Niall Breslin

Bressie
Background information
Birth name	Niall Breslin
Born	24 October 1980 (1980-10-24) (age 31) Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland
Genres	Soft rock, pop
Occupations	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Guitar
Years active	2000–present
Labels	Sony Music
Associated acts	The Blizzards
Website	bressiemusic.com

Niall Breslin (known as Bressie^[1] and born 24 October 1979) is an Irish singer and former sportsperson. He found success as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter with ska-punk/pop band The Blizzards and as a co-writer and producer with 19 Entertainment.

Career

Prior to success as a musician, Breslin played hurling for Patrickswell at senior level, earning 21 caps for the province. Breslin has also represented his native county team, Westmeath, in GAA (Gaelic football) at Minor, Under-21 and Senior Championship levels.^[2] He won a Leinster Under-21 Football Championship medal with Westmeath in 2000.

He then went on to sign a professional contract with Leinster Rugby and was capped several times and played in the Heineken Cup and Celtic League for the province.

With The Blizzards Breslin released two albums, several charting singles and received numerous awards. His fear of flying inspired him to write the song "Three Cheers for Modern Medicine".^[3] He was amongst those who paid tribute to Hot Press editor Niall Stokes for his winning of the Industry Award at the 2009 Meteor Awards.^[4]

In 2010, Breslin left The Blizzards behind to base himself in London as a co-writer and producer with 19 Entertainment, owned by Simon Fuller.^[5]

Breslin is a Blur fan.^[1] He has allegedly claimed an addiction to pop music.^[5] Breslin previously presented a show ("The Meaning of Music") on Irish radio station Newstalk on Saturday nights from 9pm until 11pm.

Breslin confirmed via Twitter that his first single, Can't Stay Young Forever ^[6] would be released on the May 27, 2011.^[7]

Breslin's second single from the album, Good Intentions, was released on September 6, 2011, and the album Colourblind Stereo, was released on September 16, 2011.^[8]

He is to be a coach on The Voice of Ireland.^[9]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Oxegen - If I could join another band...". RTÉ. 2009-07-13. http://www.rte.ie/arts/2009/0713/oxegen4.html. Retrieved 2009-07-14. 
2. ^ "Q&A: Niall Breslin". Irish Independent. 2008-09-19. http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/qampa-niall-breslin-1478264.html. Retrieved 2008-10-24. 
3. ^ "The Blizzards Domino Effect". Sputnikmusic. 2009-01-03. http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=28578. Retrieved 2009-06-12. 
4. ^ "The Script and Sharon Shannon bag Meteors". Hot Press. 2009-03-18. http://www.hotpress.com/news/5315938.html. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
5. ^ ^{a b} Steve Cummins (December 11, 2009). "The Blizzards: The last waltz?". Irish Independent. http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/features/the-blizzards-the-last-waltz-1971278.html. Retrieved January 9, 2010. 
6. ^ "Can't Stay Young Forever". Muzu.tv. http://www.muzu.tv/gb/bressie/cant-stay-young-forever-music-video/975827/. Retrieved 2011-11-01. 
7. ^ Breslin, Niall. "Twitter". http://twitter.com/#!/nbrez/status/55387997826334720. 
8. ^ "Get requesting the new single ‘Good Intentions’ NOW!! | bressie /". Bressiemusic.com. 2011-07-25. http://www.bressiemusic.com/?p=196. Retrieved 2011-11-01. 
9. ^ Finn, Melanie (28 October 2011). "Bressie's in the hotseat in search for the Voice". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/bressies-in-the-hotseat-in-search-for-the-voice-2919863.html. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 

External links

• Video interview at Oxegen 07

Persondata
Name	Breslin, Niall
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death