When the Whitesnake camp announced that Tanya O’Callaghan was replacing Michael Devin as their new bassist, it marked a very proud day for Irish Rock fans.
Hailing from the town of Mullingar in County Westmeath, a place also famous for being the birthplace of One Direction star Niall Horan and showband legend Joe Dolan, this scintillating talent backed herself and headed for the vibrantly diverse Los Angeles.
Since then, she has become an extremely sought after musician whose CV now boasts having worked with the likes of ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler, legendary Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Nuno Bettencourt, Orianthi, David Grey and a slot with the world-famous Riverdance production.
And as a result of her work ethic, passion and Celtic spirit, the rock god’s have rewarded her with membership in a rock institution. Along with the departing Devin, O’Callaghan joins elite players such as Neil Murray, Rudy Sarzo and Marco Mendoza in getting to slap the bass alongside Whitesnake’s lord of the dance David Coverdale.
While the Emerald Isle can boast about having one of the most iconic bass players in rock history in Phil Lynott, this powerhouse musician from the small Midlands market town now has the richly deserved platform to be mentioned in the same conservation.
When Whitesnake hit Dublin’s 3Arena next May on their farewell tour, one of Lord Coverdale’s band introductions might just blow the roof of the building and straight into the River Liffey.
