The largest digital showband archive in the world!
Based In Sligo, Ireland / email: showbands@gmsproductions.com

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Name:  Derek Pile
Email: derek.pile@tesco.net
Date:  30 Mar 2006

Comments: Hi, I am a vinyl record collector and have just turned up a copy of Shay O'Hara and The Premier Aces  So Long Mary on PYE records number 7N.17583 - 1968  and was interested in the history of the group, who, I had not heard of before and had been unable to find anything about them up until i dropped in on this site. Thanks ... Derek


Name:  Arne Gjelten
Email: ag.jo@online.no
Date:  29 Mar 2006

Comments: I`m a fan of Susan McCann's and want to find more of her music.  I remember here from television in 1980. I already have 5 cd's with her music and I am looking for more. Arne Gjelten, Norway.

Answer: Thanks Arne for your message...try the forums is you are looking for showband music.


Name:  alan murray
Email: alanmurray.stranraer@btinternet.com
Date:  24 Mar 2006

Comments: your website brings back great memories from late sixties /early seventies. I would like to hear some of the bands again.

Answer: Thanks Alan, we agree. It would be nice to hear many of them again.


Name:  john kennedy
Email: jfkdatacomms@eircom.net
Date:  24 Mar 2006

Comments: Hi there, great to see all the young looking faces again.I played drums in a band called PARALLAX and would have supported the likes of Mama's Boys, Loolalikes, Pulling Faces, Stepaside, Rob strong and many more in the Baggot Inn between 1980 to 1985. We also supported Nick Kershaw on his one and only Irish tour, Stadium in Dublin, Opera House in Cork and Masefield in Belfast. There were loads of bands in Dublin's Northside, we were from Ballymun \ Finglas. Most bands could play fairly good Lizzy covers or Status Quo or Fleetwood Mac or Stones but there was one band from around the corner who never played covers, everybody said that was because they were crap and couldn't play................wonder where are now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck for now from John a big U2 fan.


Name:  Kathleen Porter
Email: d.mcquade3@ntlworld.com
Date:  23 Mar 2006

Comments: I remember the Jay Byrne Band very well, at times my two brothers John and George porter played along side them and they were brilliant.

Answer: Thanks Kathleen, we appreciate your comments, do your brothers still play?


Name:  Idoia Leonardo
Email: idoia@eurondas.com
Date:  21 Mar 2006

Comments: I was an au-pair in Ireland and had the pleasure to mind Red Hurley's family. I still keep some very good memories from that time. They're cool people. All my love and kisses to them.

Answer: Thanks Idoia, I hope Red sees this. 


Name:  Rose McCormack
Email: rhmccormack@eircom.net
Date:  18 Mar 2006

Comments: Hi there. I was wondering if you could tell me where I could possibly get a copy of You Are No Angel either Shaun O'Dowd and Ding A Ling or any other artist that sang it. I would really appreciate it as my mother has been searching for it for the last two years and I wanted to give it to her next week as a surprise for Mothers Day. Thank you very Much P.S I live in Navan so any surrounding areas or if you know f anyone else who sang the song  I'd appreciate it

Answer: Thanks for the message, Rose, and for Music Wanted, the best place for answers is our Free Forum. 


Name:  Jose Vasquez
Email: josechileno9@yahoo.ca
Date:  17 Mar 2006

Comments: Today is March 17th, 2006 St. Paddy's Day.  Well I just like to say that I have been fortunate to be a part of great family, the Fagans.  Sean Fagan Junior, son of Sean Fagan of The Pacific Show band has been my best friend for my entire life and his father like my second father and his mother like second mother.  Since I meet the Fagans back in my early grade school day's, I have taken part in many St. Paddy's day celebration with Sean Fagan Senior and the rest of the family. I would like to take this opportunity to say "Happy St. Paddy's Dad and all the best. and for of the Irish out there "long live the Irish." To the creators of this web page great job and thanks for keeping the show bands going.


Name:  Stephen Higgins
Email: turbohiggins@hotmail.co.uk
Date:  16 Mar 2006

Comments: very enjoyable blast from the past. hope all is well, the years change us .


Name: Romany Calypso
Email: calypsogypsy@btinternet.com
Date: 13 Mar 2006

Comments: The keeper of the Stars' is very beautiful and it is my first time hearing Red Hurley sing or the mention of his name. Good luck Irishman.


Name: peter mcauley
Email: petermcauley@aol.com
Date: 11 Mar 2006

Comments: Thi there its nice to see someone who is keeping the show band seen alive and is good to bring some old memories back of the good old days when i played fiddle in American Express


Name: hhelengreene
Email: jonel@blueyonder.com
Date: 11 Mar 2006

Comments

Barleycorn


Name: TED REID
Email: EDWARDREID9@AOL.COM
Date: 11 Mar 2006

Comments

SUPER JOB TO HAVE STUMBLED ON YOUR SITE I PLAYED PEDAL STEEL WITH THE COTTONS 74 THROUGH 75 WHILE GERRY TOOK TIME OFF TO GET MARRIED LOST TOUCH WITH THE LADS TONY; MICK, PHILIP DUFFY - LEAD, DON SHERRY - BASS, CHRIS COLUM - DRUMS AND DES SADLY MISSED RIP


Name: christy kiely
Email: kcjkiely@aol.com
Date: 10 Mar 2006

Comments

hi there, i think your web site is bril,there is so much info on RED HURLEY and the 70's. I am a big fan of RED and he get better as the years go on. WELL DONE. CHRISTY


Name: louis reid
Email: louisreid77@aol.com
Date: 09 Mar 2006

Comments

Back in the sixties, I was painting in the Dunlop Rubber Co. I came down from Dublin in my Ford van and stayed in Gillabbey St and went to the dance on Saturday night. That was the first time, but not the last, for every time the Dixielanders were on, I was there with my friend, Joe. I can remember the night the Clipper Carlton drummer and the Dixielander drummer played solos and then together....what a night that was! Louis Reid.


Name: fergus mc elligott
Email: fergiemcelligott@hotmail.com
Date: 08 Mar 2006

Comments

Hi, I am one of the showband boys. Can you help me to join the chat club. Best of luck from fergie.dk

Reply: An email is on its way.


Name: Edilberto Alonso
Email: curtispower@hotamil.com
Date: 08 Mar 2006

Comments

Hello, in relation with the picture of " Galway Conquerors" the drummer is Shay Spain from Toomevara -Co. Tipp. Regards. Eddie.

Answer: Hi Eddie, thanks for the info, our records have been updated!


Name: leo heneghan
Email: leoandpam@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 08 Mar 2006

Comments

nice to see all the old names of showbands.would like to see all that music back again,


Name: KATHLEEN FARRELL
Email: KATHLEAF@EIRCOM.NET
Date: 07 Mar 2006

Comments

WHEN IS DICKIES NEW CD DUE OUT. I HAVE ROHAN COLLINS PLAY THE ODD SONG FROM IT


Name: ernie durkin
Email: ashejd48@aol.com
Date: 07 Mar 2006

Comments

great to see all my old bands and that ireiand is the heart of the music


Name: Liam Farrell
Email: liam@haroldpark.com.au
Date: 06 Mar 2006

Comments

Enjoyed the site. Really Great. Just one thing in one of the Airchords photos you have Myles Mooney as RIP. He is alive and well and living in Sydney Australia.


Name: TRISHA WINGFIRLD
Email: trisha.wingfield@ntlworld.com
Date: 05 Mar 2006

Comments

hi my name is trisha wingfield formely,teresa lynch im a cousin of sandy kelly and would like to know if she has a web site, also i was told she was writing a book . i would like to know the name and where to buy it if its true . all the best to sandy my love to all the family . trisha


Name: Sandy Cannon
Email: shiny_cannon@yahoo.com
Date: 05 Mar 2006

Comments

Hi, I was once (a very long time ago) a girlfriend of Mickey O'Neill, the drummer in the Big 8 showband. I just ran across your page and thought I'd say to whomever remembers me. My life in Ireland with the O'Neill family was the best time of my life. Thanks Ireland.


Name: Alec McKerral
Email: mckerral109@btinternet.com
Date: 04 Mar 2006

Comments

I, WAS INDEED INVOLVED A LOT WITH SHOWBANDS IN IRELAND AND iSCOTLAND, AND THAT WAS THE MOST HAPPIEST TIME OF MY LIFE 60' AND 70'. yes many memorys are still with me, the kids of will never know what missed, so my young freinds go out buy what you missed. heres shobands, i beleive those bands will be back. yours allie, scotland.


Name: SHIVONN
Email: ANTHONYL2-4@MSN.COM
Date: 28 Feb 2006

Comments

Great to see this site & had a blast telling friends about it too .Great to see the update on many people I used to know from the assorted showband & rock band & folk scenes. I have to say ya cant beat the Cotton Mill Boy's Gerry Madigan & of course all the groups like Skid Row & Thin Lizzy too Van the Man & so many more . The folk scene was terrific too & still is. & sure U2 are laughing all the way to the bank too . I know RTE did some research on a forgotten band called The Movement maybe I missed it but did anyone give them a mention on this site. Did RTE finish the research yet? I think there was program on the telly . wilson pickett would have been proud of them . all the best from the USA.


Name: Jim Moss
Email: liscarroll@gmail.com
Date: 26 Feb 2006

Comments

I have an LP recorded in NYC in the 1960's by Johnny Butler Sr. (THE JOHNNY BUTLER DANCE BAND). and his son. The record jacket contains a nice bio and several pics.. Will be happy to scan the jacket and email the data to you if you have an interest in Johnny Butler Sr.


Name: Declan Kelly
Email: declando@btinternet.com
Date: 26 Feb 2006

Comments

Hi my name is Declan Kelly (Great grandson of Pat Ely) i am trying to make a website for my uncle Pat but there is a problem i cant find any photos anymore, the only photos available are the ones on this website. but of course all the photos are copywright protected. so if anyone has any photos at all of him please email them to me at the email address above, i would be very thankful


Name: Helen Keaveney
Email: helenkeavney@gmail.com
Date: 26 Feb 2006

Comments

Hi there, delighted to read about the the Esker Ballroom in Glenamaddy. Great times! Beannacht libh.


Name: Mary Boyd nee Murphy
Email: mgmboyd@ntlworld.com
Date: 25 Feb 2006

Comments

This is a very interesting and well laid out website. It was great to read about my late father Matt Murphy, a founder member of the John O'Neill branch of the Irish National Foresters in Hilltown. It is nice to know that people and places like this are fondly remembered. Thank you.


Name: Mike Niblett
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 25 Feb 2006

Comments

For Brendan McCarthy, Steve now plays with Johnny Fean(Horslips) you will find a link to their website at this url www.aftershock-the-band.com/page3.html Mike Niblett.


Name: John Burke
Email: johnburke93@hotmail.com
Date: 24 Feb 2006

Comments

Hi. My name is John Burke.....Eldest son of Mossie Burke (Kingdom Showband Trallee) A real treat to see this site!! Well done....Thanks to my dear sister Eileen Harkin for posting the picture of our fathers great Kingdom Band. Does anyone out there have any more info about our fathers band? Or evan better, maybe some pictures? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!


Name: brendan from cappamore
Email: justmac@eircom.net
Date: 24 Feb 2006

Comments

Does anyone know where various members of the cowboys showband are now.i.e gay Braqil, gerry walsh, they were a great attraction in the star ballroom cappamore in the 70 s, and where is steve travers is now, he also played with the cowboys and subsequently a band called Tweed and the miami showband. Brendan mc carthy


Name: EILEEN BRADY
Email: fam.brady@btopenworld.com
Date: 24 Feb 2006

Comments

I HAVE LOVED HUGO's music since the age of 12 and will continue to do so til i am no more love you huo god bless xoxo


Name: pat trainor
Email: pattrainor@aol.com
Date: 23 Feb 2006

Comments

Just an old Freshman fan for 35 years.


Name: SEAN MAC DONNCHADHDA
Email: shaney jrt.@blueyonder.co.uk
Date: 23 Feb 2006

Comments

great site thought i would point out, granard is situated in co longford, not co offaly


Name: Frank Curran.
Email: frankcurran@eircom.net
Date: 22 Feb 2006

Comments

I was the first 'Roadie' (Driver in those days) with the Capitol. I knew Des and Johnny in Galway before we all came to Dublin. I met Butch's sister Marie in 1961. We married in 1963 and we still live 'Happily ever after' I can add a few more records to your list if you like, and I have a good selection of photographs taken at the reunion gig at the Braemor Rooms. Frank Curran.


Name: pete kinsey
Email: pete@kinsey1951.fsworld.co.uk
Date: 22 Feb 2006

Comments

I was so sad to hear of the demolition of the National Ballroom in Dubln,it was the shrine of the showbands,it was where I saw my first showband,Top League.Saw some good ones there,but with New Blues being my fav band,will always remember seeing them there, In Carole Wallace, one of the best singers anywhere,great voice,nice lady,superb band.There was always that gaggle of media people,band managers,fellow musicians and father d'arcy near the mineral bar.Well it might have gone,but you can't take away those memories can you?


Name: kellie fogarty
Email: kelliekel101@hotmail.com
Date: 21 Feb 2006

Comments

hi from all at the Irish Centre Manchester


Name: Duke Colgan
Email: declancolgan356@msn.com
Date: 20 Feb 2006

Comments

Message for Erin Ponsonby Hi Erin you won't know me but I was in the rascals with Ted, Billy and Pat in the seventies. I am trying very hard to get hold of Ted, Billy too actually, and if you could possibly tell him and give him my e-mail address or send me one for him via MY address i would greatly appreciate it, I hope you see this, best of luck Duke colgan


Name: rory
Email: roryriptide@aol.com
Date: 20 Feb 2006

Comments

showbands rock.....


Name: jeanette burch
Email: jeanetteburch@yahoo.co.uk
Date: 18 Feb 2006

Comments

LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT SAMMY BARR'S GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC IN N IRELAND. WHAT A WONDERFUL PROMOTER!


Name: Lynne Hamilton
Email: lynnejoshua@hotmail.co.uk
Date: 17 Feb 2006

Comments

Hey, this is the correct email address, feel free to get in touch as I have some photo's of the Kerry Blues which aren't on the website.


Name: Elroy Hooijman
Email: elroy_hooijman@hotmail.com
Date: 17 Feb 2006

Comments

My question is when do you come to holland again,to Millingen aan de rijn? Your band/music is always fantastic , great , rock on!!! I hope Big Generator will come soon again to Millingen aan de rijn in Holland!!! Greetings Elroy and good luck with the band


Name: Stephen Price
Email: sprice@xilinx.com
Date: 17 Feb 2006

Comments

Cool suits lads...........


Name: Lynne Hamilton
Email: lynnejoshua@hotmail.co.uk
Date: 17 Feb 2006

Comments

Re the Kerry Blues. John Curtin is D.J. Curtin's brother. Alfie Curtin another brother is also in the photo as are Johnny Wall, Bernie Griffin, Tommy Griffith and Tommy O'Connor. They were a great band and I got to know them when they stopped to help out at a car accident outside Newry in 1968. Does any one know what they are doing now.

Hi Lynne...please contact us again as we would love to learn more....and thanks for stopping by.


Name: Sean Thompson
Email: seanthompson01@eircom.net
Date: 17 Feb 2006

Comments

Good Afternoon, My son who is working over the UK, just e-mailed your site link and told me to click on. I was very suprised to see a Photo of the Sean Thompson & The Everglades looking back at me. I have some old scrapbooks and photos that I would be happy to let you borrow. Sean Thompson ex Lead Singer Everglades. I left the Everglades in 1994 and went to the UK where I was lead singer with the 10 piece band in the Forum Irish Club Kentish Town London, I was there for 4 years then went on to resident band in Galtemore in Cricklewood, when I left I put together a 4 piece country band Delta Dawn played clubs and Pubs all around London. Delta Dawn broke up after 4 years and I then joined up with the well known Kiern Kelly who had a number of top cheile bands in the 50's & 60's in Ireland. Kierns band would have been responsible for giving people like Foster and Allen and Brendan Shine there first taste of the music scene. I stayed with Kiern as a 2 piece and we played pubs and all the Catholic clubs around London. I was working during the day for a large uk retail chain and was with them for nearly 20 years where I managed a number of their biggest stores in Oxford St London. I returned to Ireland 1988 as I was promoted to heading up the Irish Chain of the Uk company ( footwear retailing, stores like Hush Puppies, Saxone, Dolcis Etc) I stopped singing when I returned to Ireland mainly due to the New Job as I was responsible for over 60 stores so the music took a back seat for the next 8 years. I was with the Shoe Company until 1996 when we were all made redundent as the Company pulled out of Ireland. I then joined Argos as their Area Manager for Ireland and have been with them for the last 9 yerars. In the last 6 months I have go back into playing I have my own One Man Band playing around the Kildare Area. I had no idea how much I missed the music until I got back into it. Hope youn find this of Interest. Take Care - Sean Thompson


Name: Yvonne Spencer
Email: spence5us@yahoo.com
Date: 16 Feb 2006

Comments

Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy looking up this site. I use to sing with Boys and Girls and Poteen. My brother had a band called the Sierra and my other brother was in the Hoot'nanny's , Johnny McEvoy and now Danial O'Donnell. It is great to look back at all of this it has such good memories. Thanks


Name: Erin Ponsonby
Email: ponsonbelly@gmail.com
Date: 14 Feb 2006

Comments

I loved all the pictures of my uncles and relatives! Was a great laugh! Ted's still an ugly SOB!


Name: Noel Cavanagh
Email: noel_cavanagh@hotmail.com
Date: 12 Feb 2006

Comments

Hi .I just came accross your web Site and find it fantastic, I was a Member of the Imperial Imps Showband we were based in Lucan in Co Dublin I played Trombone with the Band and still play a bit around , if you would like more info on the Imps please let me know, Many Thanks for your great Site, Noel Cavanagh


Name: joan
Email: joan curtin "2"@hotmail.com
Date: 12 Feb 2006

Comments

Seen Brendan Bowyer in Waterford in January 2006 his performance and powerful voice is better than ever.Long may he keep going.


Name: Chrissie Patterson
Email: chrissie1@alice.it
Date: 07 Feb 2006

Comments

Wonderful site! Thanks for the pics that bring back many happy memories from the late 60's and early 70's. I got to know some of the guys from the bands when they stayed with my parents whilst in London. Often they would take me with them to the gigs and I had a ball!!


Name: Mike Niblett.
Email: mchlniblett@aol.com
Date: 05 Feb 2006

Comments

In answer to Adrian Vare's query,Patricia Gratton is doing very well in the U.S. She has been there about ten years now.


Name: TP Mc Loughlin
Email: eshaness@eircom.net
Date: 04 Feb 2006

Comments

Just a comment on the Skid Row photo from 1968.Noel Bridgeman is not in the photo.The members are from left to right Brush Shiels Gary Moore Robbie Brennan and finally Phil Lynott.It was this lineup that recorded their first single New Faces Old Places / Felicity on the Song SO 0002 label back in 69. TP


Name: Mickey Cosgrove
Email: micknmac @eircom.net
Date: 04 Feb 2006

Comments


Name: adrian vare
Email: adrianvare@btinternet.com
Date: 02 Feb 2006

Comments

what happend to Patrica Gratton from the Hilton showband


Name: A L RABBETT
Email: alrabbett@aol.com
Date: 02 Feb 2006

Comments

wonderful lists all forgotten stars


Name: daniel campbell
Email: shuggie15@yahoo.com
Date: 31 Jan 2006

Comments

love big tom have been living in the usa for 20 year have not head big tom for so long


Name: Gordon Styler
Email: gstyler@pdqnet.com
Date: 31 Jan 2006

Comments

Your site is great! Keep up the good work! I myself am a fan of the Royal Showband Waterford. I even have a copy of the radio special the BBC did on the band some years ago. Thank you for providing such a marvelous resource.


Name: Sérgio Eduardo
Email: exterminador.speed@gmail.com
Date: 30 Jan 2006

Comments

I'm a brazilian!!! Love U2 the music the spirit the band. Long life U2.


Name: brian mcateeer
Email: brianmcateer1@yahoo.com
Date: 30 Jan 2006

Comments

Hi gang! Very pleasantly surprised to see "Blackthorn" featured on your site. The band is still going strong, though with line up changes. But!! you've listed us as a Dublin band. The Management was always based in Dublin, but we're from Belfast. Best of luck! Brian McAteer Blackthorn


Name: Fergie Mc Elligott
Email: fergie@fergie.dk
Date: 30 Jan 2006

Comments

Hi gang hope alls well and had a good christmass ihad a good one with family in dundalk a few pints of the black stuff with some old band members


Name: diddy
Email: rivermoy@hotmail.co.uk
Date: 29 Jan 2006

Comments

thanks brill site keep up the good work my interest was simple if it was ashowband we would travel the length of mayo and hours to get home again but we were young then so thanks for memoriesmy local bands were jack ruane gb jordon etc bobby mc caffrey to many to list i will pass this site on to my many friends many thanks once again slainte


Name: Sally Patti
Email: sally538@peoplepc.com
Date: 28 Jan 2006

Comments

What a wonderful entertainer you are. I saw you at Sacred Heart Church, S. Plainfield, NJ. My sister, Sister Mary Nadine Boyle, is the principal. I listen to your tapes every day, driving, doing house work (since I am retired), and even before I go to sleep. I have a few of your tapes and am looking to buy more. I even stop the tapes sometimes to write the words to the songs I do not know. I especially love My Forever Friend.


Name: Hayward Strickland
Email: hayward1@ns.sympatico.ca
Date: 28 Jan 2006

Comments

I am trying to find an album or cd by Brendan with the song-----O'Brien Has No Place To Go, but I can,t find it. Your help would be appreciated. Thank You


Name: Gary Matthews
Email: matthews9@btinternet.com
Date: 27 Jan 2006

Comments

Hi there this seems to be the only site that has John Glenn and Mainliners on it. Can you help, I am trying to get hold of an album called "Sunny side of the Mountain" on CD by John Glen and Mainliners but I can't find it anywhere


Name: Gerry taylor
Email: cgtaylor@nbnet.nb.ca
Date: 26 Jan 2006

Comments

Looking for information on Eileen Donaghy, Irish singer from County Tyrone....from the 60's and 70's.


Name: louise[ harkin] rooney
Email: lour1@eircom.net
Date: 26 Jan 2006

Comments

I HAVE ENJOYED LOOKING AT THIS SITE AND I CANT WAIT TO SHOW IT TO MY KIDS,THEY NEVER NEW THER GRANDAD [BRAIN HARKIN]HE DIED BEFORE THEY WERE BORN,SO THIS MEANS ALOT TO ME , THANK YOU LOUISE.


Name: T.O.D.
Email: standingbare@eircom.net
Date: 25 Jan 2006

Comments

Your site is great. I myself was not old enough to be in dancehalls in the days, but I know a lot of the musicians from the bands. Very thoughtful and nostalgic work, obviously a labour of love. I'll be back !!


Name: Martin Sheridan
Email: M.J.D.Sheridan@Bradford.ac.uk
Date: 25 Jan 2006

Comments

Hello, I'll be brief. I have done a little song writing and at present I have a band putting music to four of my songs. I have also written three songs about Ireland and I am looking for an Irish band. Are you interested?

Answer: Hi Martin. Unfortunately the site does not represent or have connection to any bands, therefore we're sorry we can't be of more help in your quest. Good luck though!



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