Tommy Hayes
Producer | Musician
Tommy Hayes is widely regarded as one of the best bodhrán players in the world and has been a leading figure in traditional Irish music for over 30 years. His musical interests encompass all forms of percussion. Throughout his career, Tommy has collaborated with many prominent Irish traditional musicians and has been a member of notable groups such as Stockton’s Wing and Altan.
Tommy Hayes
Tommy is a legendary musician who served as the original percussionist for Riverdance. Besides his musical endeavours, he is also an art therapist and a founding member of the Irish Seed Savers. He has recorded and performed with a vast array of celebrated names in the traditional Irish music scene, as well as with international artists.
With contributions to more than 400 albums and numerous musical collaborations, his distinctive style and technique make him a sought-after percussionist around the globe. In addition to his work in traditional music, Tommy has lent his talents to various film scores, including those for "Titanic," "The Devil's Own," "Rob Roy," "In the Name of the Father," and "The Field."
​
As a traditional and world music percussionist, Tommy Hayes is a remarkable artist. He skilfully creates intricate textures on a wide variety of instruments and has collaborated with another noted traditional musician, Steve Cooney. Tommy first met Cooney when he spotted the barefoot Irish-Australian musician playing a didgeridoo at a folk festival in Ballisodare and later welcomed him into Stockton's Wing. Throughout his career, Tommy Hayes has exemplified diversity in music, performing and recording with many of the great names in traditional music and beyond.
​
He has been a member of several groundbreaking groups, including Stockton’s Wing, Puck Fair (with Brian Dunning and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill), Altan, Liam O’Flynn and the Pipers Call Band, and the Eileen Ivers Band.
