorily. That must be a job for next time, and going by the size of the crowds and how well the night was orchestrated it must surely be a when and not if proposition.
By its nature folk music, as opposed to say rock, tends to appeal to all ages, but most importantly it should be noted that the band dared to put on a special performance - a fully staged concert, no less - that promised something more than they usually offer in a pub setting. They dared and won handsomely.
The tour the Fling are about to embark on will culminate with a performance at Cropredy, the biggest date on the UK folk calender. They received a personal invitation from festival organiser, Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg, after he saw the band on Fairport's last tour here two years ago. It has taken them this long to organise a trip that will be much more than a holiday with a couple of vanity visits to big stages.
Well prepared and well executed, last weekend's shows emphasised the fact that the only thing between the Fling and the acknowledged greats of the genre is water. Bon voyage." ...Polly Coufos
X-Press Magazine
25/6/98

"Fling...combine a perfect grasp of traditional expertise and rootsy melodicism. Coming on like a cross of Stockton's Wing/Spirit of the West coupled with the Tannahill Weavers instrumental virtuosity the result is lively, compelling new acoustic rock/folk with a solid grounding in traditional music. "Fistfull of Notes" and "Piper's Despair" capture their musical fire with Ormonde Waters' pipes and concertina and Suzanne Harris' fiddle striking up a hot melange of Irish/Scots fire and flair. Vocally they create solid rhythm and roots combinations on "Wadjemup" and "Half Light" while a lively take on Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" screams out for radio exposure. Bright eyed and bushy tailed Fling are in this instance rightly named as a celtic/roots proposition this Australian outfit are one hot catch. "The Peeler and The Goat" has quality stamped right through it." ...John O'Regan
"Rock 'n Reel" (UK)
1998

"Well done! I've been waiting quite a while to hear quality celtic music from Australia, and it seems like Fling is just the thing." ...Peter Grant
"Mostly Folk" 7THE FM
April '98

"Seeking comparisons to place Fling in a familiar musical landscape for the uninitiated, mentions of Fairport Convention are as deserved as they are inevitable; but... Crowded House?! From the fun, quirky "Little" and "Half Light," to the heartbreaking elegy "When It's Too Late," the original songs on this Australian band's second album demonstrate a folky pop sensibility that would flatter Neil Finn. Additionally, their Celtic reel cover of "Brown Eyed Girl" will make you wonder why Van didn't do it that way himself. Amazingly, these tracks blend seamlessly with the traditional songs on the album. The driven "Raggle Taggle Gypsy" is just one example of why Fling have earned a devoted following down under, and have opened for both Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span." ...Kirsti Dand,
FolkWeb (USA)
December '97

"During February 1997 Fling gave several performances at the Festival of Perth's popular Swan Festival Club. Fling gave a wonderfully professional performance each time, using a wide repertoire of music which drew people to the dance floor. Coupled with the band's energy, dry sense of humour and libellous remarks, the level of musicianship ensured a great night out!" ...Henry Boston,
General Manager,
Festival of Perth,
9th September, 1997

"Has stacks of promise...high standard set by the crusty moshin' reels which open" ...Folk Roots Magazine (UK)
July '97

"...the honesty and sheer likeability of their mix of traditional and original is impressive... a fine recording" ...Raymond Jones,
X-Press Magazine,
15 May '97

[Fling at the 1997 Port Fairy Folk Festival]
"...They turned out to be essential viewing... an amazingly talented group... had everyone leaping and dancing about, all but bursting the Guinness Club at the seams." ...Kylie Riddell,
Folklife News,
April '97

"The Fling have the musicianship, ingenuity and the sensitivity to present Irish music in a powerful dynamic way while maintaining full respect for the traditional origins of the music. The result is a performance standard attempted by many but achieved by few... They were one of the major hits of the festival" ...Phil Wilson,
Director,
National Folk Festival,
24 April '96

"The gig...turned out to be a brilliant festival highlight and a lot of people came up to me raving about it and saying that I should have seen the standing ovation... these are the kinds of reports that festival organisers long for. I am more than happy to recommend your band as a five star outfit guaranteed to lift the spirits at any festival, concert, pub or party and give a crowd pleasing show that has appeal across the board." ...Jamie McKew,
Festival Director,
Port Fairy Folk Festival,
26 March '96

"I've never heard anything like it - They're great!" ...Dave Swarbrick
21 March '96

"A Spirited thing which takes Celtic strains to Oz and back...gutsy and punchy." ...Folk Roots Magazine (UK)
December '95

..."No bull! This is the best West Australian produced acoustic music album to come my way... This is a cracker of an album." ...Ray Downes,
Town Crier,
March/April '95

"....equal the best of Ireland...They have produced one of the best albums of this type of music to come out of Australia" ...Ken Ferguson,
The West Australian
23 December '94

	"While she was regional manager for Guinness in the Asia Pacific region, Helen O'Byrne mailed a regular music newsletter to Irish pubs in the region. She recalls a Guinness-sponsored tour for top Australian Celtic Rock band FLING, which went to 20 Irish pubs in all the major cities of Asia. 'The survey we did to follow up showed a significant rise in profits for those pubs on the music evenings,' she says. 'In most instances sales of Guinness were up by 44 per cent and overall sales by 38 per cent.'	..."The Buzz" Issue 6 1999

	"Excellent sound ...excellent compositions and you can't stop your feet tapping to the jigs and reels. You can't ask for more. I would love to see them on stage...."	...Claude Calteux (Belgium) The Folk Pages 1999

	"Your CD came today (June 3, 1999) and I put it in the player first thing when I got home from work. It's terrific. I am reminded of many of the groups I really like -- i.e. Battlefield Band, Oyster Band, Altan, Ossian -- but then you have a unique sound that's all your own. The band also has tremendous breadth, playing traditional and contemporary tunes with equal ease. The album is also beautifully produced and the art work (huzzah for Macs) is smashing. The final set of tunes especially remind me of the Battlefield Band in its great days when Brian McNeill (fiddle, bouzouki, guitar, etc.) and Dougie Pincock (pipes, whistles) were part of the group. My wife, a hammered dulcimer player incidentally, is already trying to pick out some of the tunes (that's hammer out some of the tunes). She too, is enthralled by your album. In the next couple of weeks I will be doing an all antipodean program featuring Fling, Bogle, Judy Small, Weddings, Parties, Anything... My curiosity was piqued by the song "Wadjemup." The line " a great place for a holiday, deaf to the history which smears its walls" makes me want to know as much about the place as I can learn. It's even made me want to visit. Any place that's "a great place for a holiday" has got my attention... And if, someday, you come to the States and Chicago, you are welcome.... Come in the middle of your winter because up here it's summer, nice and warm. Only the welcome you'll receive at these doors will be warmer."	...Mike Fleischer "Treasures From the Isles" - WDCB-FM Radio, Chicago June 1999

	"Listening to Australia's premier Celtic band is a sheer delight. I was caught up from the first with FLING's strong snappy percussion meshed with the energetic sound of the pipes. I found myself tapping and resisting the urge to hop up and dance to the rhythm of this well-groomed cross between rock beat and traditional Celtic folk. I was surprised by the remake of the classic rock song "Brown Eyed Girl" into a fabulous, rather non-traditional, Celtic piece. I found the entire experience a joy and would love to have the chance to see FLING live on stage...."	...Jonathan Patrick Frazee Brigit's Feast Vol 3 No 1 Feb-March 1999

	"Fling were booked here at the "Backpackers" totally unknown to any of us......thank God we did!! What was planned as an introductory one night gig turned into a mini-festival all of it's own. The band ended up staying and playing for four nights in a row; and far from the audiences getting bored of hearing them the crowds grew every night as the word travelled round the town. Their energy and love of the music was infectious. It was certainly one of the most talked about few days of the year and we have had endless requests for their return. (I don't think a lot of people fully appreciated how far the band had travelled!!) The CD is a constant favourite with the customers in the café and restaurant, it'll keep them all going until "Fling" return."	...Ben Butterell Glastonbury Backpackers 1/12/98

	"Indoors, award winning 'Fling', whose style is described as 'Powerhouse Australo-Celtic Music' are regarded as one of Australia's finest Celtic bands. They gave everyone a last boost of energy to get back on the dance floor, then came back to start up the music on Saturday with 'more kick than a kangeroo'. "	... Brampton Live 1998 Festival Review 19/8/98

	We generally only include reviews from official music publications in the critics section - however the opinions of the general public are also extremely valid and often less contrived! The following review of a Fling performance by a happy concert goer is therefore included: "My wife Keiko and I went to the Dubliners Irish Pub in Osaka in order to enjoy the music of the FLING last Saturday. They were fantastic! It was a most enjoyable musical evening for us. Their original songs and tunes as well as traditional ones were great. Each of the members of the band is an accomplished player and singer. I admire Ormonde Waters' fantastic performance of uilleann pipes, Scottish highland pipes, tin whistles, low whistles and concertina. What a talented musician he is! Suzanne is also a wonderful fiddle player! Jonathan's original song such as "When It's Too Late" is a gem! Very poignant! David also write great songs such as the title song of their first CD. "Sweet Life." Richard, the bass player, is a backbone of the band! They well deserve more recognition! I bought their two CDs, "Sweet Life" and "Peeler and the Goat" at the concert. They are both full of beautiful and exciting music. Beleive me! I've been intently listening to music for the past thirty-four years, so I can really tell! They are GREAT!...I am happy to know that they will play at this year's Celtic Festival in Japan. All the people who witness their gigs will be infatuated by their magic...I'm already looking forward to their second Japan tour. I hope it will happen in the very near future."	...Kazi Goda Celtic Festival of Japan Visitor's Book 25/10/98

	"Critically acclaimed for their fascinatingly spirited music, Fling's rootsy turn of the Celtic tradition lends their instrumentation a rousing grounded life of its own, compelling with its strong sense of cold pubs and warm people through the centuries. Irish charm in its entirety. The traditional origin of their music is blended skilfully with a contemporary folksy reality that somehow does not undermine or disrespect the classic genre, a musical feat indeed. ...And yes they live up to their name. The melodies that come from this band are a somewhat stunning broth. There is a certain subtlety in the music that works towards a current of swirling sound, especially on their delightful instrumentals. Come on, with instruments like the uilleann pipes, warpipes and mandolin, how prosaic can you get? Not at all, as Fling shows, playing lustily after some olde spirit of eternal youth and innovation. To be honest, they did remind me of Synge, that brilliant Irish playwright, the endless melodies that accompany the riders to the sea, on horseback...with sprays of the pigeon-coloured sea rising above."	...Jesse Peng Yuan Kai Happening! on-line magazine, Singapore 15/7/98

	"Over two nights more than 1,000 people filled the Fly with even more than the usual high expectations for a great performance from local Celtic folkies The Fling. Organised by the band as a parting gift to Western Australia prior to leaving for a four month tour of Asia and the UK, the rapturous response gave fair indication that forgetting is not on the cards for anyone lucky enough to have been there. In addition to their usual five piece line-up they were joined at various stages by pipers, fiddlers, a three piece brass section and a percussionist. The dancing was not confined to the front of stage either as young girls from the Kavanagh Irish Dancers made several appearances. The Fling have always had a broad sweep in their repertoire, going from traditional reels and jigs to well chosen (and rearranged) pop standards and Dave Johnson's pretty ballads, and the guests only further emphasised this part of their appeal. There had been plans to incorporate a small string section into the show, but time did not allow it to be completed satisfactorily. That must be a job for next time, and going by the size of the crowds and how well the night was orchestrated it must surely be a when and not if proposition. By its nature folk music, as opposed to say rock, tends to appeal to all ages, but most importantly it should be noted that the band dared to put on a special performance - a fully staged concert, no less - that promised something more than they usually offer in a pub setting. They dared and won handsomely. The tour the Fling are about to embark on will culminate with a performance at Cropredy, the biggest date on the UK folk calender. They received a personal invitation from festival organiser, Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg, after he saw the band on Fairport's last tour here two years ago. It has taken them this long to organise a trip that will be much more than a holiday with a couple of vanity visits to big stages. Well prepared and well executed, last weekend's shows emphasised the fact that the only thing between the Fling and the acknowledged greats of the genre is water. Bon voyage."	...Polly Coufos X-Press Magazine 25/6/98

	"Fling...combine a perfect grasp of traditional expertise and rootsy melodicism. Coming on like a cross of Stockton's Wing/Spirit of the West coupled with the Tannahill Weavers instrumental virtuosity the result is lively, compelling new acoustic rock/folk with a solid grounding in traditional music. "Fistfull of Notes" and "Piper's Despair" capture their musical fire with Ormonde Waters' pipes and concertina and Suzanne Harris' fiddle striking up a hot melange of Irish/Scots fire and flair. Vocally they create solid rhythm and roots combinations on "Wadjemup" and "Half Light" while a lively take on Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" screams out for radio exposure. Bright eyed and bushy tailed Fling are in this instance rightly named as a celtic/roots proposition this Australian outfit are one hot catch. "The Peeler and The Goat" has quality stamped right through it."	...John O'Regan "Rock 'n Reel" (UK) 1998

	"Well done! I've been waiting quite a while to hear quality celtic music from Australia, and it seems like Fling is just the thing."	...Peter Grant "Mostly Folk" 7THE FM April '98

	"Seeking comparisons to place Fling in a familiar musical landscape for the uninitiated, mentions of Fairport Convention are as deserved as they are inevitable; but... Crowded House?! From the fun, quirky "Little" and "Half Light," to the heartbreaking elegy "When It's Too Late," the original songs on this Australian band's second album demonstrate a folky pop sensibility that would flatter Neil Finn. Additionally, their Celtic reel cover of "Brown Eyed Girl" will make you wonder why Van didn't do it that way himself. Amazingly, these tracks blend seamlessly with the traditional songs on the album. The driven "Raggle Taggle Gypsy" is just one example of why Fling have earned a devoted following down under, and have opened for both Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span."	...Kirsti Dand, FolkWeb (USA) December '97

	"During February 1997 Fling gave several performances at the Festival of Perth's popular Swan Festival Club. Fling gave a wonderfully professional performance each time, using a wide repertoire of music which drew people to the dance floor. Coupled with the band's energy, dry sense of humour and libellous remarks, the level of musicianship ensured a great night out!"	...Henry Boston, General Manager, Festival of Perth, 9th September, 1997

	"Has stacks of promise...high standard set by the crusty moshin' reels which open"	...Folk Roots Magazine (UK) July '97

	"...the honesty and sheer likeability of their mix of traditional and original is impressive... a fine recording"	...Raymond Jones, X-Press Magazine, 15 May '97

	[Fling at the 1997 Port Fairy Folk Festival] "...They turned out to be essential viewing... an amazingly talented group... had everyone leaping and dancing about, all but bursting the Guinness Club at the seams."	...Kylie Riddell, Folklife News, April '97

	"The Fling have the musicianship, ingenuity and the sensitivity to present Irish music in a powerful dynamic way while maintaining full respect for the traditional origins of the music. The result is a performance standard attempted by many but achieved by few... They were one of the major hits of the festival"	...Phil Wilson, Director, National Folk Festival, 24 April '96

	"The gig...turned out to be a brilliant festival highlight and a lot of people came up to me raving about it and saying that I should have seen the standing ovation... these are the kinds of reports that festival organisers long for. I am more than happy to recommend your band as a five star outfit guaranteed to lift the spirits at any festival, concert, pub or party and give a crowd pleasing show that has appeal across the board."	...Jamie McKew, Festival Director, Port Fairy Folk Festival, 26 March '96

	"I've never heard anything like it - They're great!"	...Dave Swarbrick 21 March '96

	"A Spirited thing which takes Celtic strains to Oz and back...gutsy and punchy."	...Folk Roots Magazine (UK) December '95

	..."No bull! This is the best West Australian produced acoustic music album to come my way... This is a cracker of an album."	...Ray Downes, Town Crier, March/April '95

	"....equal the best of Ireland...They have produced one of the best albums of this type of music to come out of Australia"	...Ken Ferguson, The West Australian 23 December '94