Rhythm Nation: Tim Edey on his musical inspirations from Capercaillie to Sharon Shannon

The folk star, who is performing as part of a Music Network tour of Ireland until May 13, talks about the songs that have had the greatest influence on him over the years

Tim Edey, the ‘nicest man in folk’, was born in Kent to Irish parents

“The nicest man in folk,” is how Tim Edey, the multi-instrumentalist, was once described by BBC DJ Mark Radcliffe. Born to Irish parents in Kent, he has toured and recorded with many Celtic music greats including the Chieftains, Christy Moore, Natalie MacMaster, Dougie MacLean and Frankie Gavin. He’s also shown great courage in overcoming personal problems including childhood bullying, panic attacks and an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis.

“OCD and anxiety often go hand in ...