the band headed off to the U.S., where it played major festivals. By 1988 members were back in Ireland, where they played a show in Cork alongside Michael Jackson. In 1989 they played Dublin with Sammy Davis Jr. during Frank Sinatra's stop there on his tour with Liza Minnelli.

In 1991 Davey McNevin stepped in to play mandolin and banjo when Kieran Hanrahan, Cooney, and Breen left the band. Stockton's Wing swung toward a more acoustic sound and dumped its bass and drums. The Stockton's Wing Collection, a compilation, followed along with a contract renewal from Tara Records. Early the following year, Bill Whelan came aboard to produce The Crooked Rose, an album of all original material.

By 1994 the band welcomed Eamon McElholm into its ranks. The singer/songwriter fromCounty Tyrone took over for Hanrahan, who decided to go solo. McElholm was honored with the PRS/John Lennon Songwriters Award, and his songwriting for the group was first showcased on the album Letting Go in 1995. ~ Linda Seida