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On This Day:

Important dates in Irish entertainment history: (Click here to send us info on any additional dates)

January 1st, 1931 60's singing star Rose Brennan born in Dublin^
  3rd, 1964 Dickie Rock's first single with the Miami, "There's Always Me," hit number 1 in Irish charts**
  4th, 1986 Thin Lizzy bass player and lead singer, Philip Lynott, passed away***
  8th, 1945 Des Doherty of the Times born (Spotlight - Nov 28, 1969)
  8th, 1945 Chieftain's bodhran / bones player Kevin Conneff born in Donore, Co. Dublin.^
  10th, 1938 Capitol's Butch Moore (real name James Augustine Moore) born in Dublin.^
  11th, 2011 Paul Ashford, former member of the Miami and Stepaside, passed away - aged 61
  11th, 1942 Muriel Day (real name Muriel Galway) born in Newtownards, Co. Down.
  12th, 1947 Matt Molloy of the Chieftains and Planxty born in Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon.^*
  12th, 1948 Singer Cahir O'Doherty of the Gentry and Dazzle band born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim (Spotlight)
  12th, 1951 Steven Travers, bass player and survivor of the Miami Showband tragedy is born*
  14th, 2010 Smokey Mountain Rambler guitarist Dave Kearney passed away, aged 60
  16th, 1949 Maurice Walsh of the Drifters born in Dublin (Spotlight, April 5, 1969)
  18th, 1965 Brendan Bowyer and the Royal hit Number one in the Irish Charts with "The Hucklebuck"**
  23rd, 1949 Noel Duggan of Clannad born Noel O Dugain in Gweedore, Co Donegal.^
  24th, 1949 Mike O'Brien of the Real McCoy born in Dublin (Spotlight, March 1, 1969)
  27th, 1951 Drummer Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy born in Dublin^
  28th, 1981 Daniel O'Donnell makes his professional debut as part of his sister, Margo's, band*
  30th, 1984 Luke Kelly of the Dubliners sadly passed away in Dublin*
February 3rd, 1929 Singer Val Doonican born in Waterford* (real name Michael Valentine Doonican^)
  3rd, 1932 Freshman Maurice Henry born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim*
  3rd, 1948 Horslips' keyboardist Jim Lockhart born in Dublin.^
  4th, 1949 Smokey Mountain Rambler guitarist Dave Kearney born in Dublin
  5th, 1967 Musician's Union bans Stone's "Let's Spend the Night Together" from Eamonn Andrews' TV show*
  6th, 2011 Gary Moore, former guitarist with Skid Row and Thin Lizzy, passed away in Spain aged 58
  9th, 2011 Sean Kenny, guitarist with Times and Dingaling passed away age 63
  11th, 1949 Miami's Paul Ashford born in South Wales - (Spotlight magazine March 15, 1969)
  12th, 1956 Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson born in Scotland.^
  12th, 1971 Singer, Delia Murphy passed away*
  13th, 1938 Country singer, Larry Cunningham, born in Clooneen, Granard, Co. Longford*
  13th, 2010 Everglades vocalist Sean Thompson passed away
  14th, 1981 Stardust nightclub in Artane, Co. Dublin burned down, killing 48 dancers and injuring 100*
  18th, 1935 Dubliner guitarist/tin whistle/harmonica player Ciaran Burke born in Dublin, Co Dublin.^
  19th, 1942 Songwriter/Producer Phil Coulter born in Derry. ^
  21st, 1946 Fiddler George Kaye (real name- Jerzy Krzyzanowski) born
  21st, 1949 Drummer Mickey O'Neill born in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan
  23rd, 1950 Irene Terry McCoubrey (a.k.a. Maxi) born in Dublin (Spotlight May 3, 1969)
  28th, 2008 Former Olly Maloney Band sax player Cyril Fullard passed away.
March 2nd, 1948 Guitarist Rory Gallagher born in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal*
  4th, 1954 Ciaran Brennan of Clannad born in Gweedore, Co. Donegal.^
  4th, 2008 Guitarist Jimmy Faulkner passed away.
  7th, 1922 Clancy Brother, Paddy Clancy born in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary.^
  10th, 1945 Donal Lunny of Planxty & Moving Hearts born*
  13th, 1960 Adam Clayton, bassist with U2, born*
  13th, 1969 Dixies' London Arcadia Ballroom opens
  17th, 1944 Pat McCauley, drummer for Van Morrison's group Them, born*
  17th, 1945 Joey Gilheany of the Times born in Cavan (Spotlight magazine-Nov 28, 1969)
  17th, 1948 Fran Byrne of the Sands born in Dublin
  17th, 1951 Scott Gorham, guitarist with Thin Lizzy, born*
  17th, 1971 Big Country, led by the late Des Wilson debuted in the Sports Centre, Cavan.
  20th, 1965 Butch Moore of the Capitol Showband is Ireland's first Eurovision entry and places sixth**
  21st, 1970 Dana becomes Ireland's first ever Eurovision Song Contest winner with "All Kinds of Everything"*
  27th, 1952 Chips and Eurovision winning vocalist Linda Martyn born in Belfast. (Spotlight March 15, 1973)
  29th, 1943 Drummer for Them, David Harvey (real name-Tuffrey), born in Cornwall, England^ 
April 3rd, 2001 Butch Moore passed away in Boston, USA. ^
  3rd, 2008 Dixies vocalist Brendan O'Brien passed away.
  4th, 1951 Adele Ann Maria King, (a.k.a. Twink) born in Dublin* (Spotlight May 3, 1969)
  4th, 1952 Barbara Ann Dixon (a.k.a. Dick of Maxi,Dick & Twink) born in Dublin (Spotlight May 3, 1969)
  4th, 1952 Gary Moore, former guitarist with Skid Row and Thin Lizzy, born in Belfast.*^
  4th, 2001 Butch Moore, former lead singer with the Capitol Showband passed away in the U.S.*
  7th, 1944 Nevada drummer Peter Hayden born in Greystones, Co. Wicklow (Spotlight-May 1, 1970)
  8th, 1960 Royal Showband temporarily changes name to Waterford Showband for London performances*
  9th, 1952 Denise Nolan of the Nolan Sisters born in Dublin.^
  10th, 1964 Van Morrison's Them play their first gig in the Maritime Hotel in Belfast.^
  11th, 1971 Omagh based Hugo Duncan and the Tall Men debut in Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone
  14th, 1955 Boomtown Rat drummer Simon Crow born in Dun Laoghaire.^
  16th, 1947 Sean Kenny, guitarist with Times and Dingaling born in Boyle (Spotlight Nov 28, 1969)
  18th, 1949 P.J. Coyne born in Dublin (Spotlight July 12, 1969)
  19th, 1963 First issue of Spotlight magazine in published in Cork by Lee Press**
  19th, 1943 The late singer Brian Harkin of the Plainsmen born (from his sister Therese).
  19th, 1980 Johnny Logan won his first Eurovision Song Contest with Shay Healy's "What's Another Year"
  21st, 1965 Sligo's Montrose Ballroom (formerly the Las Vegas) opened with the Royal Blues.
  22nd, 1956 Pol Brennan of Clannad born in Gweedore, Co. Donegal.^
  23rd, 1947 Terry Connelly of the Trixons born in Donegal (Spotlight April 19, 1969)
  23rd, 1971 RTE TV program "Discaset" went on the air with Arthur Murphy as Compere.
  24th, 1945 Singer Johnny McEvoy born in Banagher, Co. Offaly*
  27th, 1947 Nevada trumpeter Willie Walsh born in Drogheda (Spotlight May 8, 1970)
May 1st, 1944 Louis Stewart, jazz guitar player and composer born in Waterford, Co Waterford^
  2nd, 1967 Vampires and Freshmen reportedly "steal the show" from Beach Boys in Adelphi theatre, Dublin
  5th, 1948 Nevada trombonist Waldemar "Val" Kearney born in Dublin (Spotlight May 8, 1970).
  6th, 1947 Folk/traditional singer Paul Brady born*
  6th, 1967 Dubliner's "Seven Drunken Nights" entered the British Top Ten charts*
  10th, 1988 Dubliner Ciaran Burke passed away.^
  11th, 2010 Former Jimmy Johnston vocalist Merv Allen passed away aged 72
  13th, 1954 Sean Sherrard (a.k.a. Johnny Logan) born*
  14th, 1927 Clancy Brother, Bobby Clancy (born Robert Clancy) in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary^
  15th, 1945 Tim Goulding of Dr. Strangely Strange born in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow^
  17th, 1942 Nevada bass player and vocalist Jim O'Connor born in Dublin (Spotlight- May 1, 1970)
  17th, 1961 Eithne Ní Bhraonáin (a.k.a. Enya) born in Gweedore, Co. Donegal *
  18th, 1967 Boston Burglar reached number one in the Irish Charts for Johnny McEvoy
  18th, 1935 Dubliner vocalist / guitarist Bobby Lynch born in Dublin.^
  19th, 1939 Dubliner John Sheehan born in Dublin.^
  21st, 1999 After 39 years, Late Late Show host, Gay Byrne, retired.*
  22nd, 1950 Bill Whelan, Irish record producer and composer of Riverdance, born*
  22nd, 1955 Folk singer Mary Black, born*
  22nd, 2007 Dermot O'Brien passed away in the United States
  25th, 1967 Des and Johnny Kelly (Capitols) become first brothers to have Irish hit singles at the same time.
  26th, 1980 Derry rock band, The Undertones, top English charts with "My Favorite Cousin"*
  27th, 1947 DJ and beat group columnist Pat Egan born in Dublin (Spotlight-10th May, 1969)
  29th, 1936 Jackie Lee (born Jacqueline Norah Flood) in Clontarf, Co Dublin) Squadronaires Showband
  31st, 1979 RTE Radio 2 (now known as 2FM) hit the airwaves*
June 1st, 2007 Tony Loughman passed away
  4th, 1978 Belfast born flautist James Galway reached Number 10 in UK charts with "Annie's Song"*
  6th, 1957 Redbarn Ballroom, Youghal opened with The Johnny Butler Band**
  6th, 1999 Billy Brown passed away at his home in Johnstown, Naas.
  8th, 1944 Boys of the Lough flute player Cathal McConell born in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, NI.^
  9th, 1954 Skid Row guitarist Paul Chapman born in Wales.^
  10th, 1986 Boomtown Rat, Bob Geldoff made an honorary knight by Queen Elizabeth II*
  10th, 2000 Irish singer, Frank Patterson, died suddenly in New York*
  11th, 1951 Furey Brothers vocalist / guitarist George Furey born in Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin.^
  13th, 1948 Tony Hughes (brother of Colm) of the Ventures in born in Monaghan.
  14th, 1995 Guitarist Rory Gallagher died at age 47 from complications after a liver transplant operation*
  14th, 2010 Drummer Mickey O'Neill died in Las Vegas after surgery age 61.
  15th, 1967 "Black Velvet Band" by the Capitol Showband reached Number 1 in the Irish charts*
  16th, 1954 Boomtown Rats guitarist Garry Roberts born in Dublin.^
  20th, 1955 Guitarist (Mushroom & Starband) and RTE broadcaster Aonghus McAnally born*
  21st, 1948 Nevada's sax player Bunty Hayden born in Greystones, Co. Wicklow (Spotlight, May 8, 1970).
  28th, 1945 Pacific singer Peter Law (real name Peter Paul Lawlor) born.
  29th, 2008 Female vocal star of the 60's Maisie McDaniel passed away in Sligo.
July 1st, 1949 Sonny Condell guitar, vocals, songwriter born in Carlow, Co Carlow^
  2nd, 1950 Singer Eamonn Gibney born in Dublin (Spotlight, July 12, 1969)
  2nd, 1954 Boomtown Rat bassist Pete "Briquette" Cusack born in Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan.^
  2nd, 1957 Bridie Murphy reached number one in Irish Chasrts with "The Boys from the County Armagh"
  6th, 1960 Gay Byrne's "Late Late Show" debuted on RTE television
  10th, 1990 Dixies founding member, Chris O'Mahony, passed away in Cork**
  11th, 1948 Chips guitarist / keyboard / vocalist, Paul Lyttle born in Portadown (Spotlight March 15, 1973).
  12th, 1946 Chieftain's bodhran / bones / fiddle / violin player Sean Keane born in Dublin, Co Dublin.^
  13th, 1985 Live Aid concerts, organized by Bob Geldoff, raise millions in London and Philadelphia
  13th, 2009 Former Mighty Avon, Martin "Francis" Geraghty passed away, 11 days shy of his 57th birthday.
  18th, 1968 Most of Joe Dolan's Drifters Showband announce they are leaving to form the Times
  21st, 1943 Guitarist Henry McCullough born in Portstewart, Co. Antrim. ^ 
  24th, 1952 Former Mighty Avon, the late Martin "Francis" Geraghty born in Dublin
  27th, 2007 Former Impact Showband bass player Bernard Tobin passed away
  29th, 1975 Tom Dunphy, vocalist and bass player formerly of the Royal Showband killed near Drumsna
  30th, 1971 Red Hurley and the Nevada top the Irish charts with "Sometimes"
  31st, 1975 Fran O'Toole, Tony Geraghty, and Brian McCoy of the Miami are gunned down near Newry
August 1st, 1931 Composer Sean O'Riada (born John Reidy) born in Cork^
  1st, 1938 Chieftain uilleann pipe player Paddy Maloney born in Donnycarney, Co. Dublin.^
  1st, 2007 Tommy Makem passed away in the United States^
  3rd, 1989 Songwriter Dominic Behan dies in Glasgow.^
  4th, 1952 Maire Brennan of Clannad born Marie Philomena Ni Bhraonain in Gweedore, Co Donegal.^
  5th, 1934 Former Late Late Show host, Gay Byrne born in Dublin*
  10th, 1962 The Majestic Ballroom, Mallow, Co. Cork opened with the Donie Collins Showband**
  13th, 1940 Sean "John" Stokes of the Bachelors born in Dublin.^
  16th, 2008 Dubliner Ronnie Drew passed away after a long battle with cancer in Dublin
  17th, 1943 Ivan Pawle of Dr. Strangely Strange born in England^
  17th, 1968 The Times debut in the Ierne Ballroom in Dublin after splitting from the Drifters.
  19th, 1995 After 26 years as Ireland's rock HQ, Dublin's Baggot Inn played host to its last live concert*
  20th, 1949 Thin Lizzy bassist and lead singer Philip Lynott born*
  20th, 1979 Boomtown Rats reach number one in UK with "I Don't Like Mondays"*
  21st. 2007 Hillbillie's Johnny Lynam passed away
  23rd, 1947 Tommy Swarbrigg of the Times born in Cootehill, Co. Cavan
  30th, 1950 Rosemary Scallon (a.k.a. Dana) born*
  31st, 1945 Van Morrison born George Ivan Morrison in Belfast^
September 1st, 1999 Van Morrison became first inductee into Hot Press Irish Music hall of fame*
  2nd, 1935

Clancy Brother Liam Clancy born in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary.^  

  3th, 1947 Eric Bell of Thin Lizzy born in Belfast (Spotlight June 28, 1973)
  6th, 1943 Tim Booth of Dr. Strangely Strange born in Co. Kildare^
  6th, 2002 Death of Bobby Clancy of the Clancy Brothers*
  10th, 1940 Dickie Rock (real name Richard Rock) born in Cabra, Co. Dublin. ^
  10th, 1956 Boomtown Rat guitarist Gerry Cott born in Dun Laoghaire. ^
  10th, 1956 Boomtown Rat keyboardist Johnny "Fingers" Moylett born in Dun Laoghaire. ^
  11th, 1946 Singer Eileen "Kelly" of the Nevada born in Cork.
  13th, 2008 Guitarist Gerry Duggan of Brotherly Love passed away aged 56.
  16th, 1934 Founding Dubliners member, Ronnie Drew, born in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.*^
  18th, 1936 "Big" Tom McBride born in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan
  18th, 1963 "The One-Nighters," a movie featuring the travels of the Royal Showband, premieres in Dublin**
  20th, 2009 Singer Glen Curtin of the New Blues, Nevada and Galaxy Band passed away
  22nd, 1957 The Royal Showband launched as a semi professional band with Brendan Bowyer on sax**
  28th, 1946 Furey Brothers vocalist/uillean pipes player Finbar Furey born in Ballyfermot, Co. Dublin.^
October 1st, 1974 Stage Two vocalist, Brendan O'Brien, electrocuted onstage in the Stardust Ballroom, Cork**
  2nd, 1962 First broadcast of Irish record charts on RTE Radio**
  2nd, 1982 Dubliner Bob Lynch passed away. ^
  3rd, 1971 Composer Sean O'Riada (born John Reidy) passes away in London^
  3rd, 1978 Boomtown Rats reach Number 1 in British Charts with "Rat Trap"
  5th, 1953 Musician and charity organizer extraordinaire, Robert "Bob" Geldof, born in Dun Laoghaire
  6th, 1967 Miami breakaway band, The Sands, play their first gig in The Adelphi Ballroom, Dundalk
  10th, 1945 Guitarist and producer Liam Hurley born in Dublin (Spotlight - May 1, 1970)
  10th, 1981 Fureys top out at Number 14 in the UK charts with "When You Were Sweet Sixteen"*
  11th, 2007 Beat group musician Robbie Walsh passed away at age 60
  12th, 1938 Brendan Bowyer of the Royal Showband born in Waterford**
  12th, 1970 Horslips, Ireland's first Celtic Rock band, founded in Dublin*
  15th, 1999 Derry born Irish tenor, Josef Locke, died in Co. Kildare*
  15th, 2003 Chieftain harpist Derek Ball passed away in Phoenix, AZ, USA, one week before turning 68.^
  16th, 1939 Joe Dolan (born Joseph Francis Robert Dolan) in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.^
  17th, 1940 Legendary Dubliner Luke Kelly born in Dublin.^
  17th, 1980 Grainne and the Strangers debut in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan
  18th, 1939 Paddy Reilly (born Patrick Reilly) in Dublin.^
  20th, 2007 Vampires' bass player Mick O'Grady passed away.
  21st, 1935 Chieftains harpist Derek Bell born George Derek Fleetwood Bell in Belfast, Co Antrim, NI.^
  22nd, 1928 Songwriter Dominic Behan born in Dublin.^
  23rd, 2007 Former Smokey Mtn Rambler and Rocky Top drummer Bernie Fallon passed away aged 61.
  26th, 1944 Folk singer Jim McCann born in Dublin.^
  29th, 1924 Clancy Brother, Tommy Clancy born in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary ^
  29th, 2007 Former Capitol trombonist Don Long passed away, aged 69.
  30th, 1946 Dreams' vocalist John Farrell born in Dublin. (Spotlight-March 22, 1969)
November 2nd, 1978 RTE 2 television launched and would provide many opportunities for Irish entertainers*
  4th, 1932 Multi instrumentalist Tommy Makem born in Darkley, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland.^
  7th, 1990 Clancy Brother Tom Clancy passed away in Cork.*^
  11th, 1947 Singer Brian "Red" Hurley born in Dublin (Spotlight Aug 19, 1971)
  11th, 1998 Clancy Brother Paddy Clancy passed away in Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary.^
  12th, 1939 "Big" Tom McBride born in Oram, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan
  12th, 1950 Anne Nolan of the Nolan sisters born in Dublin.^
  17th, 1944 Guitarist Robert "Bobby" Kelly of the Sands, Greenbeats and Stepaside born in Dublin.^
  18th, 1940 Conleth "Con" Cluskey of the Bachelors born in Dublin.^
  22nd, 1968 Times Showband release their debut single, "What Made Milwaukee Famous."
  22nd, 1968 Freshmen release their debut LP, "Movin On."
  27th, 1948 Horslip's bassist Barry Devlin born in Ardboe, Co. Tyrone.^
  29th, 1946 Guitarist Eamonn Campbell born in Drogheda, Co. Louth.^
  30th, 1974 Billy Brown of the Freshmen married
December 1st, 1946 Singer Gilbert O'Sullivan born in Waterford*
  6th, 1968 Royal Showband opens the new Moyland Ballroom in Ballina.
  7th, 2007 Bandleader Michael O'Callaghan passed away.
  9th, 1971 Tina and the Real McCoy's "I Don't Know How To Love Him" hit number 1 in the Irish charts**
  10th, 2007 Barry Scully passed away, aged 64.
  12th, 1942 Declan Cluskey of the Bachelors born in Dublin.^
  16th, 1939 Original Dubliner, Barney McKenna, born in Donneycarney, Dublin.*^
  16th, 1967 "Treat Me Daughter Kindly" hit number one in Irish Charts for Pat Lynch and the Airchords
  19th, 1951 Bassist Gerry McAvoy born John Gerrard McAvoy in Belfast, Co Antrim.^
  19th, 1967 Limerick born Terry Wogan resigns from RTE to go to the BBC
  19th, 1972 Thin Lizzy's "Whiskey In The Jar" topped Irish charts*
  21st, 1944 Kenny McDowell of Them and the Mad Lads born in Belfast^
  23rd, 1944 Furey Brothers guitarist Eddie Furey born in Ballyfermot, Co Dublin.^
  24th, 1938 Boys of the Lough's Robin Morton born in Portadown, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland. ^
  25th, 1974 Gene Stuart and the Homesteaders play their debut gig
  25th, 1974 Margo debuts her new band Country Pride with Mattie Fox after being off the road for a time
  26th, 1972 Ronnie Griffith's band, American Pie, played their first gig
  26th, 2007 Showband legend Joe Dolan passed away, aged 68
  27th, 1963 Royal Showband's single, "No More," reached Number one in Irish charts**
  29th, 2001 Daniel O'Donnell received an honorary MBE from Queen for service to Irish music industry*
  31st, 1961 RTE Television went "on the air"*

* Entries courtesy of www.irishcultureandcustoms.com
** Entries culled from Vincent Power's book, Send 'Em Home Sweatin'
*** Information from Dick Lynott
^ Information from John Warburg

 
1939
 George Chambers Jazz Trumpet Player (born 18.1.1939, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Crescendo Jazzmen, The Apex Jazz Band, The Belfast Jazz Society, The Apex Jazz Band); Rodney Foster Jazz Trombone & Piano Player (born 24.5.1939, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The White Eagles Band, Bryan McCluney’s Ulster Rhythm Kings, The Rodney Foster Jazzmen); Sir James Galway OBE Famous Flute & Tin Whistle Player, Conductor (born 8.12.1939, in Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Played with The Chieftains); Barry Mckenna Singer, Banjo (born Bernhard Noel Mckenna, 16.12.1939, in Donneycarney, Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire died Tues 10.5.1988, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Ronnie Drew Group, 1962, The Dubliners, 1962 - ); Robin Morton Singer, Concertina & Bodhran Player (born 24.12.1939 (not 1938), in Portadown, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Boys of the Lough).
 
1940
John Stokes Vocals, Double Bass (born Sean John Stokes, 13.8.1940, Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Harmonichords, The Harmony Chords, The Bachelors); Roy Walker Singer, Famous Comedian, TV Presenter (born 31.7.1940, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Skyrockets Showband); Luke Kelly Singer (born 17.10.1940, in Lattimore Cottages, Sherriff Street, The North Walls, The Docklands, Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire died 30.1.1984, in a hospital in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Ronnie Drew Group, 1962, The Dubliners, 1962 - 1964, 1965 - 1984); Sean Cannon Lead Vocals, Guitar (born 29.11.1940, in Galway, Co Galway, Eire) (The Gaels, The Dubliners); Brian Rossi Singer (born David Rosbotham, in 1940, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Golden Eagles, The Wheels). 
 
1941
Rick Laird Bass (born Richard Quentin Laird, 5.2.1941, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire (The Brian Auger Trinity, The Brian Auger Group, Mahavishnu Orchestra); Ian Whitcombe Piano, Lead Vocals (born Ian Timothy Whitcombe, 10.7.1941, at Woking Hospital, Woking, Surrey) (Ian Whitcombe and Bluesville); Pete Shannon Bass (born Peter Shannon Harris, 28.8.1941, in Antrim, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Cruisers Rock Combo, The Nashville Teens); Con Cluskey Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (born Conleth Cluskey, 18.11.1941, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Harmonichords, The Harmony Chords, The Bachelors).  
 
1942
Danny Hutton Vocals (born Daniel Anthony Hutton, 10.9.1942, in Buncrana, Co Donegal, Eire) (Three Dog Night, Little Feat); Francis McPeake 111 Uillean Pipes Player (born 30.4.1942, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Clan McPeake);Andy Irvine (born Andrew Kennedy Irvine, 14.6.1942, in St John's Wood, North West London) (Swenney's Men, 1966 - 1968, Planxty, 1972 - 1983); Billy Harrison Lead Guitar, Vocals (born William Harrison, 14.10.1942, in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Deanie Sands and the Javelins, The Gamblers, 1962 - Apr 1964, Them, Earl April 1964 - Jul 1965); Dave Robinson famous 70’s Manager (born David Robinson, in 1942, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire).  
 
1943
Tony Murray Bass (born Anthony Murray, 26.4.1943, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Plastic Penny, The Troggs); Gerry Ford Country Singer (born 25.5.1943, in Athlone, Co Westmeath, Eire); Henry McCullough on Lead Guitar (born Henry Campbell Liken McCullough, 21.7.1943, in Portstewart, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Sky Rockets Showband, Gene and the Gents, 1964 - 1966, The People, The Eire Apparent, Sweeney's Men, 1968 - 1969); Ray Elliott Organ, Sax (born Raymond Elliott, 13.9.1943 in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Broadways, Them, Sep 1965 - Aug 1966, 1967 - 1968); Patrick Campbell-Lyons Singer (born Patrick Lyons, 13.7.1943, in Lismore, Co Waterford, Eire) (Second Thoughts, Nirvana); Tim Booth Vocals, Guitar (born Timothy Booth, 6.9.1943, in Co Kildare, Eire) (Dr Strangely Strange); Louis McKelvey Lead Guitar (born Louis Campbell McKelvey, 31.10.1943, in Killiglen, County Kerry, Eire) (The Persuaders, Jeff Curtis and the Flames, Milkwood); Johnny Carroll Singer (born John Carroll, 10.1943, in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, Eire) (The Premier Aces, Murphy and the Swallows, Magic, The Magic Band); Noel Murphy Folk Singer, Guitar (born 27.11.1943, in Killerney, Co Kilkenny, Eire); George Jones Acoustic Guitar & Guitar (born in 1943, in Granville Street, near Hynford Street, Bloomfield, East Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Thunderbolts (The Thunderbirds?), The Javelins, Deanie Sand and the Javelins).
 
1944
Pat McAuley Drums (born Patrick John McAuley, 17.3.1944, in Coleraine, Co Derry, Northern Ireland died in 1984, in Co Donegal, Eire) (The Blue Angles, The Yaks, Them, Jun 1964 - Jul 1965, The Belfast Gypsies, Sep 1965 - Nov 1966, Slygo); Cathal McConnell Flute (born 8.6.1944, in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland) (Boys of the Lough); Peter Bardens Organ (born 19.6.1944, in Westminster, South West London died 22.1.2002, in Malibu, California, USA) (The Cheynes, Jul 1963 - Apr 1965, Them, Apr - Sep 1965); Jim Armstrong Lead Guitar (born James Armstrong, 24.7.1944 in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Mellotones, Them, Sep 1965 - Aug 1966, 1967 - 1968); Jim McGann Singer (born James McGann, 26.10.1944, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Ludlow Trio, 1965 - 1967, The Dubliners, Apr - 1974 - Late 1979); Patsy Watchorn Lead Vocals, 5 String Banjo (born Patrick Watchorn, 16.10.1944) (The Jolly Tinkers, The Quare Fellas, c 1969 - 1970, The Dublin City Ramblers, 1970 - 1995, Spot The Paddy, The Dubliners, 2005 - ); John O’Leary Harmonica Player (born 10.1944, in Clonakilty, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Savoy Brown Blues Band, The John Dummer Band, The Brunning Hall Sunflower Band, The Famous Blues Blasters, Mainsqueeze, The Andy Cortes Band, The John O’Leary Band); Alan Henderson Bass (born 26.11.1944, in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Them, Earl April 1964 - Aug 1966, Van Morrison and Them Again, Sep - Oct 1966, Them 1967 - 1968); Eddie Furey Guitar, Mandolin, Fiddle & Bodhran Player, Singer (born Edward Furey, 23.12.1944, in Ballyfermont? Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Clancy Brothers, Tam Linn, The Fureys).
 
1945
Kevin Conneff Bodhran & Bones Player, Vocals (born 8.1.1945, in Donore, Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Chieftains); Trevor Williams on Bass (born Trevor Leslie Williams, 19.1.1945, in Hereford, Herefortdshire, England) (Audience, 1969 - 1972, Jonathan Kelly's Outside, Summer 1973 - ); Donal Lunny Guitar, Bouzouki & Synthesiser Player (born 10.3.1945, in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Eire) (The Rakes of Kildare, The Emmett Folk Group, The Emmet Spiceland, Clannad, Planxty, The Bothy Band, The Moving Hearts); Christie Moore Famous Folk Singer, Guitar & Bodhran Player (born Christopher Andrew Moore, 7.5.1945, in Newbridge, Co Galway, Eire) (The Rakes of Kildare, Clannard, Planxty); Tim Goulding Vocals & Organ (born Timothy Goulding, 15.5.1945 (in Hatch Street, Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Dr Strangely Strange); David McWilliams Folk Guitar, Singer (born 4.7.1945, in Cregah, East Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland died Tues 9.1.2002, in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Coral Showband); Van Morrison OBE Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Sax (born George Ivan Morrison, 31.8.1945, at 125 Hyndford Street, Bloomfield, East Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Deanie Sands and the Javelins, The Monarchs (Showband), The Great Eight, The Monarchs (Showband), The Olympics, Them, Earl April 1964 - Aug 1966, Van Morrison and Them Again, Sep - Oct 1966); Liam Og O’Flynn Uilann Pipes, Whistle Player (born in 1945, in Kill, Co Kildare, Eire) (Clannad, Planxty)
 
1946
Jim Cregan on Vocals, Guitar (born James Cregan, 9.3.1946, in Yeovil, Somerset, England) (Julian Covey and the Machine, 1967, Blossom Toes, 1967 - 1969, Stud, 1971 - ); Colin Petersen (born 24.3.1946, in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia) (The Bee Gees, Humpy Bong, Summer 1970 - ) Ernie Graham Vocals, Rhythm Guitar (born Ernest Harold Graham, 1.4.1946, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland died 29.4.2001) (Tony and the Telstars, The People, The Eire Apparent); James Houston Bass (born 25.5.1946, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Magic Circus, The Paupers); Kathleen McPeak Harp Player (born 18.6.1946, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Clan McPeake); Sean Keane Fiddle, Bodhran, Bones, Fiddle & Violin Player (born 12.7.1946, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Ceoltoiri Culalann, The Chieftains, 1968 - ); Finbar Furey Singer, Uillean Pipe, Whistle, Flute & Banjo Player (born 28.9.1946, in Ballyfermont? Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Clancy Brothers, Tam Linn, The Fureys); Barry Devlin Bass, Vocals, Unofficial Front Man (born 27.11.1946, in Ardboe, Co Roscommon, Eire) (Horslypse, 1970, Horslips, 1970 - 12 Oct 1980);  Gilbert O’Sullivan Piano, Lead Vocals (born Raymond Edward O’Sullivan, 1.12.1946, in Waterford, Co Waterford, Eire) (Rick’s Blues, solo); Jackie McAuley Organ, Vocals & Harmonica (born John McAuley, 14.12.1946, in Coleraine, Co Derry, Northern Ireland) (Them, Nov 1964 - Apr 1965, The Belfast Gypsies, Sep 1965 - Nov 1966, Trader Horn, 1969); Brush Shiels Bass, Vocals (born Brendan Shiels, in 1946, in Cobra West? Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Rose Tynan and the Rangers, Brian Rock and the Boys, The Uptown Band, 1967, My Father's Moustache, 1967, Skid Row, 1967 - Jul 1972).
 
1947
Dave Shannon Organ & Guitar, Vocals (born David Shannon, 7.2.1947, in Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Therapy); Clodagh Rodgers Singer (born 5.3.1947, in Ballymena, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (who recorded singes from 1962 on Decca, had a number of hits in the late 60's and earl 70's and represented Ireland in the 1971 Eurovision Song Contest); John Weider on Guitar, Vocals (born 21.4.1947, in Shepherd's Bush, West London, England) (Eric Burdon and the New Animals, Apr - Sep 1968, Family, Oct 1969 - Jun 1971, Stud, Jun 1971 - Sep 1972); Paul Brady Lead Guitar (born Paul Joseph Brady, 6.5.1947, in Strabane, Co Tyrone, Eire) (The Inmates, The Kult, The Rootsgroup, Rockhouse, The Johnstons); Eric Wrixon Organ (born 29.6.1947, in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Them, Earl April - Jun 1964, Thin Lizzy, Late Dec 1969 - Aug 1970); Sally Oldfield Singer (born Sally Natasha Oldfield, 3.8.1947, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Sallyangie, older sister of Mike Oldfield); Eric Bell Lead Guitar (born Eric Robin Bell, 3.9.1947, in East Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Atlantics, The Bluebeats, The Shannon Showband, The Shades of Blue, John Farrell and the Dreams, Van Morrison and Them Again, Sep - Oct 1966, Thin Lizzy, Late Dec 1969 - Dec 1973, The Eric Bell Band); John Wilson Drums (born 6.11.1947, in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (The Templemore Silver Band, 1960 - 1961, The Misfits, 1961 - Sep 1965, Them, Sep - Dec 1965, The Misfits, 1966 - 1967, Cheese, 1967 - Ear Aug 1968, Taste, Earl Aug 1968 - 31 Dec 1970, Stud 1971 - ); Terry Woods Guitar, Singer (born Terence Woods, 4.12.1947, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Sweeney’s Men, 1967 - Steeleye Span, Dr Strangely Strange, The Woods Band, The Pogues); Noel Bridgeman Drums (born Nollaig Bridgeman, in 1947, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (My Father's Moustache, 1967, Skid Row, Oct 1967 - 1968); Rod Demick Lead Guitar (born Roderick Demick, in 1947, in Prestatyn, Flintshire, North Wales), who moved to Belfast at 5 (The Vibros, 1958 - 1960, Tony and the Telstars, 1960 - 1963, The Wheels, 1964 - 1967); Jonathan Kelly Singer (born Jonathan Ledingham, in 1947, in Drogeda, Co Leath, Eire) (The Saracens,  - Late 1962, The Boomerangs, solo, Humpy Bong, Summer 1970 - Jonathan Kelly’s Outside, Summer 1973 - , he also released two solo singles in 1967 and four albums).
 
1948
Les Binks Drums (born James Leslie Binks, 5.4.1948, in Portadown, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Fancey, Eric Burden, Judas Priest); Paul Finbar Singer, Ullean Pipe, Whistle, Flute & Banjo (born 6.5.1948, in Ballyfermont? Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Buskers, Tam Linn, The Fureys); Charlie McCracken Bass (born Richard McCracken, 26.6.1948, in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Eire) (The Strollers, 1962 - Sounds Anonymous, Derrick and the Sounds, Cheese, 1967 - Aug 1968, Taste, Earl Aug 1968 - 31 Dec 1970, Stud, 1971 - Spencer Davis, The Kevin Ayers Band, Apr - May 1977, Axis Point); Charles O'Connor Concertina, Mandolin, Fiddle, Electric & Slide Guitar (born 7.9.1948, in Middlesborough, Yorkshire) (Horlypse, 1970, Horslips, 1970 - 12 Oct 1980); Gay Woods Vocals, Concertina Player (born Gay Corcoran, 9.1948, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (Sweeney’s Men, Steeleye Span, Dr Strangely Strange, The Woods Band); Eamon Carr Drums, Bodhran (born 12.11.1948, in Kells, Co Meath, Eire) (Tara Telephone, Horlypse, 1970, Horslips, 1970 - 12 Oct 1980).  
 
1949
Lou Martin Keyboards (born Louis Martin, 12.8.1949, in Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland) (Killing Floor, The Rory Gallagher Band, Jun 1972 - May 1978); Phil Lynott Lead Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Guitar (born Philip Parris Lynott, 20.8.1949, at Hallam Hospital (now Sandwell General Hospital), West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England died Sat 4.1.1986, at Salisbury General Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England) (The Black Eagles, Kama Sutra, My Father's Moustache, 1967, Skid Row, 1967 - 1969, Orphange, 1969, Thin Lizzy, Late Dec 1969 - 4 Sep 1983); Leo O’Kelly Guitar Player, Singer, Composer, Producer (born 27.11.1949, in Carlow, Co Carlow, Eire) (The Word, The Tropical Showband, The Emmett Spiceland, Tir na nOg, 1969 - 1974); Bernie Cheeves Lead Guitar (born Bernard Cheeves, in 1949, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (My Father's Moustache, 1967, Skid Row, Oct 1967 - 1968); Tommy Nolan Flute Player, Singer (born Thomas Nolan Jr, in 1949, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Singing Nolans, 1963 - ).
 
 
Them made their first recording session at Decca's recording studios in West Hampstead, North West London on 5 Jul 1964. Dick Rowe brought in session musicians Arthur Greenslade on Organ (born 4 May 1923, in Northfleet, Kent, England died 27.11.2003, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) and Bobby Graham on Drums (born Robert  Francis Neate, 11.3.1940 at the North Middlesex Hospital, Silver Street, Edmonton, North London, England). Six songs were recorded during this session: 'Groovin', 'You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover', 'Turn on Your Love Light', 'Don't Start Crying Now', 'One Two Brown Eyes', 'philosophy' and 'Gloria.' This session was remarkable in its employment of two drums tracks, which can be clearly heard in the stereo mixes of 'Gloria' and 'One, Two Brown Eyes'.
 
Eric Bell's first band was an instrumental group The Atlantics, who included school friend's Rodney Howes and Tom Patterson. The band performed at Bell's school Orangefield Boy's School.
 
 
The Boomerangs
 
The Boomerangs were formed by Jon Ledingham (born in 1947, in Drogeda, Co Leath, Eire) (ex The Saracens) a Drama student at Trinty College Dublin and his childhood friend Brian Trench. The line-up of the band was Ledingham on Vocals, Rhythm Guitar; Aidan Cahill on Lead Guitar; Alan Doran on Bass; Noel Richardson on Drums and Trench on Organ. The band released one single 'Dream World' (Ledingham) / 'Upgraded'  (Ledingham) (Pye 7N 17049, 1966).
 
Ledingham later released two solo singles in 1967 'Without An E' / 'She's Got Me' (Pye 7N 17422) and 'Love Is A Toy' / 'Thank You Mrs. Gilbert' (Pye 7N 17488). 
 
He later moved to England and changed his name to Jonathan Kelly and released four albums 'Jonathan Kelly' (Parlophone, PCS 7114, 1970); 'Twice Around The Houses'  (RCA, SF 8262, 1972); ''Wait 'Til They Change The Backdrop' (RCA, SF 8353, 1973); 'Two Days In Winter' (RCA, SF 8415, 1975) and five singles 'Denver' / 'Son John' (Parlophone, R 5805, 1969); 'Make A Stranger Your Friend' / 'Daddy Don't Take Me Down Fishing No More' (Parlophone, R 5830, Feb 1970); 'Don't You Believe It' / 'Billy' (Parlophone, R 5851) (1970); 'Madeleine' / 'Sligo Fair' (RCA 2223, 1972) and 'Let The People Stay' / 'Mother Moon' (RCA 2370, 1973).
 
Kelly later formed Humpy Bong in Summer 1970 with drummer Colin Petersen (born 24.3.1946, in Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia) (ex The Bee Gees). They added Tim Staffell on Vocals, Bass, Harmonica (born Timothy Staffell, 24.2.1948, in Isleworth, Middlesex, England) (ex 1984, Smile). The band released a single in 1970 'Don't You Be Too Long' / 'We're Alright 'Til Then' (Parlophone, R 5859).
 
In Summer 1973 formed a folk rock band Jonathan Kelly’s Outside with Snowy White on Lead Guitar (born Terence Charles White, 3.3.1948, in Barnstaple, Devon, England) (ex The Train, 1965 - 1966, Heavy Heart, c 1970); Chas Jankel on Rhythm? Guitar (born Charles Jankel, 16.4.1952, in Stanmore, Middlesex, England) (ex Byzantium, Summer 1971 - Summer 1973); Trevor Williams on Bass (born Trevor Leslie Williams, 19.1.1945, in Hereford, Herefortdshire, England) (ex Audience, 1969 - 1972) and Dave Sheen on drums. The band released an album 'Waiting On You' (RCA LPL 15022, 1974); and a single 'Waiting On You' / 'Outside' (RCA LPBO 5030, 1974).

 
The Greenbeats
 
The Greenbeats from Dublin, were John Keogh on Piano, Vocals; Paul Williams on Lead Guitar; Brian Lynch on Bass and Mog Ahern on Drums. They started out as The Caravelless, but in Apr 1964 on a trip to play the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Lancashire they used the name The Greenbeats and on returning to Dublin kept the name. In Sep 1964 the band excepted an offer to appear each week on 'Showbands Show' which was shown on 'Telifis Eirann' (the national television station of Ireland). They got a recording contract with Pye and they released a single 'If This World Were Mine' (Keogh) / 'You Must Be The One' (Mick Jagger/ Keith Richards) (7N 15718, 1964).
 
 
The Saracens
 
The Saracens was a school group formed by members of the school choir Jon Ledingham on Rhythm Guitar (born in 1947, in Drogeda, Co Leath, Eire); Eddie Armstrong on Lead Guitar and Ivan Hill on Bass. The band added Ian Ellis on Drums and the played Shadows covers. They also went on a tour of Ireland in 1962. The band disbanded in Late 1962 when Hill returned to his native Yorkshire.  
 
 
Stud
 
Stud formed in 1971 with a line-up of Jim Cregan on Vocals, Guitar (born James Cregan, 9.3.1946, in Yeovil, Somerset, England) (ex Julian Covey and the Machine, 1967, Blossom Toes, 1967 - 1969); John Wilson on Drums (born 6.11.1947, in East? Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland) (ex The Templemore Silver Band, 1960 - 1961, The Misfits, 1961 - Sep 1965, Them, Sep - Dec 1965, The Misfits, 1966 - 1967, Cheese, 1967 - Ear Aug 1968, Taste, Earl Aug 1968 - 31 Dec 1970) and Richard McCracken on Bass (born Richard McCracken, 26.6.1948, in Omagh, Co Tyrone, Eire) (ex The Strollers, 1962 - Sounds Anonymous, Derrick and the Sounds, Cheese, 1967 - Aug 1968, Taste, Earl Aug 1968 - 31 Dec 1970).
 
The trio released an album 'Same' (Deram SMLR, 1084, Jun 1971).
 
John Weider on Guitar, Vocals (born 21.4.1947, in Shepherd's Bush, West London, England) joined in Jun 1971 (who came from Eric Burdon and the New Animals, Apr - Sep 1968, Family, Oct 1969 - Jun 1971).
 
This line-up released two albums in Germany only 'September' (BASF Records, 1972) and 'Goodbye Live At Command' (BASF Records, 1973). In Sep 1972 Cregan joined Family.
 
1938 
Jimmy Ward Piano, Vocals (born James Macken, 23.11.1938, in Dublin, Co Dublin, Eire) (The Jets, Jimmy Ward and the Tropics);  


 


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