All the latest news for 2021 on the site and the scene.....

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February 10th, 2021...."Still Going Strong, " New book about Rob Strong by Paul Holland

We received in the mail today a great new book penned by Paul Holland about one of the legends of the showband era, Rob Strong. The "Official Rob Strong Biography" traces his humble beginnings in the Swingtown Camp outside Derry through his early days playing with local groups and his showband debut with the Polka Dots in 1965 and beyond. He went on to join the famous Plattermen country band starring the late Brian Coll in 1967 before heading off on his own, first with Las Vegas and eventually through his own Rob Strong Band. The book is full of stories from the era, as well as personal comments from a diverse group of musicians like Niall Power, Eric Bell and George Jones. Paul has done an excellent job weaving together the details of Rob's illustrious career and personal life with personal anecdotes about Rob from his musical peers from the era. Still going strong today, Rob continues to entertain fans across the country with his unique voice and gutsy blues and rock vocals. If you want to know more about one of Ireland's most enduring and talented entertainers, the book is a must read. For more info check out Amazon.com

January 23rd, 2021...Death of Joe Mulcahy (Maurice Mulcahy Band)

Sad news today from community member John Harrold that Joe Mulcahy, brother f the late Maurice Mulcahy has passed away. More to come

January 2nd, 2021...Death of Liam Reilly (Bagatelle)

Sad news today from Teddie Palmer that Liam Reilly has passed away suddenly aged 65. Lead singer and songwriter, Liam was the driving force behind Bagatelle's meteoric rise to success in the late 1970's. He penned and sang hits like "Second Violin" and "Summer in Dublin" as the band ushered in a new age when Irish groups could make it big and remain at home, rather than going off to London as so many bands did in the 1960s and early 1970s. Over the years, Bagatelle would come and go, touring on and off up until very recently when original guitarist John O'Brien passed away in April, 2019. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his family, friends and fans around the world.