At his memorial service, Vince Power was remembered as a man who relentlessly worked his way up from a life of poverty in London, ultimately succeeding as a music entrepreneur and businessman. Two weeks ago, Power passed away, 76 years old.
Despite a chance to study at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Power, originally from Waterford, decided to immigrate to London in early 1960s when he was still in his teenage years.
Starting with a chain of used furniture stores, Power gradually garnered wealth, and in the 1980s, he established the Mean Fiddler Group beginning with a small music venue in Harlesden, North London.
He created the London Fleadh in the 90s, driving Irish music into the mainstream, followed by the Fleadh Mór in 1993, that attracted celebrities like Ray Charles, Van Morrison, and The Pogues to Tramore Racecourse. He was also the man behind the Reading Festival, Hop Farm Music Festival, and the Benicassim Festival.
His daughter Sharon, one of his eight children, remembered how her father started with a humble property in South London, bereft of even a kitchen sink. With sustained effort, he managed to purchase a larger three-bedroom house in Stonebridge to accommodate his expanding family.
“Dad persevered tirelessly to build a life. Gradually, one day at a time, he fought his way out of his Irish poverty, dedicating his Sundays to the church and Sunday school, absorbing all the Irish lessons,” she said.
In his early days as a businessman on Kilburn High Road, he gained a reputation as the “man in the van.”
Another daughter, Nell, spoke of his love for music, his unique passion, and extraordinary character. “To describe him as strong-willed and independent feels like an understatement,” she stated. “He had little to fear.”
His mother Bridget inspired much of his fighting spirit, teaching him resilience and tenacity. Nell mentioned that he faced each day with optimism, positivity, and belief.
“Anything can be at your fingertips if your desire for it is strong enough and if you continue to press on. His knack for acquiring things seemed almost intuitive; it was as if it required no effort on his part. Forever brimming with fresh concepts, his preference was always for everyone to derive enjoyment,” she stated.
Fr Brendan Crowley, a close friend and co-celebrant at Mass, labelled Power as “The best-known face of Newtown.” Both had spent time in London during the early years of the 1960s.
The world as it was when Power entered it in 1947, was a stark contrast to the one he left, according to Fr Crowley. From the moment a person is born, they have two obligations – to improve the world and to keep good company.
[Vince Power: The Waterford native, dubbed the ‘Godfather of Performances’, who revolutionised the British music industry]
Looking back over Power’s life, Fr Crowley said, there’s no doubt that he fulfilled his obligations. He faced life with “tremendous kindness, understanding, and zest” and took care of those in the Irish community who were struggling.
Power’s wicker casket was carried into the All Saints Church in Newtown, Co Waterford, against a backdrop of Ray Charles’ It Can’t Stop Lovin’ You. The funeral ceremony ended with Mary Coughlan’s rendition of The Parting Glass.”