Picture this, it's the early 2000s - you're sitting in the lively Murphy's Irish Pub on the Mandurah foreshore with a beverage in hand and live music filling the room.
Musician Billy Neal knows the feeling well, being one of the first ever acts to perform live at Murphy's, he has fond memories of the big crowds and encores of fan-favourites.
After years of touring around Europe with his unique soul-filled blues , Mr Neal moved with his family to Falcon and started playing local gigs in Mandurah's iconic Irish pub.
"Murphy's is the place for me - in town, that's the place I play. It has been brilliant over the years," Mr Neal said.
Now, Mr Neal and his wife are returning to Europe for the tour and career of his dreams.
We'll miss Mandurah, there really is no place like it.
- Billy Neal
"Sunday night is my last show at Murphy's before I leave.
"I was one of the first gigs to play at Murphy's, I used to do Friday and Saturday nights."
In fact, Mr Neal is sure he has played close to 100 shows at the venue throughout his time in Mandurah.
"Murphy's has been so good to me, I'm going to miss it."
It's not only Mr Neal who loves the Irish pub, it has become a family favourite, with his 18-year-old daughter Letitia working at the bar.
"My daughter has just started working there. She has the most beautiful voice, but she doesn't want to be a singer," he laughed.
"We actually sang a song together called Chicago in the Fall."
Mr Neal and his wife will set off for Poland on August 8.
"I've got quite a big following in Poland," he said.
"My records are in the shops over there and I've really missed touring.
"It's what I love doing and I love playing here but that's where my career is."
Leaving Mandurah will be bittersweet for Mr Neal and his wife, with his daughter opting to stay home and finish her University teaching degree in WA.
"We'll miss her terribly.
"And we'll miss Mandurah. There really is no place like it - especially Falcon. Every day we walk along the beach, and chat with our neighbours."
On Sunday, June 20, Billy Neal will take the stage from 4pm at Murphy's for his last hurrah before moving.
"We've got the Bluff Knolls coming all the way from Albany to open for us at 2pm. They are just fantastic musicians.
"I'm really looking forward to it, it's going to be a great show."
Samantha Ferguson
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
Samantha Ferguson is a journalist at the Mandurah Mail. She is an entertainment, sport, crime, community and education journalist with a special interest in investigative pieces and human interest stories.
