Peter Donegan Talks 2025 UK Tour, Family And More

Award-winning songwriter and star of The Voice UK, Peter Donegan and his older brother Anthony Donegan present a fantastic and unique evening of songs and stories about their legendary father – The King of Skiffle – Lonnie Donegan, at Concorde Club in Eastleigh on the 1st May & The Regent in Christchurch on 2nd May 2025. Peter very kindly chatted to us at JLTT: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote my very first song at 15. Arguably not a good one. Ha ha

What is your earliest musical memory?

Performing one of my late dad’s songs for him on a UK TV show called ’This Is Your Life’.

You will be touring the UK in 2025 with your older brother Anthony Donegan celebrating your father Lonnie Donegan’s music and legacy. Without giving too much away, what can the audience expect from the shows?

Lots of behind the scenes stories of growing up with dad, tour stories as well some of dad’s biggest and best songs.

Do you have any venues/locations on the tour which hold any personal significance to you?

Yes, The Concorde Club in Eastleigh as its a venue I have performed at with my dad in tours in the past. Its a great place.

Who is in your touring band?

We have decided to keep this as intimate and flexible as possible, so it’s Myself and Anthony singing and playing. The set is never the same from night to night.

Do you have any further new music releases planned for 2025?

Yes I do. As you and your readers know, I am a Country Music artist and I am scheduled to release a new album by the end of the year, full of new songs for us to get our teeth into.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

A) Superman (its a love song)

B) Walkin Man (Not necessarily angry but it comes from a place of ‘When things get too overwhelming’.

C Thank You Texas. Singing this takes me home

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

A good nights sleep! Ha ha

Had a great time doing what I loved

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I honestly like to keep my instruments as natural as possible. I LOVE it when a venue provides Grand Piano. That’s always a dream.

Given the extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?

OMG Yes!! In regards to this show (Lonnie Donegan The Stories) my dad had over 30 top 20 hits. That’s how we can do a different show every night of a tour.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My original hometown is Lake Tahoe, California, USA. – Healing, Spiritual, Unspoiled, Beautiful, Peaceful.

How do you look after your voice?

Especially as I have gotten older, I do extensive warm ups before each show, also to try and make sure the set list is organized to pace my voice. But I cannot gig without my Vocalzones. Dad used them before me and they have got me through some very tough performances and illnesses.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I’d love to write the songs/soundtrack for a Willie Nelson biopic. Obviously they’d use a lot of his songs but for anything in between. Willie’s voice and songs bring me home.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

As mentioned before, Willie Nelson is huge as is Dolly and Waylon. I was hugely influenced by Crystal Gayle after touring with her in 2006. (What a lovely person). More modern artists, aside from Chris Stapleton I love listening to Sturgill Simpson, such a great and honest tone.

What makes Peter Donegan happy and what makes you unhappy?

Family and my music make me whole. Anyone/ anything getting in the middle of that is gonna taste dirt.