One of country star John McNicholl’s biggest fans, Chris Gilder, reveals how a chance encounter at a music festival led to a close friendship lasting more than two decades
John McNicholl with fan and friend Chris Gilder
For more than 20 years, Chris has followed John McNicholl’s journey from the very beginning, watching him grow from an emerging talent into one of country music’s most-loved performers – and along the way, her admiration has grown into a close friendship.
“I’ve known John for over 20 years, since he first got into the business,” Chris says. “I go to his shows in England, Ireland and Nashville. I go to Nashville with him every year – I’ve been going there for the last 20 years, and it’s an amazing thing.”
Chris first came across John’s music before he had even set out on his own career. “I was in Donegal at Daniel O’Donnell’s Kincasslagh Festival,” she recalls. “I met John singing there, and people were telling him at that festival that he should get a band together and get out on the road. That was about 24 years ago. We’ve been friends for around 20 years now, ever since he’s been touring.”
Asked what sets John apart from other artists, Chris doesn’t hesitate, “He’s a lovely fella. Everyone says how down to earth and kind he is – he’s one of the nicest people you could meet. I’ve met so many people through John, at concerts and events, that I never knew before, and they all love him.”
Over the years, Chris has rarely missed a chance to see him perform. “Absolutely, I’ve been to all the Nashville trips – and we’re going again in April. I go to all his weekend trips too. We’re really good friends now – we’re actually on holiday in Spain together at the moment.”
That closeness has extended to their families as well. “Our families have gotten close over the years,” she says. “I’m friends with his sister and the rest of the family too.”
When it comes to John as a friend, she reveals, he’s the type of friend everyone wants to have. “He is fantastic. Everyone loves John. You couldn’t find a nicer person than him.”
As for her favourite music, Chris admits it’s hard to choose. “I have every song and album – I’ve got them all. I love all of them,” she laughs. “My favourite song could change, but I do love You Are No Angel . Everyone likes that song – they all get up to dance to it.”
While she has attended countless gigs, it’s the experiences around them that stand out most. “The Nashville trip is so good. He takes fans over every year – he’s been doing it for the last 20 years, and I go every year.
“You do Graceland and Dollywood, all those places, and he is just the best host ever. It’s a trip of a lifetime. You’re treated incredibly well, and he’s so good to everyone.”
Life on the road can be demanding, with long nights for those in the country music industry – travelling, performing and then staying around to talk to people, but Chris says that John never forgets his fans. “John will always make the time,” she adds. “Whether he’s tired or not, he’ll hang back and speak to everyone after the show.”
Reflecting on their friendship, Chris says, “We’ve enjoyed some lovely holidays together. We travel together quite often. There’s only six of us on this holiday, and John isn’t working – it’s a proper holiday with friends.”
So what does she believe is the secret to John’s success? “It’s just the way he is. His manner. He’s so down to earth and kind-hearted. He treats everyone the same, no matter who they are. He’s just a lovely fella”, adding, “Everyone should meet John – just to see what he’s really like. He’s lovely.”
This interview appeared in the Spring edition of RSVP Country on shelves now.
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