Green Angels Story (1965-1971)

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

The Story

The Green Angels Showband was launched in September 1965, but their history goes back to around 1962 when Gerry McLean formed the Fontana Showband from Ballymena. Unfortunately, we can find no information on the previous incarnation of the band, except that the name change was prompted by the success of Cork's Fontana Showband which featured future guitar ace, Rory Gallagher. There was also the issue of Fontana Records as well.

In November, 1965, the band released its first record, Let It Happen, written by the band's musical director Roy Addinell. The B side was Rockin' Redwings.

The members of the Belfast-based band included all the Fontana members, plus another couple to reinforce the band's new sound. They were: Gerry McLean (leader and trumpet), Roy Addinell (MD and trumpet), Jimmy Halferty (keyboards and trombone), Mickey Conway (sax), Malachy Kearns (sax and vocals), Ivan Owens (guitar), George Dillon (guitar), Jo Jo Rankin (bass), and Gerry McIlduff (drums). We have read online that Pat Savage (the original drummer) left shortly after the name change and Roy Addinell (who was previously with Johnny Quigley) was the other new member of the line-up.

At the time, the band boasted one of the best brass sections in the country with two trumpets, two sax players and keyboard player Jimmy able to pick up the trombone when necessary. At this time,. like so many others across the country, the band was semi-professional as they all had day jobs as well.

Although predominantly a Northern band when they started, the Green Angels were soon playing up and down the country and making themselves a name on both sides of the border, playing all the major ballrooms.

In October, 1966 the band released "An Exile's Dream" a tearjerker ballad which was written by Roy. In late 1966, we read in a newspaper that there was a split in the ranks of the band in November, 1966, but we cannot find any details other than the fact that the band turned professional and George Dillon left to pursue is career.

The band seemed to do quite well during the late 1960's but we think there was a major split around 1967-68 as in 1969 Roy Addinell released a solo instrumental; record while still with the band and he was backed by the then rhythm section of the band which was named as Colm Connolly (bass), Tommy McMenamin (drums) and Seamus McConnell (guitar) so obviously much had changed in the line-up.

The last gigs we can find for the band were in 1971 after which we assume they split up.

More to come.....

Photo Gallery

click on thumbnails for full image

Discography

Let It Happen / Rockin' Redwings
Parlophone Records - Unknown - October, 1965
An Exile's Dream / Hannigan's Hooley
Parlophone Records - R-5512 - October, 1966
The Black Rose / My Fair One (instrumental - featuring Roy Addinell)
Outlet Records - Unknown - October, 1969

Audio Clips

Coming Soon

Where Are They Now?