Easily the most comprehensive coverage of the Showband era that I’ve ever seen or read! The work that has gone into this is phenomenal! I had the privilege of being involved in the Showband scene with a couple of bands, and this book covers the lot. I now own copy number 198, personally signed by Francis, and I congratulate him on this magnificent Bible to the Bands.

What a Gem! THE definitive book of the Irish Showband era, and to have been a small part of it has left me honored, humbled, and grateful to you, Francis, for your years of research culminating in “from Tango to Twist”. It’s amazing to read how many showbands there actually were. “Thank You” doesn’t seem adequate, but it’s all I have . . . A LEGACY FOR US ALL

The Bible of Dance Bands & Showbands in 20th Century Ireland. If you think you know most of the bands that played during this era, you don’t. There are photos and line-ups of hundreds of bands you didn’t know existed. The book also contains old adverts for dances and discographies of those who recorded. A treasure trove for those interested in Irish bands. An ideal Christmas gift for the Irish Dance Band / Showband enthusiast in your life.

EAMONN O ‘ REGAN (VERIFIED OWNER) – 22 AUGUST 2024

Francis K. Beirne has written a beautifully produced work on an era that many of us remember with nostalgia. In addition to the big names such as Joe Dolan, Big Tom, Larry Cunningham etc., Francis gives us an exhaustive and interesting profile of hundreds of bands that cris-crossed the Ireland of the period 1950s to 1970s. The text is illustrated with promotional photos of bands and advertisement posters of the era.

 In addition, the author lists personnel, personnel changes, instruments played and managers.  All in all, an amazing chronicle of an era when these bands provided not only entertainment but a necessary social outlet for Irish people North and South and for our diaspora in Britain and in the US. Beautifully produced, From Tango to Twist will make the perfect present. Francis deserves our congratulations for a work of a standard that could only have been achieved following years of research.

It’s a phenomenal book the mind boggles at the amount of information contained within the covers, I danced to Showbands in th middle 60s, I thought a knew a fair bit about the bands, this book proved me wrong, so much still to learn ,price is so reasonable, I have purchased books of my own photos from Facebook etc ,and would have paid between 50 and 80 euros, thanks Francis and all involved in a great publication.