(Below is an interview with a Belfast community newspaper, in a nieghborhod called Suffolk, where Barry had performed in a festival in summer 1998.)
When did you become a Christian? (age?, circumstances if you wish) How would you describe what its like being a Christian. Is it what you imagined it would be like before you became one? (if relevant)
I suppose I thought I understood what a Christian was, from a very early age. I had been exposed to a lot of old-time Methodism by my folks, and they taught me about Jesus and the Golden Rule and all of that... If you'd asked me was I a Christian I would have said 'well, I guess,' and would have described my background, just like most people would. But, I was so wrapped up in wanting to be an expressive artist (which is OK) that I couldn't see the wood for the trees so to speak. I wasn't really really looking for God...I reached a turning point in my life- it was a pretty rocky road at times- then through the witness of a couple of friends I became keenly aware of my need for forgiveness and a relationship, not just religion (which I wasn't too good at anyway). It sort of came down to admitting my need for His help, and not just running my own show. Beginning to learn that is what they call becoming a disciple. That new birth is the start of this fantastic journey. It is no less than a miracle in my case.
Am I right in thinking that you are a native of Texas and have you gone back to your home town or a different part of the state? What about Kristi?
I am from the Lubbock 'panhandle' area as a kid and then as a teen, San Marcos, between Austin and San Antonio. Austin is a real music centre, so I guess that had an influence on me early on. Kristi is from what we call the 'valley', the Rio Grande Valley about 300 miles south of us. We met when she was in San Marcos going to the university here.
How long had you been living in N. Ireland and how did you come to be in NI in the first place?
I first came here as a very young fella in the mid 70's with a band called Liberation Suite, which was made up of me and some buddies from Texas, a Christian rock outfit, we played to a lot of crowds here on on several tours... and made a lot of really great friends, some that later went to the USA. We went on to live in London to record, and then later lived in L.A. for a couple of years.....Those Irish relationships sort of sparked the idea to tour here again in '90 and '91.Then, "Lib" scaled down a little, (they still play, they are real good) and I went on to solo stuff. I have always loved y'all over there, the sense of humour, the good fellowship! ... and what a beautiful place...Over the years I have played and lived in a lot of places, but I think there's nothin' like 'Norn Iron'.
What's it like where you live now...climate, countryside, population large? small?
Our weather is so mild most of the time, except summer (mid-April to mid Sept.) which is a scorcher. Our winter is almost like your summer with less rain. San Marcos is about 20,000 people, but I think there are about 20,000 more students that never sit still long enough to be counted. We have wild deer and scorpions in our back yard, and rattlesnakes, and some cactus, but it is not a desert here, sort of hilly, green by Texas standards, but brown by yours, I'm sure!
How long had you been living in N. Ireland and how did you come to be in NI in the first place?
I first came here as a very young fella in the 70's with a band called Liberation Suite, which was made up of me and some buddies from Texas, a Christian rock outfit, we played to a lot of crowds here on on several tours...and made a lot of really great friends, some that later went to the USA. Those relationships sort of sparked the idea to tour here again in '90 and '91.The "Lib" scaled down a little, (they still play, they are real good) and I went on to solo stuff. I have always loved y'all over there, the sense of humour, the good fellowship! Over the years I have played and lived in a lot of places, but I think there's nothin' like 'Norn Iron'.
I see you're going, God willing, to be involved with a number of churches in the states, leading worship, playing concerts and doing outreach events...is there anything specific that you would like to share about that?
It seems to be the start
of a new phase, playing in America. To tell you the truth I have
never been that fired up about the states before, but it's sort
of like God is showing me that people are the same everywhere,
whether you are in Texas or Alaska or L.A. or Cullybackey
(village in North Ireland). I am excited about some of the things
that are coming together in Texas at the minute, especially to
see Christians starting to be not so divided, to stop
saying 'I'm over here with my little group and we're right, so
forget the rest of you' and to see some honest
Holy-Spirit-inspired Christian unity between God's people.
Regarding the summer, is there anything specific that you are planning to be doing here that you would like to share about...perhaps events/concerts? (You can talk about theSuffolk festival if you wish!!!)
I sure hope I get to do some more like last summer. The community festivals are so fun and relaxed, and leading worship in churches is a blast too. I must admit I like getting out into the community, like the streets, parks..the best, not just shut into a church building.
Your last CD to you (which I loved) had quite a bit of "live" worship on it. How did you find that, was it a good experience, would you do something like that again?
On the whole I loved it. The technical prep work for a live recording could make you crazy, but the actual playing in worship to God is the good part. The tape ran out, but we kept on goin' for a long time. God doesn't worry about the tape running out. His tape doesn't run out.
Will you be putting a new CD out later this year?
Probably not til late in 1999 at the soonest. More like 2000...It's been a wild hectic schedule for the last 2 years. That sort of thing gets hard on family life.....I'm having a little break from touring and recording. Just a couple of trips out this spring, and back to N. Ireland in the summer, and one more out to Alaska in the late fall...I feel it's important, some quality time with Kristi and Jack our boy.
Do you have an anecdotal story regarding God's dealings in your life, either recent or at any time that you would like to share.?.... that would be great.
You know people study, all their lives sometimes, to know about religion and theology, and sometimes we get tangled up in the complexities of life. But, you know, my life, traveling, touring, being this whatever it is I am supposed to be, doesn't hold a candle to the beauty of the relationship of my wife and me, and that of a parent and child. When my little boy comes and says, 'daddy, you want to come out and play with me' - that very real tug on my heart gives me a glimpse of how our Father in heaven wants a relationship with us. I was just so reminded that if we ask of Him then He wants to help. I wouldn't trade that for a hundred command performances.