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Empire Showband Gallery (1961-1967)

Photo Gallery - Band Lineups - Discography - Audio samples - Where Are They Now?

The Story

An article in the Limerick Leader in December, 1964 reported that the band had hit the road in September, 1961. However, the first mention of the Empire Showband we could find was January 5th, 1962 when they placed advert in the Dance Band section of the Irish Independent newspaper. A few days later we found and advert for them playing a dance (see below). Despite this fact we found very few listings for gigs they were playing in early 1962 with most of our research showing further adverts listing the band as having "vacant dates." The original seven-piece lineup was: Ger Cusack (vocals), Joe Brown (guitar), Willie Brown (guitar), John Browne (bass), Harry Hockedy (drums), Christie Falahee (sax), and Mick Hinchey (sax). Although we don't know his name, we know their manage was based in Limerick as well.  

In September, 1963 the band announced a change in management to Tom Hynes based in Dublin. By coincidence (?) the band would play their first Dublin gig about am month later. However, a advert in the January 11th, 1964 issue of the Irish Independent Dance Band section showed the band's contact as Ger Cusack, so we can only assume they changed managers relatively quickly. After beginning to expand their territory into places like Dublin, in 1964 it seemed the band seemed to once again focus on gigs around the south of the country.

An article in December, 1964 (mentioned above) reported that their manager was now Peter Crowley who was also based in Limerick. The band seemed to do a good business (based on newspaper adverts), but never really enjoyed a "breakout" moment. They released their one and only single in March of 1966, which is distinguished by the fact that it was an original song (a relatively rare event in those days) and was written and sung by Ger Cusack.

On March 16th (only five days after their record release) an advert in the Independent alerted promoters that the band had a new manager, Donie Walsh, of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. In November 1966, original member and lead vocalist Ger Cusack left the band forming the Ger Cusack Quintet. An article in June of 1967 announced Michael Cleary was taking a job managing a local music and record store and was described as a "former member" of the band. Although the band were still doing gigs, we do not know who replaced Ger or Michael.  

The last advert for the band we found was for July 23rd, 1967 playing in O'Brien's Hall, Newmarket for their annual festival.

More to come.....

Photo Gallery

click on thumbnails for full image

Empire - 1962 Empire - 1962 Empire - 1962 Empire - 1962 (RF) Empire - 1962
Empire - 1963 Empire - 1964 Empire (BL) Empire - 1966 Empire (PB)
Empire (RF) Empire Empire (RF) Empire Empire - 1966
       
Empire - 2019 Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon
Years Vocals Guitar Gtr/Trumpet Bass Drums Sax Sax Trombone
Sept
1961
Ger
Cusack
Joe
Browne
Willie
Browne
John
Browne
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
Mick
Hinchey
 
Dec
1962
Ger
Cusack
Johnny
Hockedy
Jim
Whelan
John
Browne
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
Mick
Hinchey
 
June
1964
Ger
Cusack
Johnny
Hockedy
Jim
Whelan
Fred
Hockedy
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
Mick
Hinchey
 
Dec
1964
Ger
Cusack
Johnny
Hockedy
Sean
Comerford
Fred
Hockedy
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
  Michael
Cleary
June
1966
Ger
Cusack
Johnny
Hockedy
Jim
Whelan
Fred
Hockedy
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
  Michael
Cleary
Nov
1966
Unknown Johnny
Hockedy
Jim
Whelan
Fred
Hockedy
Harry
Hockedy
Christie
Falahee
   
                 
                 
                 

Discography

It's Only A Rumour (written and sung by Ger Cusack) / Baby It's You
Emerald Records - MD 1032 - March 11, 1966

Audio Clips

         
Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Where Are They Now?  

Ger Cusack - RIP: Ger remained active on the music scene in and around Limerick for many years, playing with various bands. He sadly passed away aged 77 in March, 2019 after a long illness.   
Band Member:
John Browne - RIP: John sadly passed away March 4th, 2020.
Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:

 


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In Loving Memory of Grant Gallagher: Sept. 21, 1990 - Nov. 18, 2006