Denis Allen Feature ()
Photo Gallery -
Band Lineups -
Discography
- Audio samples -
Where Are They Now?
The Story
In June, 1968, a small article in the Limerick Chronicle announced
"Denis has song to sing." The Limerick born singer had just
won his first song contest, the Limerick Festival's "Search for a
Song" competition. First prize for winning the contest was
£15 and the "Wimpy Cup." Denis was 21 at
the time and his composition, Going Back to Shannonside was released
as a single apparently to little acclaim outside Limerick itself. At
the time, Denis was playing guitar with the local Jack Glynn
Quintet. He had previously been with the Berwyn Showband for a short
time as well as a beat group (we will endeavor to get that name). At
the time, Denis was also an architectural assistant with a local
firm.
A couple of years later, in August 1970, Denis was at it again. He
had joined the Monarch's alongside future Ding-A-Ling co-star Shaun
O'Dowd and former member of the Freshmen, Tommy Drennan.
In October, Tommy recorded a song by Denis called "Lonely Road" as
the B-side of his follow up to "Little Boy Lost," called "Love Is
Beautiful Song." This would be the first of his compositions to be
recorded.
By May, 1971 Denis was on the move
again and was the guiding light (and guitar player/singer) for
the band Bojangles which also included Bobby O'Driscoll (bass), Tom
Frost (drums) and Billy Whelan (keyboards).
By December, 1973 Denis was back
with Tommy Drennan in the Top League
and continued to write great songs including
Love and the Country (a top ten hit in October) and Beautiful Peace which
reached number 2 in the Irish charts at Christmas, 1973. The
following year, the Top League released an new album of original
songs all penned by Denis called L:ove and the Country.
In 1980 Denis formed his own band
after several years (and hits) with Shaun O'Dowd and Ding-A-Ling.
Last gig in 1984?
More to come.....
click on thumbnails for full image
