Destination IRELAND

Francis K. Beirne recalls some of the musicians who came to this country to pursue their dream

 

During the 1950’s and 60’s, it was common that young Irish men and women had to emigrate to find work. Many of them settled in countries such as England and the U.S.A., married and raised families. On the other hand, quite a few singers and musicians moved to Ireland to earn a living as a member of an Irish showband.

Roly Daniels for example, moved from London to Dublin and joined the Memphis Showband, later teaming up with Jim Farley and subsequently with the Nevada Showband. He has released many records including his big hit single, ‘Hello Darling’ which is still played on radio to this day. Born in India, Roly still lives in Ireland.

Born in South Africa, Gene Chetty (born Dushy Chetty), came to Ireland to study law in Trinity College. Bitten by the showband bug, he auditioned for the position of vocalist with a new band being formed by members of The Skyrockets, Enniskillen. He got the job and so ended his studies. The band was named Gene & the Gents. He now resides in England.

To the same showband came English guitarist Pete Cresswell who filled the shoes of the great Henry McCullough when Henry moved on to the rock scene. Another South African, Laurie Hartz, came to Dublin in the seventies and joined the Nevada Showband.

Ricky Valance, a Welsh singer (born David Spencer) had a British No. 1 chart-topper with the car-crash song, ‘Tell Laura I Love Her’ in 1960. By 1966, his star was in the wane and he moved to Dublin where he joined The Chessmen as lead singer. It didn’t work out though and within a year he had been replaced by Mike Munro (born Michael Mullen).

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own