Background
He grew up in Omagh, County Tyrone (where his father lived while performing with showbands), and Naas, County Kildare.
He grew up in Omagh, County Tyrone (where his father lived while performing with showbands), and Naas, County Kildare.
He starred as Deco Cuffe in the 1991 cult film The Commitments based on the book by Roddy Doyle, having been cast at only 16 years of age with a voice sounding much older. Since then, Strong has released a number of albums, including a platinum disc, and toured with artists including The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Bryan Adams. Strong does not tour with the official tribute act to the Commitments, although he did perform with the original cast for the 20th anniversary concert in the O2 in Dublin in March 2011.
The Bone Yard Boys music is more contemporary with shades of Bowie, U2, Soundgarden, Sly, and “pretty much everything what inspires them”
During 2006 and 2007 he toured Europe and Australia to promote “Greatest Hits” while also writing and recording with The Bone Yard Boys.
In 2009, Andrew kicked off his first United States East Coast tour since 1998, while also playing festivals in Europe, and also recording with The Bone Yard Boys. Then in 2010 he performed concerts on a United States West Coast tour and played festivals in Europe.
The Commitments got back together in March 2011 for a reunion tour to mark the 20th anniversary of the movie with four shows in Ireland ending in the O2 arena in Dublin to critical acclaim. They played to 24,000 people over 4 shows and also donated 30,000 euros to The Irish Cancer Society.
As 2014 starts, Andrew is scheduled to perform concerts in Australia, Germany, France (on 5 July 2014 at Cabannes, for the 10th edition of the "Nuit du Blues") and Denmark.