Limerick's rich showband history to be brought to life by talk
Local historian set to turn the clock back to when showbands were the 'go-to' soundtrack for entertainment in Limerick
THE city's rich history of showbands and dancebands is the subject of Limerick Historical Society’s monthly lecture this Friday night.
St Saviour’s Community Hall at Edward Street in the city centre, will play host to the free event, which gets under way at 8pm.
The lecture will be given by local historian Tony Browne, with the venue opposite the road to the home of renowned Limerick group, the Boherbuoy Band.
He will take the audience on a journey back to the 1960s when showbands and dancebands were the ‘go-to’ place for entertainment for Limerick people.
Arguably, the first big dance band in Limerick was The Clipper Carlton, who did a 20-minute show in the middle of a dance, generating much excitement.
The spark that lit the flame was the opening of RTE in 1961, which saw the start of programmes like The Showband Show.
Suddenly, the national papers all had dance correspondents.
Then New Spotlight magazine came along and filled the vacuum with a dedicated showbiz magazine.
Some of the early Limerick bands were the Monarchs, who claimed to be Limerick’s first ‘professional’ showband in 1963, featuring vocalist Tommy Drennan.
Other local bands included the Donie Collins Band, the Cavalier Showband, the Gay Friars, Bud Clancy Showband, The Reform and early ‘beat’ groups such as Granny’s Intentions.
All are welcome on the night.
For more information, call 061-228071.