By Julie Waters
HOMEGROWN DJ Micky Modelle was certainly hitting the high notes of musical success when his mural was unveiled at Kilcooley.
The artwork by Glen Molloy, funded by Kilcooley Community Action Group (KCAG) and the local community, features the internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer.
Although Mickey grew up in Tullycarnet, his professional roots are in Bangor where he created well known hits such as Show Me Heaven, Superstar and Dancing in the Dark.
Robert Scott, a KCAG spokesman, said the mural represented the ‘positive progression’ of the Kilcooley community as they ‘transition from murals depicting the conflict to murals celebrating local people and their achievements’.
He said: “We unveiled a mural to local DJ Micky Modelle, celebrating the success Micky has achieved within the music industry and we would also like to say a massive well done to former DJ and legendary artist, Glen Molloy, who painted this incredible mural.
“This mural was achieved through fundraising by the Kilcooley Community Action Group, and members of the local commumity. No public money or government funding was sought or sourced as part of this project.
During his career Mickey has worked with well known global artists such as Pink, Jessie J, Flo-Rida, Samantha Mumba and Simone Denny and he was ‘humbled’ by the Kilcooley community’s recognition.
He said: “Today was a monumental day for me in my music career. It’s beyond words how humbled I was for the Kilcooley residents to create this mural in my honour.
“The artist Glen Molloy spent eight weeks creating the mural and he did a magnificent job. I was just so happy to see lots of my friends, family and music colleagues there, which made my experience even more special.”
The artist was delighted by the positive praise for his artwork. “I’m really thankful to be given this opportunity,” said Glen.
“A special thank you to the residents in Kilcooley and for embracing me into the community and making me endless cups of tea whilst I was painting in the rain, hail and storms over the past eight weeks.
“I’ve known Micky since I was a teenager going to Dundonald Ice-Bowl. We’ve become best friends ever since and of course we have worked with each other in the DJ circuit over the years. It’s great to see so many people showing him the love as there’s no one who deserves this recognition more than Micky Modelle.”
