The Story So Far...

MAKING MUSIC A ‘LIVE ISSUE’
 

Since Live Issue reformed back in 2006, the members of the band have had many opportunities to share their Christian faith throughout the British Isles and beyond.  In that time Live Issue has released four albums, produced a television series for Revelation TV, undertaken several very successful tours of the United States, including appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and had the opportunity to record with many of the top American artists of Country and Gospel music. The group was also invited to perform at the “International Festival of Country Music” held in the SSE Arena in Belfast. During this event, Live Issue had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Reba McEntire, Asleep At The Wheel, Ricky Skaggs and the late George Hamilton IV.    
 
Live Issue literally made history in Nashville by becoming the first country band from Ireland, and only the second group from the British Isles, to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The LaGrange Daily News in Georgia commented, “the members of Live Issue have become ambassadors not only for Country Gospel Music, but also for their Christian faith and everything that is good about Northern Ireland.” In July 2015 their tour included a special tribute concert in Nashville to honour the life and music of their close friend George Hamilton IV. This concert featured many great artists from the Grand Ole Opry and was broadcast around the United States Music City Television and WSM Radio.
 
Live Issue comprises of Colin Elliott, Roy Dreaning, Sam Armstrong, Carl Sands and Ivan McLernon. Although the group still plays at many events in Northern Ireland, they are also regularly found performing at concerts and conventions throughout the British Isles and parts of Europe.
 
‘New Christian Music’ named Live Issue as “Artist of the Year” for four consecutive years in the Country Gospel category and in 2014 the group was awarded “Country Band of the Year” in the Northern Ireland Gospel Music Awards. In 2016 ‘The Irish Connection Radio Show’ presented the group with a special award in recognition of their contribution to County and Gospel music in Ireland.

In 2018, Live Issue hosted their own television series called 'Live Issue & Friends' for Revelation TV. This was very well received and the series is available to view on YouTube and on this website. In November 2023, the band will have another opportunity to be the guest band on a special Faith and Culture Cruise, this time along the River Danube. This is a follow-up to their cruise on the River Rhine in Germany in 2022. 


Live Issue is continually in demand, not only for their musical and singing ability but also for their warmth, humility, sense of humour and Christian faith. This is clear both in their music and to anyone who has had the opportunity to see the group play live.