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Name: billy donaldson
Email: turlac1@yahoo.ca
Date: 25 Feb 2005

Comments

I used to play guitar with Jim Farley & Roly Daniels (Green County Band) in the early70's.I was wondering if you have e-mail addresses for Brendan O'Brien, Joe McCarthy and Steve Lynch (Dixies,Stage2)?. Thanks, Billy in Canada.

Answer: Hi Billy and thanks for stopping by. Your best bet would be to join the free Bulletin Boards and post the request there. We only know the emails of those musicians who have visited the site and given us their emails and we haven't heard from any of the boys yet. Thanks again and good luck tracking them down.

Name: Liam Kelly
Email: kelly@gilbert-ash.co.uk
Date: 23 Feb 2005

Comments

It's a great site. Many happy memories of Showbands that visited the Kings Arms in Larne during the 60's and 70's. Does anyone remember the Green Angels with Big Gerry McClean? My future wife, Anne and I used to baby sit for Billy Brown of the Freshmen when his family lived at Wyncairn in Larne, They were my favourite Showband. I spoke to Billy at the Waterfront Hall only a few months before he died. Good luck to all you Showband Fans and keep up the good work.

Answer: Hi Liam, thanks for stopping by and for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the site and that it brought back some good memories.

Name: michael parkhouse
Email: @hotmail.com
Date: 21 Feb 2005

Comments

the web site is very good

Answer: Thanks Michael, hope you'll stop by often.

Name: Liam O'Reilly
Email: sandune1@eircom.net
Date: 19 Feb 2005

Comments

Very good site, paticularly the photos (Joe Dodd). Would it be possible to contact Joe by e-mail. Meantime I may have some photos you don't already have. Best Wishes. Liam O'Reilly

Answer: Hi Liam, thanks for visiting the site and yes, Joe Dodd, and several other folks have been very kind to contribute such great photos, we appreciate their support...and yours.

Name: Junior Billings
Email: 7luckyjr@rcvideo.com
Date: 18 Feb 2005

Comments

Hey Ronnie Its been a long time Buddy,i havent saw you since Summersville Hey i think you have one of the best Bands in Bluegrass Music just keep up the good old traditional music. Later Jr

Answer: Hi Junior, thanks for stopping by. You ay want to post your message to Ronnie at the Bulletin Boards as I'm not sure how often members visit the guestbook.

Name: Adrian Reynolds
Email: areynolds89@gmail.com
Date: 16 Feb 2005

Comments

Great site...

Answer: Thanks Adrian, we appreciate your support...please visit us often as change is the one thing that we hold constant!

Name: Slev
Email: loi@acenet.net.au
Date: 15 Feb 2005

Comments

You should chase up Peter Quinn aka the Fatman in Bundoran as he should have a wealth of info

Answer: Hi Slev, If you know an email address, we'll drop him a line!

Name: Tony McGonagle
Email: tonymcgonagle041249@hotmail.com
Date: 06 Feb 2005

Comments

Those were the days

Answer: Thanks for stopping by Tony, hope you enjoyed your visit and urge you to come by often, we are adding photos and features daily.

Name: Derek Archibald
Email: DEREK@darchibald.freeserve.co.uk
Date: 03 Feb 2005

Comments

Great advert for the music scene in Ireland. Glad to have been able to contribute (Irene McElroy) formely of CHIPS & SUNSHINE

Answer: Hi Derek, we appreciate all the support we've received from you, Irene, and all the members of Chips, one of the great pop bands of the era and an innovative force in Irish entertainment.

Name: Alexandra Crofton-Atkins
Email: Crofton5@yahoo.com
Date: 02 Feb 2005

Comments

Hello, I love your website. I would love to know the history of the Crofton Hotel. My family is descended from The Crofton's who were landowners in Ireland for over 400 years. Cheers, Alexandra.

Answer: Hi Alexandra, as with all queries, we urge you to join the bulletin boards (they're free) and post your request for information there...you never know who might stop by and have the answers for you! Thanks for stopping by!

Name: declan byrne
Email: decmar@speedlink.com.au
Date: 31 Jan 2005

Comments

keep up the great work guys declan byrne vox fm woolongong aus

Answer: Thanks Declan, glad to see you're still enjoying the site as it grows!

Name: Willie Lynch
Email: lynchwg@juno.com
Date: 27 Jan 2005

Comments

Gerry I d love to go into the lounge, But i m not a big computer person, just for gigs and info, I do not see the musicians lounge listed. if you'd like to E-mail me tha'ts AOK. It's great to come home from a gig in 2005 make a cup of tea and go back to the 60's'70's well that it for me. love to the gang. Willie lynch

Answer: Entry to the musician's lounge is by clicking on the link on the home page.

Name: Willie Lynch
Email: lynchwg
Date: 23 Jan 2005

Comments

Hello gerry I just reading all the mails on your page. Great stuff keep it going patsy. My name is willie lynch from cabra wast dublin I hit the road in 1972 est to new jersey USA. It's a saturday night i'm at home watching tennis " you see we have got 8 inches of snow and i hear it should be one foot r more in the morning. I should have been in wildwood tonight , but i cant get out the door. thats a OK i'm on a cruise next sunday Jan 30th out of florida. I didn't know about your site i heard about fran Kennedy site a few months ago. It's all great stuff. man you can't buy it. By the way i was with . chimes showband and deep set before hitting the states. the Deep set was the first to recoed the song. the house with the white washed gable" to hell with that Joe dolan my mother wanted to kill him. gerry i'm still banging away and love it still, you can get the web site as in. willielynch.com or willielynchtrio.com. i still work a ton and have the best of fun. I don't run around the place R never did , i hang out in NJ ==NY==Pa==Delaware. A tour of ireland and one r two cruise a year to brake iit up. Love to all the gang. God bless all the lads and lassies in the Angels Inn having a drink.Wheres the Angels Inn we all go there in the end and in the last gig. you see gerry this is what happens whaen a musican is not gigging on a saturday night. By the way gerry Dermot O'Brien s wife passed away last sunday, you may know by now, a lovely lady Dermot is going to miss her bad. She went every where with him.RIP always Willie lynch.

Answer: Hi Willie, sorry to hear about Dermot's wife, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We'd love to hear more about your career in Ireland, so please stay in touch and visit our new Musician's Lounge!

Name: TOM BARRY
Email: TFBARRY137@MSN.COM
Date: 22 Jan 2005

Comments

I LIKED THE PHOTO OF THE MUINTER NA TIRE HALL IN CONNA I DANCED THEIR 1950 TO 1955, I SAW THE BUILDING THIS SUMMER AND CONNA VILLAGE.

Answer: Hi Tom, glad you enjoyed your visit to the website, we are constantly adding new photos and features so please keep coming back!

Name: eric thompson
Email: eric46@fsmail.net
Date: 22 Jan 2005

Comments

A GREAT WEBSITE A CREDIT TO ALL WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE AND NOW LOOKING HELP IF ANYONE CAN TELL ME WERE I CAN PURCHASE TONY STEVENS MUSIC I LIVE IN NORTHEN IRELAND SO PLS HELP IF POSSIBLE.

Answer: Hi Eric, wish we could help you, but much of yesterday's music is gone forever, unless the singer (Tony) has a current record deal. Try the bulleting boards at the site...they're free and have worked for others.

Name: Thomas Gallagher
Email: gallaghertomandeileen@eircom.net
Date: 16 Jan 2005

Comments

Hello Tom & all the Mainliners. We miss you all very much hope to see you soon in Castlebar or somewhere in Mayo. All the best for 2005.

Answer: Hi Thomas, I wish we could help you contact Big Tom McBride, but unfortunately we have yet to hear from Tom or any members of his former bandmates. Keep checking back though, you never know when they will be around! Thanks for stopping by.  

Name: Joan O'Connell
Email: joanpat53@hotmail.com
Date: 16 Jan 2005

Comments

Hi, A friend Mary Reynolds told me about your web site. My father built THe Astoria Ballroom in Bundoran 1953 same year I was born.He sold it to his brothers T.P and Sean O'Connell in the early 60s.He bought the Beach Hotel in Mullaghmore co.Sligo .He had Supper Dances there most week-end in the 70s which were a big success. He had top artist playing. The Astoria is now owned by the MacEniffs.I am not sure what they use it for. I do have a post-card of the Astoria. I will see if I can get a friend to scan it to you as I am not that good at it.I could post it to you if that is not possible. Congrats on your web site it is very good.

Answer: Hi Joan I spent many a night in the Astoria, it was THE place to be in the Northwest at one time. Glad to hear T.P. is still around, although sorry your father is no longer with us. We look forward to hearing more about the happenings in and around Bundoran, one of the great seaside resorts in Ireland!

Name: Margaret R Hall
Email: magrose@reno.com
Date: 13 Jan 2005

Comments

Big Cotton Mill Boys fan.

Answer: Thanks Margaret, glad you enjoyed the site, please stay in touch with us, we are changing all the time.

Name: Mike Niblett
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 12 Jan 2005

Comments

It's a little co-incidental with Gerry O'Donovon's and Karl Compton's messages. Since Gerry's message is about Dave Fleming who played with Big Ivan, and Karl's message about Tony Loughman there is the connection that Big Ivan was also managed by Tony Loughman,who also managed Susan McCann, Hugo Duncan and more at that time.Although i was not strictly a C/W musician i enjoyed the times i played with Big Ivan a gentleman, Mike.

Answer: Hi Mike, I have discovered over the past year that the showband world, although it involved a large number of people and venues, was really a very small world! I did not know Ivan, but I have heard he was a great guy! Thanks.

Name: John Smyth
Email: SMITHJOHN2@AOL.COM
Date: 09 Jan 2005

Comments

YOU HAVE A FINE WEBSITE AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.Hope you like my wife and daughters website www.margaretsmythanddaughters.com

Answer: Thanks John, it's a great looking site. Other members should take a minute to check it out.

Name: Mike Niblett
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 08 Jan 2005

Comments

Hi Gerry...and Gerry, Dave has just posted on The Jivenaires site, there's no e-mail but the address is Newry (city of), Mike.

Answer: Thanks for the update Mike, hope you're having a Happy New Year so far!

Name: GERRY O DONOVAN
Email:
Date: 07 Jan 2005

Comments

HOME ON HOLIDAYS FOR CHRISTMAS IN CO LOUTH I WENT TO HEAR A FOUR PIECE BAND AT BELLINGHAM CASTLE HOTEL CALLED THE DAVE FLEMING SHOWBAND SHOW .IT WAS THE BEST NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENT WE HAD IN ALONG TIME UNFORTUNATELY WE HAD TO LEAVE BEFORE THE END OF THE SHOW .I WOULD LOVE TO GET SOME INFORMATION ON THE BAND AND IF THEY EVER PLAY IN THE UK CONGRATS ON YOUR GREAT SITE GERRY AND OLIVE.

Answer: Hi Gerry, glad you enjoyed visiting the website. Dave played with Big Ivan, Celebration, and Joe Cuddy back in the good old days. He left a message here last November and has an email address listed as david.fleming@vodafone.ie. (Don't know if it works though). Unfortunately, we don't have much access to information about today's bands, so we don't know much about his Showband that's playing the circuit today. 

Name: nickey mullen
Email:
Date: 07 Jan 2005

Comments

Name: Karl Compton
Email: karlcom2002@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 04 Jan 2005

Comments

Just visited your excellent site. Loads of information and lots of nostalgia. As a youngster I had my roots in Castleblayney Co.Monaghan and was surprised to see that many of the influences from there were not mentioned. I know it is hard to collate all the material but please try to locate some info on the following. they were all big stars in my eyes when I was a nipper. The Embassy Ballroom, Big Tom and the Mainliners, The Maurice Lynch Showband, The Everglades Showband, The Newline Showband, the John Murphy Showband, Top Rank Entertainments, Tony Loughman (promoter) Keep up the excellent work. If I locate any info I will forward it asap.

Answer: Thanks Karl, we have lots of info on Big Tom and other Top Rank bands, but would love to do features on them. If you know anyone involved with any of those bands, please let them know about us, and if they'll send the materials, we'll do the feature! Can you give us any info on the Newline or John Murphy bands?

Name: WILLIE
Email: williamdeery@hotmail.com
Date: 04 Jan 2005

Comments

hi just was dancing the nite away to irelands only real showband the foyle showband from derry...we were in the stardust ballroom the only untouched showband ballroom in ireland same as when all irish showbands played there in early 60s ..this is the only dancehall in ireland were time has stood still to this very day..was there on new years nite when foyle showband were belting out all the old showband hits to a packed hall brilliant nite...great sound from the 8 piece live showband

Answer: Hi again Willie, if you have any more info on The Foyle Showband, we'd love to receive it! Thanks again for your comments.

Name: willie
Email: williamdeery@hotmail.com
Date: 04 Jan 2005

Comments

HI U MISSED THE ONLY DANCEHALL IN IRELAND THAT HAS NOT CHANGED ONE IOTA SINCE THE SHOWBAND DAYS AND IS STILL GOING STRONG TO-DAY......THE STARDUST IN DERRY....SAME STAGE SAME FLOOR SAME DOORS SAME EVERYTHING....

Answer: Hi Willie, and thanks for the comments. We don't have a photo of the Stardust, but it is listed on our ballroom directory. Click here to see the whole list by county! Thanks again and please stay in touch. If you have a photo, we'd love to have one and will give you full credit!

Name: Mike Niblett
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 03 Jan 2005

Comments

Happy New Year Gerry and all, I think you have the balance just about right in you're last reply,and just to add to that there is also a fairly long list of ex-brits(including em-wah) who also played only ever in Showbands and Groups throughout.The term Irish Showband simply meant the band came from Ireland,and in any case if you lived in any part of Ireland,or were part of the music scene they were just called Showbands or Groups,and Irish music was just part of the musical genre that the vast majority of bands tapped into...and that i think for that time was one of the reasons (there are more) for their success at that time,people wanted to hear all kinds of music from all over the world as well as whatever was in the top-ten,that's what the Showbands and Groups provided,on reflection no mean feat!

Answer: Thanks Mike, we appreciate the comments. We may find a way to include our UK, US and International peers some way on the site, even though we are committed to "bands that played in Ireland" from 1950 to 1990.  

Name: Pat Forde
Email:
Date: 02 Jan 2005

Comments

What a breath of fresh air to find a site dedicatd to The Showband/Country & Irish Bands.I have been living in the UK for 25 years and I have kept in touch with the Irish music scene through the many excellent Irish venues and bands we have here. The bands from Ireland tour here regulary, but there is also a fantastic UK based bank of Irish bands working here week in week out and they provide all of us ex-pats with all the entertainment we need all year round, and the vast majority of these musicians "ARE" Irish or Irish descent. If it wasn't for these bands and venues we would be totally cut off from our musical roots, so please do not dismiss the bands and venues in the UK as " Not Strictly Irish" as I read in a previous reply of yours. So please take today's Irish entertainment needs in to consideration, the Showband era unfortunately maybe well finished, but there are still Irish people out here that need entertainment in the old style/dancing to waltzes, foxtrots, jives etc and we have a very vibrant Irish community here throughout the U.K. I enjoyed your site very much, especially The Picture Gallery of The Bands, as it brought back many happy memories of my formative years. Good Luck, Pat Forde.

Answer: Hi Pat, and thanks for taking the time to leave your comments on the site. I just wanted to clarify that we don't "dismiss" the bands or venues in the U.K. They have definitely played a major role. However, when we founded the site, it was dedicated to "all the bands that played the Irish ballrooms from 1950 to 1990." So, we tried to make that the only criteria for including a band in the site. Since launching the site, we have learned there were (and still are) many bands playing not only in the U.K., but Canada, the United States, and Australia, that have provided this style of entertainment for Irish people living abroad. Trying to feature all these bands would be nearly impossible, and to some extent, would change the mission of the website. However, you're not the first person to mention this issue, and we may still try and find a way to expand our coverage, so thanks for the comments. Thanks again for visiting the site, we appreciate the support and please stay in touch!  

Name: Gerard Hennessy
Email: janice.hennessy@btopenworld.com
Date: 30 Dec 2004

Comments

Delighted to find your site and relive many happy memories from the halcyon days of the showbands in the mid-to-late sixties. I was a regular visitor to the Top Hat(Fermoy), The Arch (Tallow), Redbarn & Showboat (Youghal), the "Arc" & Stardust (Cork) the Majestic (Mallow) and smaller venues in Cappoquin (Boathouse), Clonea (CSM) and many others too numerous to mention. Like so many others from those days I'm now domiciled abroad, having lived in London since the early 80's. What I'd give for one last night dancing to the Dixies in the Top Hat! Those were the days my friends...

Answer: Hi Gerard, thanks for the nice comments, and for the follow up email with the names of some of the ballrooms we missed!

Name: Glen Brown
Email: robglenbrown@msn.com
Date: 28 Dec 2004

Comments

Enjoyed your web site Happy New Year. Glen Brown Edinburgh, Scotland

Answer: Hi Glen, thanks for the comments and the great photos of the Kings Arms and Laharna Hotels, we appreciate all the information about the Larne, Co. Antrim dance scene!

Name: BILLY ELDER
Email: BILLYE52@AOL.COM
Date: 28 Dec 2004

Comments

WONDERFUL HISTORY OF GROUPS AND SHOWBANDS.

Answer: Thanks Billy, We appreciate the support, be sure to check out the free bulletin boards.

Name: Mairead O'Leary
Email: olearymairead@hotmail.com
Date: 27 Dec 2004

Comments

Very good web site. Keep up the good work.

Answer: Hi Mairead, thanks for stopping by and hopefully you come back often!

Name: olga
Email: olgazaika@webpan.com
Date: 21 Dec 2004

Comments

I simply had to put your website in my Favourites -- it is something I look forward to referring to whenever the need arises! If you do come out with a book, I'll look for it!

Answer: Thanks for the comment, hope you enjoyed the site.

Name: johnny
Email: johnnygboxt@yahoo.com
Date: 15 Dec 2004

Comments

the Astoria ballroom Bundoran is still standing where it always stood, the picture you have on web-site is a new establishment called the Astoria Wharf, get your photographer back up here with his camera and correct this blunder,

Answer: Hi Johnny, and thanks for the update. Unfortunately, most of our research on the status of old ballrooms has been done through the Internet, so we goofed on the Astoria. I thought it had ended up like so many other ballrooms...developed! So, we have no photographer to send anywhere, but we would appreciate any thing you could do to help us if you're in Bundoran yourself. Thanks again, hope you enjoyed the site! 

Name: Paul Henley
Email: paulhenley@outtrak.com
Date: 13 Dec 2004

Comments

Hi, I'm looking for Jim Tobin album with single "This is it" Anyone any idea's of where to look.

Answer: Hi Paul, your best bet is to join the Bulletin Boards and post a request under the music wanted section. Good Luck and thanks for stopping by!

Name: Ray Clifford
Email: cliffono@eircom.net
Date: 11 Dec 2004

Comments

I enjoyed looking back, thank you.

Answer: Thanks Ray, we appreciate the comment...please drop by often!

Name: LES DOUGAN
Email: klmt@optusnet.com.au
Date: 11 Dec 2004

Comments

I THOUGHT THE BIG BAND ERA HAD BEEN FORGOTTEN ABOUT! THE YOUNG ONES AT MY WORK PLACE WERE IN AWE WHEN I DESCRIBED THE LIKES OF DICKIE ROCK & THE MIAMI SHOWBAND DOING THE LIKES OF "KNOCK ON WOOD".....FABULOUS MEMORIES.

Answer: Hi Les. Thanks, we agree. In fact much of today's music is recycled from the good old days!

Name: Joe Dodd
Email: doddjoe@ercom.net
Date: 03 Dec 2004

Comments

Great site keeps the memories alive

Answer: Thanks Joe, glad you enjoyed the visit and we hope to see you many times again in the future!

Name: billy vance
Email: vance_billy@hotmail.com
Date: 01 Dec 2004

Comments

very informative site

Answer: Thanks Billy, we appreciate you stopping...come back soon!

Name: mike leffler
Email: mleff@aol.com
Date: 28 Nov 2004

Comments

I had a question that I hope you can answer as this is driving me insane! There was an Irish gentleman that had a summer show here in the United States along about 1969 or 1970. I think he might have been doing a summer show in Andy Williams' time slot. It was common at that time for variety shows to have a summer fill-in during their seasonal hiatus. This gent had a pleasant stage presence and was probably around 40 at the time. He had a standard he sang that had the refrain of "walk straight, walk proud, etc." Anyway I can't recall his name...seems like it was something like Dolligan or Duggan...I was down in grade school at the time so I really can't recall. Hope you can help...Mike

Answer: Thanks for visiting the website. The singer you are thinking of is Val Doonican. (www.valdoonican.co.uk) Val was born in Waterford and grew up in the area, but he mainly gained fame in England after leaving Ireland to join a group over there in the early 50's (as most did back then). Although he played in a couple of bands in Ireland, his "Irish" career preceded the Irish showband scene by a few years. He is still on the road today, although he is now 74. I hope that helps and you will visit the website often.

Name: Jim Rodden
Email: jim167uk@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 25 Nov 2004

Comments

I live in Glasgow and love Irish Showbands some great pics of the bands Great to see old familiar faces.

Answer: Thanks Jim, we appreciate the comments. Did many of the showbands make it to Glasgow?

Name: michael white
Email: mpwhite5@hotmail.com
Date: 25 Nov 2004

Comments

I HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF SHOWBANDS BOTH IN KERRY AND LONDON.MY FAVOURITES WERE,JOE DOLAN,BRENDAN BOWYER,DICKY ROCK,RED HURLEY,AND DJ AND THE KERRY BLUES.CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUPERB SITE

Answer: Thanks for the kind words Michael, we hope you'll visit regularly!

Name: paul ashford
Email: theash@eircom.net
Date: 25 Nov 2004

Comments

Well done ,excellent site. Great to see those pics and Its also great to see those groups who were the real pioneers of Irish rock. Paul Ashford

Answer: Hi Paul, thanks for visiting the site. I hope we have done the Irish Rock era of the 70's and 80's justice, although we could always use more materials!

Name: DAVE FLEMING
Email: david.fleming'@vodafone.ie
Date: 16 Nov 2004

Comments

GREAT TO SEE THE SHOWBAND ERA BEING KEPT ALIVE .I PLAYED KEYBOARDS WITH THE LATE BIG IVAN AND LATER WITH GREGORY EX CADETS THEN WITH JOE CUDDY BAND WITH SHAUN MAGEE DENIS BOWS AND BIG JIM CAMBELL THOSE WERE THE DAYS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GREAT SITE I WILL SEND SOME PHOTOS LATER

Answer: Hi David, thanks for stopping by. Tried to email you directly couldn't be delivered. Please drop a line via this link. Thanks again, would love to see the photos ...

Name: paddy wynne
Email: paddywynne@yahoo.com
Date: 15 Nov 2004

Comments

Great to see some of these old bands again and the photos are great,I grew up in Kildare listening to them from the late sixties onwards.I've had the pleasure of meeting some of them also.I used to run the odd gig in Kildare town with some friende in the early 70s, we had Peggy's Leg, Horslips, Celtic Wine,Demon Duck, there's a couple to add to the list.

Answer: Hi Paddy. Glad you enjoyed the site. Tell us more about Demon Duck and Celtic Wine. We'd love to feature them on the rock pages!

Name: Roseanna Donohoe
Email: roseanna.donohoe@btopenworld.com
Date: 14 Nov 2004

Comments

Hi all, like the rest of my crazy pals I toured the country all through the 70s to dances and carnivals.The showband era was mighty crack and I enjoyed that time a lot.We didn't earn much money and worked hard for that, but I remember about eight of us girls heading for, Bawnboy, Bundoran,Glenfarne,Lisnaskea, Monaghan and all the small town Carnivals. It was a great way to spend our teens and we still laugh at the scrapes we got into getting there and back Cheers Rose

Answer: Thanks Rose, we're glad you enjoyed the website and hope you will visit often to share your memories of the good old days!

Name: kathleen kane
Email: patandcatkane@eircom.net
Date: 11 Nov 2004

Comments

the showbands were a great part of my life in the 60's in Birmingham

Answer: Hi Kathleen and thanks for stopping by. We hope you enjoyed your stroll down memory lane!

Name: Jimmy Winters
Email:
Date: 07 Nov 2004

Comments

Great site boys and very well put together. There are still many great bands out there doing it throughout Ireland & The UK. How about a section dedicated to all the "Irish Bands" that are based in the UK currently entertaining people at The Irish Centres, Parish Centres & Social Clubs etc?. They always seem to get overlooked, and it's a great shame as there are many excellent Bands/Musicians working the afore mentioned circuit singing the songs of home, to folks from home and beyond. And may I be the first to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, From Jimmy Winters.

Answer: Thanks Jimmy, that's an interesting idea, although many of those bands are not "Irish" exactly, they definitely play an important role on the scene. Watch for further developments!  

Name: clare carr
Email: clare.carr@rte.ie
Date: 28 Oct 2004

Comments

I am writing from RTE T.V. where I am working on an archive based programme on courting, love & relationships and thought some of your past members/ parents or friends of past members who may have attended a dance school may be able to help. We are trying to track down people around the country to tell their stories of how they got together and found love in the past. In the days before internet dating, small ads, and text messages, how did the Irish find companionship? We need people who found love (even if it didn't last) or whose parents found love in the following places: 1) The Dance: Ceili's/Ballrooms/Hops/Set Dancing/Dance Schools 2) Going to the Pictures/Meeting under Clerys's Clock 3) Going to Mass/Pilgrimages/Matchmakers 4) At Festivals/Fleadhs/feis/country & town fairs around the country 5) At local sporting events/matches/fundraisers 6) At work (in civil service/nursing/airhostessing etc) The series will largely consist of archive material (along the lines of 'Reeling in the Years'. However we are looking for people who will tell their stories in the present day of how they found love. (We are looking in particular for unusual/interesting stories) I can be contacted on 01 2082268 or by email on clare.carr@rte.ie. I would appreciate your assistance. Kind regards, Clare Carr, Assistant Producer, Archive Unit, T.V. Features Stage 7, RTE, Dublin 4.

Answer: Thanks Clare. Good luck with your programme, and thanks for the email. I hope we can generate some response, but this is also a topic for which we haven't been able to generate any feedback!

Name: Pat Gormley
Email: burrenboy@aol.com
Date: 22 Oct 2004

Comments

What a wonderful site,I really enjoyed it as it brought back so many wonderful memories.Many a night I stood outside Paddy Cons in Ennis, in all kinds of weather just to listen to the music of Brendan and the Royal Showband as I could not afford to go in.Thank You for the memories. Kind Regards Pat.

Answer: Thanks Pat, we appreciate the kind words. I hope you'll it worthwhile to join our bulletin boards and share your memories with the growing number of new members who have discovered the site!

Name: danny o'keeffe
Email:
Date: 20 Oct 2004

Comments

Answer: Hi Danny, sorry you didn't leave a message! Thanks for dropping by!

Name: Brewster
Email: brewstero@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 18 Oct 2004

Comments

Amazing, after trying to find 'anything' about Irish Showbands I discover a site dedicated to them! Was trying to find an Xmas pressie CD/album for my girlfriend - Louise Delahunty - related to Mick De. when I happened upon your site. I'm from Co Kilburn and know the galtymore very well - drove past it about 2 months ago with Louise De. and saw the Indians were playing but I had jsut finished 2 gigs in St Albans with my ex band the Plastic Paddys and was too tired to stop. Now the 'Galt' is sadly no more. Does anyone know where i CAN get hold of a Mick De. CD/album as a surprise pressie for his namesake? It will get me a very special Christmas kiss !! regards to all Brewster, mandolin, bazouki and tenor banjo/guitar, The Plasric Paddys (second generation fusion). Ps Che Guevara, Bob Marley, Johnney Rotten, Paul McCartney. John Lennon, Elizabeth Hurley, elvis Costello, and Brewster of the Plastics were/are all PLASTIC PADDYS !!

Answer: Thanks for your comments. Sorry to hear about the Galtymore, this is definitely an era that continues to die right before our eyes with no end in sight!

Name: Vinny Baker
Email: vinnyandjo@eircom.net
Date: 17 Oct 2004

Comments

Hi all, Just been on your site and have really enjoyed seeing all the old showband photos. I spent most of my life on the showband circuit, starting with The Firehouse Showband, later Jim Tobin nad The firehouse, Dermot hegarty and the Plainsmen, later with Brian Harkin and the Plainsmen, George Kaye and the Real Country (this was the band after The Smokey Mountain Ramblers )and then to The Times (listed in the pop band photo section under The Times 1978. I am still at music for a living, play with a 4 piece rock band, teach guitar to 30 ish students and run a recording studio (VeeBee Sound Studio ) with my wife Jo. I will try and look up any of the old band photos I have somewhere to give them for the site. Great site..very nostalgic. Vinny.

Answer: Hi Vinnie, we've added you to our Musician's Directory and hope you will take the time to join us on a regular basis and contribute your thoughts and memories!

Name: The Drummer
Email: Please Do Not Publish Email Address
Date: 15 Oct 2004

Comments

Hi guys, what a FANTASTIC site, it's about time we got world wide exposure for all the top talent we have produced over the decades, Singers, Songwriters, Musicians, Producers & Sound Engineers. My roots lie in Co. Monaghan and I have played drums in bands such as Johnny Loughery and Finian's Rainbow to name two. I also wrote a tribute song about "Big Tom" titled "Big Tom McBride"( A Legend In His Time ) which we recorded at M.T.S. Studios in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare whilst I was with Finian's Rainbow. Keep up the good work whilst I spread the word, hello to all The Heads online and on the road. Best Wishes The Drummer.

Answer: Hi Drummer, I wish I knew who you were so we could list you in our Musician's Directory. However, we still appreciate the comments and hope you'll consider joining our community!

Name: brendan orr
Email: foxhills04@hotmail.com
Date: 10 Oct 2004

Comments

hi there would have loved to a been around back then but i wasnt even born. love the clothes an the hair styles, an the music was great then compared to nowadays. great site. let me take this opportunity to wish you continued success with this website as i can see alot of hard work and effort has gone into it. by the way am 26 years old and have great love for da showbands and country music especially todays. best of luck Brendan Orr Letterkenny Co Donegal

Answer: Hi Brendan and thanks for the support. Hopefully, we will be able to help younger people understand the era and the value it contributed to today's Irish music scene. Letterkenny had it's fair share of great bands too! 

Name: JOHN MC GRENRA
Email: cottonbuck@hotmail.com
Date: 06 Oct 2004

Comments

WELL HELLO ALL OUT THEREIN WEB LAND I CAME ACCROSS YOU ALL TODAY BY ACCIDENT BUT WHAT A PLEASENT ACCIDENT I PLAYED WWITH THE FARMERS SONS , COTTON MILL BOYS . BRIAN COLL ETC ETC ETC 70 S 80S I WAS GREAT FUN THE CRACK WAS ONLY MIGHTY AND TO FIND A SITE LIKE YOU AS WELL AS THE OTHERS WE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH ALL OF YOU GUYS LETS PARTY BEFORE WE GO TO HEAVEN OR WILL WE GO THERE AFTER OUR LIVES OF UMMMMMMMMMMMMMM FLASHIN . WOMANISING , AND NOT TO BE SEXIST MENISING AND ALL THEE REST WE GOT UP TO ON THE ROAD ID SAY MOST HOTELS ARE GLAD THE SHOWBAND DAYS ARE OVER HA HA HA ITS GREAT GERRY DO KEEP IT UP WE WILL ALL HELP YOU KEEP US ALIVE FOR ETERNITY KEEP IN TOUCH YOU ALL LOVE JOHN MC GRENRA

Answer: Hi John, Nice to have you on board and thanks for the kind words. We hope you'll visit often and become an active members of our growing community!

Name: Audrey Angelini
Email: stcathprep@powertolearn.com
Date: 05 Oct 2004

Comments

Jan Loved your website and pictures. Your PREP fanclub. Audrey and Genny

Answer: Hi Audrey, although we don't know who Jan is, we appreciate your comments! Stop by often!

Name: brian mullen
Email: barneynoise1@aol.com
Date: 04 Oct 2004

Comments

very good site i spent 25 years in bands like Dominic Kirwin, Big Tom, and many more. My father, Billy Mullen was Gene Stuart's drummer for 18 years. Keep up the good work!

Answer: Thanks Brian, we appreciate the comments and look forward to learning  more about your career in bands!

Name: Paul Welch
Email: paulgwelch@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 28 Sep 2004

Comments

Hi, great website. I looked it up to check out a few things.. One of the bands I was interested in was The Sands who featured Tony Kenny as one time lead singer. I don't have all the Sands recordings but the ones listed in the Tony Kenny feature are not quite accurate. "Knock Three Times" is listed as being issued in 1969 which is incorrect (I think it was '72. The recording was on Hit which was an off shot of release, it was the last single Tony Kenny recorded with The Sands) Venus/Cara Mia was an early single on Major Minor (MM681) and was issued in 1967 or '68. There were two albums released late '60's: "Time With The Sands" (Major Minor I think)and "Sand Doin's" (Tribune. Further singles featuring Tony Kenny were: Dance Dance Dance /The Cheater (Tribune) Candida/Love Me Tender (Release) 1970 Walkin' In The Sun/Marlena (Release) Lend A Helpin Hand (Murty Quinn lead vocals)/The Sound Is Music (Tony Kenny lead vocals) RCA.1971 She Is Me (Tony Kenny lead vocals) /Salvation Sally (Murty Quinn lead vocals) 1972 RCA Post Tony Kenny, Murty Quinn took over lead vocals on two singles: Juiletta/Silver Moon (HIT)1972 Lonley Lady/Sweet Dreams (Solo) 1973 Murty Quinn and Martin Phelan quit the band in '73 and emigrated to Canada. The (New) Sands later charted with an excellent cover of Abba's Hasta Manana/One More Tear (EMI)in 1975 or '76. I'm sorry I don't have the catalogue no's for the above mentioned singles I based in the UK at the moment and my record collection is back in Ireland! If anyone else has any more information on Sands recordings I'd love to hear from them. Oh as a foot note Drummer Fran Byrne left The Sands to join Bees Make Honey (circa '72) and then Ace. I recall watching him on Top of The Pops performing on "How Long (Has This Been Goin' On)"

Answer: Hi Paul and thanks for all the great info on Tony and the Sands. Perhaps we can do a separate feature on the Sands, if you have some more info...please let us know! By the way, we have amended the feature on Tony Kenny and you can click here to see it!

Name: Gabrielle
Email: mbgmcdermott@hotmail.com
Date: 27 Sep 2004

Comments

I'm writing a personal essay and I Googled "Irish Showbands" for research material and up popped your website. I remember Seapoint in Salthill, Galway and, lo and behold, you had a photo of it right there! I was at UCG in the early '70's and I rememeber the 'craic' well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the emails from your readers all over the globe.

Answer: Hi Gabrielle and thanks for the email...I hope you were able to get your essay written and found the info on the website helpful! Please stay in touch!

Name: Barry McParland
Email: Barleybeat@aol.com
Date: 24 Sep 2004

Comments

i (aged 19) think the showbands in general are really under-rated and much more need to be done to advertise them. great site. Also i looking to find information on two show bands from ireland. THE YOUNG EARLS of TUXCIDO JUNCTION. if anybody can help please get in touch. thanks

Answer: Hi Barry, I don't know anything about either band, but if you join the Bulletin Boards, you may find some answers there! Thanks for visiting the site and good luck with your search!

Name: patrick burns
Email: patrick@allirelandbusking.com
Date: 22 Sep 2004

Comments

Hi, I organize the official All Ireland Busking competition which will be held in Newcastle Co. Down, Northern Ireland on Sat. 27 August, 2005. Web site www.allirelandbusking.com. Any showbands fancy getting together to come and play to a really great crowd contact me. Good luck with this great site.

Answer: Hi Patrick, good luck with your busking competition. I will create a hyperlink to it from here!

Name: Michael O'Hara
Email: mickoh@iol.ie
Date: 16 Sep 2004

Comments

Great site. Keep up the good work

Answer: Thanks for the email Michael, please come back often!

Name: bernard gormley
Email: Nustira@yahoo.com
Date: 07 Sep 2004

Comments

hi there. i am looking for information on Michael Landders as far as i know he was from the limerick region. he started singing back in the early 70's i am not sure if Tommy Drennan of the Monarchs Showband had him on stage. as he was quite young at the time. he had brilliant voice. it was actually on the radio that i heard him sing.

Answer: Hi Bernard, sorry I'm not familiar with Michael, but if you post it on the bulletin boards, you may get some feedback there!  

Name: bernard gormley
Email: Nustira@yahoo.com
Date: 06 Sep 2004

Comments

hi: just after setting up my e.mail adress. i have been viewing your irish - showbands.com site for the last couple of weeks. i have found it very interesting. The showband era was part of our lives growing up. there was lots of great showbands playing during those years. there was a band called the Zulles at one stage does any body know what happened to them. i know they played in the tara club in dublin. keep up the good work. your web site excellent. tHANKS A LOT FOR THIS GREAT SITE. B. GORMLEY.

Answer: Hi Bernard...was it the Zulus or Zulles? If you want more info, join the boards and post your query there! Thanks for the message, we appreciate your support.

Name: charles
Email: charlescooke@yahoo.com
Date: 06 Sep 2004

Comments

I have now found the name of that group in the 60s The Greenbeats .The boom boom rooms in Belfast, the four lads took it by storm.I thought where have they been great memories, love the site Fond memories too of the Floral hall.

Answer: Hi Charles, thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the site...please join our boards and contribute to the community! 

Name: jo
Email: jaggythistle@hotmail.com
Date: 03 Sep 2004

Comments

can anyone help me obtain a copy of an old philomena begley recording (where do babies come from) i have been searching for this for years without success in fact no-one seems to have heard of it :0(

Answer: Hi Jo, thanks for the message. Please join the bulletin board community (it's free) and post your request there!

Name: DAVE FLEMINGd flemim
Email: d.fleming'
Date: 02 Sep 2004

Comments

Name: Gslightbody
Email: @aol.com
Date: 01 Sep 2004

Comments

Can someone please put me in touch with Murty Quinn, ex Sands Showband. I recently learned of the death of his son Glenn and would so love to be able to extend my sympathies to him. I visited him and his wife Bernadette at their home in Johnstown, when Sonya was just a baby, many years ago and would love to get in touch with him again. Thank-you for the chance through you wonderful web-site, Geraldine BELFAST

Answer: Hi Geraldine, you may get better results to your questions by making a post at our bulletin boards. We have been able to put several people in touch with old friends through that community. Thanks for visiting, sorry to hear about the passing of Murty's son. .

Name: peter kinsey
Email: pete@kinsey1951.fsworld.co.uk
Date: 30 Aug 2004

Comments

Gerry your site is brillant and is a fitting tribute to the showbands,the singers and musicians,but there were people in the background,the unsung heroes without whom it never would have happened such as Mick Clerkin the managing director of Release Records,John D'ardis at Trend Studios and bandmanagers like Vincent Gill responsible for managing New Blues.Vincent was passionate about the band like most others were.

Answer: Hi Peter, we appreciate the support and you are right, which is why we are developing a page about the managers! Coming soon!

Name: padraic kelly
Email:
Date: 30 Aug 2004

Comments

bring back da good old times!!!!!!!! fantastic memories

Answer: Thanks for the nice comments Padraic, hope you'll visit again and help spread the word!

Name: Brian Furey
Email: bfurey@vodafone.ie
Date: 20 Aug 2004

Comments

What a fantastic collection! I got interested in the showbands when my late grandmother gave me a box of "band cards" most with autographs which the bands signed and gave to her after gigs. She toured the country after them! I was lucky to produce a radio documentary while working in LMFM Radio on the showbands, it was nominated for a PPI Irish Radio Award in 2001. Congrats on a great site. "Send em home sweating!"

Answer: Hi Brian, your comments are appreciated. It always great to hear from someone who is also working to keep this era from disappearing! Please stay in touch!

Name: Simon Scott ex Plattermen
Email: scott268@msn.com
Date: 14 Aug 2004

Comments

Good luck with the website, will send info s.a.p. look fwd to your email.

Answer: Hi Simon, thanks for visiting. I look forward to sharing more of your career with our members.

Name: Sean Treacy
Email: cin@iol.ie
Date: 14 Aug 2004

Comments

Hi My name is Sean Treacy. I wanted to tell you about our new Music Makers Association Of Ireland. Our site is called www.mmaoi.ie. We have been telling loads of people about your brilliant site this week. I never knew it existed until Ronnie in the Douglas Weekly in Cork told me. I am not a great country fan. Even though I listen to it some times. I was more into rock growing up. We hope our site and our association will help in some way to promote our own bands and culture in our country. If we receive any relevant information for you we will pass it on by email. We will be doing a serious launch of this site. We had 700 hits this week and we haven't even launched it yet. Anybody coming into our site interested in country music we will send them your way. We will be putting specific music categories on a bands and music type page I can place your link in the country section. We have put a link to your site from our site. If you would like us to remove it we will before we launch the site on the first of September. Talk to you soon. Sean

Answer: Hi Sean, Thanks for the email, will check your site out and send you an email about links. Of course, we feature pop, rock, and 60's showbands, not just country, but we appreciate any support we can get!

Name: Barry Lynch
Email: mbarrylynch@aol.com
Date: 07 Aug 2004

Comments

Great site! I played with my sisters Jan (Shelly) and Anne , first in The Big Valley and then in The Marines. Your site brings back so many memories: the craic, the safaris in the back of the trusty transit, the countless variations of poker, the Monday night charity concerts and getting to hear the opposition, choosing the new suits (was it Tom Allen in Dublin? He has a lot to answer for!)the worst road in Ireland - between Kingscourt and Kells, eating at The Treatystone in Limerick City, the professionalism and talent of the guys in the band and that night in Ballinasloe..! Keep up the good work. Barry Lynch

Answer: Hi Barry, glad to have you drop by...they surely were the "good old days." Please stay in touch!

Name: Lorraine Prendergast
Email: lorraineprend@hotmail.com
Date: 04 Aug 2004

Comments

Answer: Sorry you didn't leave a message Lorraine, but thanks for visiting!

Name: Jim Nelis
Email: jamesnelis@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 26 Jul 2004

Comments

Excellent site with great memories of Culdaff and the Butt Hall in Ballybofey. What about the Lilac in Carndonagh and Ballyliffin where Horslips also played ?

Answer: Hi Jim, thanks for the message and yes, both the Lilac and Ballyliffen are on our list, alphabetically or by county!

Name: brendan byrne
Email: sabyrne@bigpond.com.au
Date: 22 Jul 2004

Comments

Great effort Will visit again

Answer: Hi Brendan, Thanks for the visit, please do visit often...new stuff happening all the time!

Name: Cathi
Email: Batskip22@aol.com
Date: 21 Jul 2004

Comments

Fabulous site, great information!!! I can't for the life of me see any of the pictures- what am I doing wrong? I can see pictures on other sites, I can see the lovely texture on your page,no pictures not even if I refresh the page.Is there something I need to do that I haven't? Cheers x

Answer: Hi Cathi, I wish there was something to tell you other than try a different browser. If anyone else is experiencing a problem, please let us know! Thanks again.

Name: declanbyrne
Email: decmar@speedlink.com.au
Date: 20 Jul 2004

Comments

getting better all the time

Answer: Thanks Declan, it's all because of supporters like yourself!

Name: Joe Corey
Email: info@dreamprom.com
Date: 19 Jul 2004

Comments

Great site, plenty of old memories. I was a founder member of Mary Lou & Harvest showband and played trombone. I'm still in the music promotion end of the business and can be contacted via our web site at www.dreamprom.com I'll forward you a group photograph of the band for inclusion on your site.

Answer: Hi Joe, thanks for the message...looking forward to receiving the photo and perhaps we can do a "Where Are They Now" feature on you?

Name: Joan
Email: joan curtin 2 @hotmail.com
Date: 17 Jul 2004

Comments

loved the site, congratulations, Seen Brendan Bowyer last year and he is just wonderful, getting better every year, would be interested in getting a copy of the one-nighters - Royal Showband.

Answer: Thanks Joan, I wish we had the ability to post dates for showbands, but since we do not have a connection to the bands, we don't know where they are playing next! Sorry...maybe someday!

Name: Colm Young
Email: colm@jpc.ie
Date: 13 Jul 2004

Comments

Hi, great site if a little before my time! My father, Sean Young, was the leader of the Altonaires Show Band. I remember that every Thursday night for the best part of 2o years they played(gigged)in the Irene Ballroom for the late Christy Gunn. Seeing this site now, I can now make sense of all the stories that my father told! Keep up the good work. Regards,

Answer: Hi Colm, Thanks for visiting and telling us about your Dad...does he still play? Any photos of him in action? We'd love to share them with the world!

Name: Michael Lyons
Email: michael@erinmotors.com
Date: 08 Jul 2004

Comments

Great site!!!Greetings from Sydney Irish Radio on www.2ser.com and in particular Myles Mooney ex ( Pat Lynch and the Aircords) and Shay O'Hara ex (Royal Blues)both living in Sydney. Anyone remember Michael Byrne, Classic Showband. He was killed in a car accident at an early age. Michael was on of my best friends when we were in the Army Apprentice School in Naas(1960).His brother Wllie played co football for Offaly. Keep up the good work. Michael Lyons

Answer: Hi Michael, you should post a comment on the bulletin boards, I think someone has already made contact with a long lost band mate and you may find people who knew you or your friend!

Name: declan byrne
Email: decmar@speedlink.com.au
Date: 07 Jul 2004

Comments

getting better every day

Answer: Thanks Declan, looking forward to receiving whatever materials you can contribute!

Name: Patrick Hoye
Email: phoye2001@yahoo.com
Date: 06 Jul 2004

Comments

Great site, best of luck with it.It seems that with every new site that comes on line they get better and better.The "Ballroom" pictures in particular are of great interest.Some of the band pictures bring back great memories of friendship's and innocence. Bye the way, does anybody know where all those Fender Precision's and Strat's displayed in the band snaps wound up???? Patrick Hoye.

Answer: Hi Patrick, Thanks for the comments...mine's gathering dust waiting to be a vintage instrument!

Name: Anne Gilroy
Email: bony637763
Date: 04 Jul 2004

Comments

great web site, i was in a band (with my sister SHELLY) names Anne Shelly and the Marines,do you remember us? we are both living with our families in the usa. i love seeing all the bands we used to be part of, thanks great job. my brother in ireland sent me your site, i see there are 2 pictures of my sister here so i will forward your web site to her, and my irish friends here in Americia ~~Anne~~

Answer: Hi Anne, I remember you individually, but I think the Marines formed after I left? Please send us your complete contact information if you read this message. Thanks!

Name: oliver stafford
Email: staffordo@eircom net
Date: 04 Jul 2004

Comments

Name: Daire (The Memories)
Email: daire1@eircom.net
Date: 01 Jul 2004

Comments

Hi. Teddie Palmer contacted me today and told me about the site. Loved it - congratulations on a brilliant job. Hope to be in touch with more info.

Answer: Hi Daire...it's good to hear from you and I am looking forward to having an in-depth feature on the Memories, definitely one of the top pop bands in Ireland's history! Stay tuned for more!

Name: Leo Heneghan
Email: HENEGHANMARTIN@EIRCOM.IE
Date: 30 Jun 2004

Comments

Loved it. Keep up the good work.From a big music fan.

Answer: Hi Leo...thanks for the message and for visiting, we hope to see you back often!

Name: Brian Donaghy
Email: briand@sunway.ie
Date: 29 Jun 2004

Comments

JUST SAW YOUR SITE FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY. I PLAYED WITH CHIPS FOR 7 YEARS AND I READ THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW! THE SITE IS TERRIFIC...BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES--BRIAN.

Answer: Thanks Brian...for those who want to know more about Brian, check out the feature on Chips on our Featured Artists page.

Name: tchatche
Email: sophie@tchatche.org
Date: 25 Jun 2004

Comments

Thank for all info on you site.

Answer: Hi Sophie...hope you will visit often and join the boards to share your memories! Thanks again.

Name: Alan Carr/ AKA : Alan James
Email: ajguinness@shaw.ca
Date: 24 Jun 2004

Comments

Hi. I just came across your site today, it is wonderful. I used to sing with an Irish Showband in the early to mid '70's, a band formed form the old Dixies called Stage 2. I see there is still a few of us around. I now live in Alberta and I am still singing full time on the casino circuit. Anyway, just thought I would say hi and tell you to keep up the good work on the site. Cheers. Alan.

Answer: Hi Alan, I remember Joe Mac and Stage Two very well! Do you have any photos or stories you'd like to share? What are the guys in the band doing these days? Take care and thanks for the message.

Name: mary roderick
Email: mary.roderick@ntlworld.com
Date: 18 Jun 2004

Comments

Hi just found your site,and really enjoyed browsing,as i was weaned on bands such as Big Tom, My father who was from India just loved the Irish bands.but never got to see any of them, unfortunatly.But i have more than made up for that over the years. Roll on July for Big Tom reunion tour

Answer: Hi Mary, glad you enjoyed your visit...tell us more about the Big Tom tour and we will try to feature it on the site! Take care!

Name: Tony Casey (DJ)
Email: tcasey364@aol.com
Date: 16 Jun 2004

Comments

Thank you for the fond memories of my teenage years, in loughrea co galway, when we would travel miles to see the bands, and I had the great pleasure of working with a lot of the bands in the shannon centre in essex, when they were on tour.I still play the music from the showband era, so in my own humble way, I feel I am helping [a little ]to keep the showband music alive, and introduce it to the the younger generation. Thank you for all the hard work, and effort, it must have taken to put this together, I am sure it is much appreciated. keep up the good work. Tony Casey. tcasey364@aol.com

Answer: Hi Tony, Thanks for visiting, and more importantly, for keeping the music alive. There aren't many places you can hear it these days! I hope you'll stay in touch and visit often! Let us know more about your DJ gigs and how the showband tunes go down!!

Name: petekinsey
Email: pete@kinsey1951.fsworld.co.uk
Date: 13 Jun 2004

Comments

Dear Gerry, The site is brillant.When I wrote to Maxi ex Sheeba recently,I mentioned Irish -Showbands.Com,so I hope she plugs it on RisingTime on RTE,as she plays showband records from time to time.I was pleased that Kieran Cavanagh got in touch,he was a very underated bass guitarist in Carole,Keith and New Blues.

Answer: Hi Peter and thanks! It would be great if she mentions it, even better if she could or would contribute some materials from her days "on the road." I know she was with Danny Doyle for awhile and, of course, Sheeba. 

Name: declan byrne
Email: decmar@speedlink.com.au
Date: 12 Jun 2004

Comments

great site keep up the work

Answer: Thanks Declan, I think you're the farthest contributor we've had..."down under" in Australia!

Name: stuart Cooper
Email: cooper.stuart@btconnect.com
Date: 12 Jun 2004

Comments

great site could prove to be a great contraceptive...

Answer: Hi Stuart...thanks for the kind words...I'm not sure we'd be very reliable in that capacity!

Name: laura byrne
Email: laurajane1@eircom.net
Date: 12 Jun 2004

Comments

yoy never mentioned Tracy and The Grassroots in your list. Tracy was very popular in the early 70s and had a couple of top 10 hits, she also happens to be my Mam.

Answer: Thanks Laura for the update...it's hard to get info on all the bands that played back then...I'm sure we've missed dozens. If you have any photos, pass them on and we'll be happy to add them to the collection! 

Name: patrick burns
Email: patrick@allirelandbusking.com
Date: 07 Jun 2004

Comments

Hi...great site with plenty of information on N. Ireland bands who played a important part in the showband scene. Any info on Candy who later were called Sunshine...also a singer called Ronnie Medford, where is he now? I organise the all Ireland busking competition which will be held on sat 28 august 2004 at central prom Newcastle Co. Down. Everyone welcome. Any showband members who fancy coming along to entertain the crowd contact me. Check out website http://www.allirelandbusking.com keep up the good work and stay lucky.

Answer: Patrick, thanks for the comments and the reminder about Ronnie...do you have any other info on him or Candy? I hope our members will support your competition if they are in the area! Good luck!  

Name: Shaun Magee
Email: ishaunmagee@sympatico.ca
Date: 04 Jun 2004

Comments

What an improvement since the last time I in contact with you. A lot of work for you but well well worth the effort. I wish you continued success, and will send you the odd thing now and then. Thanks Shaun.

Answer: Thanks Shaun, it's only through the help and support of people like you that I have been able to put any of this together. To learn more about Shaun, check out the Chips feature and Where Are They Now.

Name: JKMAGENNIS
Email: lostallcurls
Date: 04 Jun 2004

Comments

It was truly a great time for those of us now in our 50' and 60's. Around the back of the pub on a Sunday night for a carry-out and sit in the motor until a few bottles were put away. (No Sunday opening). What really makes me feel old was the admission price which could be anything between 5 shillings and 7 shillings and 6 old pennies. That is 25 to 37½ pence....and real talent for that price thrown in. The site, a really good idea and all credit due to the management. I wish it well. JKM.

Answer: Hi JKM, Thanks for the memories and the nice comments. Hope you'll stick around and share your thoughts on the bulletin boards! Those were the days!

Name: terry mc ilroy
Email: telboy02@ yahoo.co.uk
Date: 01 Jun 2004

Comments

a trip down memory lane. great memories of great bands dixies cadets royal miami dance halls orpheus romanos flamingo castle banbridge FLORAL HALL FIESTA plaza etc thanks for the memories t mc ilroy

Answer: Hi Terry and thanks for your comments. It is a pity how many of the ballrooms are gone. They were such important places in the social lives of most people on both sides of the border in those heady days!

Name: geraldine
Email: Gslightbody
Date: 01 Jun 2004

Comments

Oh how the memories came flooding back! Please can someone tell me what happened to the members of the Sands Showband (a breakaway from the ORIGINAL Miami) with Murty Quinn etc.? I know Tony Kenny was still singing some years ago as I saw him in a show in Jury's Hotel Dublin. Any info. would be most welcome!

Answer: Hi Geraldine, Tony Kenny is still singing and you can check out his bio here. Murty Quinn still lives in Dublin. His son was Glenn Quinn, an actor who recently died after a co-starring on "Angel." To learn more, you might want to make a post on the bulletin boards. 

Name: Micky Sands
Email: www.thechevys.com
Date: 01 Jun 2004

Comments

love the site.it makes a change to see all the different styles of bands there actually was.please dont forget us (the chevys)as we`ve being around since 1986. cheers Micky

Answer: Hi Micky...would love to feature the band, I have sent an email to your website and look forward to receiving more info. Thanks for stopping by!

Name: Dick Pentland
Email: richard.pentland@ns.sympatico.ca
Date: 01 Jun 2004

Comments

I think you have put together a great site here. There are lots of old forgotten memories that bring a smile to my mind. I was one of the first members of Chips in the late 60s (mentioned in your write-up). Currently I live with my wife, Paddy, in Nova Scotia, Canada (our two children are grown and flown the coop). I work as an international consultant in the transportation field - a far cry from the music scene, of which I haven't been a part since I left Ireland. After Chips, I played for a couple of years with the Clubsound, a very under-rated group as far as I am concerned, a then emigrated in 1975. My son, Patrick, lives in Toronto and is a professional musician, playing in a well-known Canadian band called Sloan.

Answer: Dick, thanks for the update and your support. If you have any photos of Clubsound, we'd love to post them...that's what we're here for!

Name: Andrew Rolls
Email: ragtimeroller@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 01 Jun 2004

Comments

How'r y' doin', Great site. Now that Gerry Anderson's mentioned it, I hope that both readers and contributors will increase for you. By the way..... I've a sneaking suspicion that Gerry was slightly miffed at the fact that it's not liberally scattered with pictures of himself!!! :-) Never mind... now that he knows about it, you'll no doubt soon be in possession of so many, you'll be spoiled for choice. P.S... would we have ever really heard of his showband prowess if he didn't continually inform and remind us at very regular intervals??? Heeheehee. Cheers, Andrew. (Belfast)

Answer: Andrew, thanks for the comments, we hope you're right about contributors increasing. We'd be happy to post photos of Gerry is we had any!

Name: Mike Niblett
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 31 May 2004

Comments

Hi Gerry, Glad to see the site building up just fine.I see Damian's message below and we live not to far apart from one and other.Keep the ball rolling Mike. visit; aftershock-the-band.com i have included pages there for The Stellas.

Answer: Thanks Mike, will have a look at the aftershock site. I appreciate your continued support!

Name: Damian McKee
Email: damian@bigjolly.co.uk
Date: 29 May 2004

Comments

Hi Gerry just got a mail from Teddie Palmer and he gave me the link for the site it's really great although some of it was before my time it really brings back some memories. Teddie said you might have the full version of the Non Stop Pop show where we appeared just before Kim if you have would it be possible to get a copy. Good luck with the site and here's a few links for you. http://www.angelfire.com/co/rsff/ http://www.acidtone.net the second link is for my boys who are out ther keeping it live.

Answer: Thanks Damian! For any of you out there who remember the Bay City Rollers and Rosetta Stone, Damian's site is worth checking out! He was a founding member of Rosetta Stone!

Name: MARIE TIMLIN
Email: mvtimlin@eircom.net
Date: 28 May 2004

Comments

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. Brings back lots of good memories. I am presntly trying to obtain a copy of Gloria's cassette "WHEN I SING FOR HIM" any ideas wher I could source same Thanks

Answer: Thanks Marie for the support. I'm pretty sure that album, was renamed "One Day At A Time" after Gloria had such a huge hit in 1978 with the song. You might try looking that way...it was on Release Records...Try posting a request on the Bulletin Boards...you never know! Thanks!

Name: Robert
Email: robertmartin90@hotmail.com
Date: 27 May 2004

Comments

Web site very good, bring back the Good Times/days, thanks Teddie.

Answer: Thanks for the kind words, hope you'll keep coming back!

Name: jeannette
Email: lildevil9884419@aol.com
Date: 27 May 2004

Comments

hi teddy sent me link tis a grt site although i was only a wee pup then lol but enjoyed it immensley.wonder if our bands will be on it in a few yrs :)

Answer: Hopefully we can get enough interest to start a new band section?!?

Name: helen
Email: hpfitzgerald@hotmail.com
Date: 21 May 2004

Comments

this really took me down memory lane.

Answer: Thanks Helen, hope you'll tell your friends and return often!

Name: Kitty Robbins
Email: info@artistopia.com
Date: 20 May 2004

Comments

Thorough resource with lots of great info, you guys keep up the good work! Hey, check us out too, at Artistopia.com - the ultimate music artist development network and community on the Web. Formalize your approach to the music industry and drastically increase your chances of getting the right record deal!

Answer: Will do Kitty, thanks for the link and the kind words!

Name: bernadette conway
Email: andrewneil52@aol.com
Date: 18 May 2004

Comments

I am trying to find any information whatever about my late brother-Joe Conway AKA.Gary Street.Any facts relating to his music would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you.

Answer: Bernadette, We knew Gary when he was with the Fairways in the early 1970's. He had a great voice and a powerful stage presence. His rendition of House of the Rising Sun was especially exciting. You might learn more by contacting Tom Kelly, then manager of the band. Good luck with your search...we will all miss Joe. 

Name: Anthony Grace
Email: anthonygrace2003@yahoo.com
Date: 12 May 2004

Comments

I'm Irish and living here in North California for the last two years. Actually, I'm an Internet Systems Specialist for Sutter County (just got the job!!) The minute I heard about the "health ad", I remembered you; I knew you looked familiar! I played lead guitar with The Kenny Ryder Band (ex-Tweed) for about six months over 1979/80. Prior to that, I had my own Blues/Rock Band called Stonefree. I jammed with the likes of Ray Davies, The Chieftains (very drunk affair in Dingle in the mid-80's..), Eric Bell of Thin Lizzy (Whiskey in the Jar fame.. great guy: I was only 14 when I met him with Skid Row and he sat me down to give me a few pointers....) I can't believe I stumbled into these sites... I swear, I wasn't even looking! I haven't really played since 1980, except briefly in the summer of 1986. The photo of The Kenny Ryder Band was taken before I joined. Somewhere I have the publicity shot with me in the new lineup the year after that was taken, so I must have a root around. The black guy on the right went to school with me; his name is Eugene Sweeney. We used to play together around 1974, but I don't know where he ended up.

Best Wishes on a wonderful site.... Anthony Grace.

Answer: Thanks Anthony, send some pictures and we'll post them at "Where Are They Now?"