The Living Poets' Society

The Power of Words Festival Team is very pleased to announce that the recipient of our 2023 ‘Living Poets Society Award’ is

John Spillane

John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer.  


Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world. As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a unique almost sean-nós like quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between beautiful poetry tinged with melancholy to roguish, irreverent humour.   


John’s music is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional music in its contemporary form – a reflection of Ireland today. A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others.  


glorious technicolour hues that transcend linguistic boundaries; world music for a new world”. Irish Times  


 “John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards. 100 Snow White Horses is a balm to soothe sore souls” Hot Press   


“John's songs are the heart and soul of our island and they'll be sung around the world for as long as there is song”. Damien Dempsey   


“I sing John Spillane songs everywhere I go. John has been my favourite songwriter for the past ten years”. Christy Moore  


 “100 Snow White Horses is a rich, molten cauldron of emotional blissed-out balladry blessed with poetic intimacy and a collection of story-songs that begs immediate listening. A masterclass of eloquent romanticism delivered by a poet of song” Folk Radio UK 


***SOLD OUT***