The Shape I'm In: Paddy Cullivan, musician, composer and MC

IT’S lights, action, show time on Friday nights for Paddy Cullivan, house band leader of the Late Late Show’s Camembert Quartet.

Witty and upbeat, the band has introduced some of the biggest names in the world. But while Paddy has played with the great and brave, it was only recently he met his hero — astronaut Chris Hadfield.

“It was a real moment in history for me to put together my sci-fi interests and meeting an astronaut for the first time — I think that was the pinnacle of my career,” says Paddy, 40.

A man of many parts, he is also a composer, MC and works on political cabaret and satire, appearing with economist David McWilliams and writing material with comedian Oliver Callan for Callan’s Kicks on RT… radio. They also worked together for the TV show Callan Kicks the Year, broadcast on New Year’s Eve. And to celebrate the exit of the Troika from our shores, he recently penned the ironic Christmas song, Turning The Corner.

Though he studied art in NCAD, a love of music has defined his career. His dad, Tom, is a classical music composer and Paddy started taking lessons in piano at the age of four.

“At home we were apolitical, anti-establishment, very untrusting of authority. As we’ve seen, the system collapsed in 2007 and it affected me as much as anyone else. I consider my generation to be a lost generation,” he says.

Married to film maker Jenny Keogh, the couple live in Donegal with their dog, Bailey.

What shape are you in?

I’m reasonable and slimmer than usual from filming with Oliver Callan for the TV special. I’ve lost about a half stone. I don’t believe in marathons, I believe in fast walking every day for 40 minutes.

Do you have any health concerns?

I used to be two stone heavier and I could feel it. I’ve the usual concerns everyone has, we all know it’s heredity now. But I believe the way the country has been run for the past five years would give you more health concerns than anything else.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Breakfast is my favourite meal. I love blueberries with museli and natural yoghurt, poached eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and kippers. But it’s bready lunches and heavy dinners that are my downfall.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Cheddar cheese and cheese and onion Tayto.

What would keep you awake at night?

Sometimes I have a very late gig followed by an early morning and something like that throws me out of whack. But when I sleep, I sleep like I’m dead.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Mel Brookes, Jonathan Meades, Orson Wells, Tina Fey and Joan Rivers, who I’ve already had sandwiches with — I’ve played with her in Vicar Street.

What is your favourite smell?

In Donegal it’s the smell of ozone and sea and cold, fresh Irish air.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I’ve always worn glasses but I’d love not to have them for tennis and surfing. I’ll never do the laser operation — I’m fearful of it.

When did you last cry?

I’d like to say it was when we played with Commander Hadfield on the Late Late Show. But, to be honest, it was when my Sky box got fixed yesterday.

What trait do you least like in others?

Meanness, pettiness and exclusion.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

My mother is American, so I have the pursuit of happiness built in as opposed to a stoic European acceptance of suffering.

Do you pray?

I pray there is a God.

What would cheer up your day?

In Donegal it’s the way people help each other. It’s a version of Ireland that I like.