Stuart Cooper: Is this going to be a TV interview?

       Francis K. B: It's a documentary in two parts. Part 1 is on tonight. I'm sure that it includes various interviews.

Joe McCadden (manager of various bands): Very good review Francis. There were a few on the show whom I would question what they knew about showbands but maybe the producers thought they needed 'credible' faces visually, whatever that means . Maurice Cassidy is one I thought would have been good, a very articulate speaker, managed the Clipper Carlton at their peak and also managed Tony Kenny and the Sands. I know how hard he worked to bring them to the top with hit records Candida and Knock Three Times at a time when most bands who tried to make it on their own after parting with a big named lead singer, never reached the heights of their original band. Examples Big Tom and the Mainliners / The Travelers, Joe Dolan and the Drifters / Times. Brendan Bowyer, Tom Dunphy and the Big 8 / New Royal (with many new lead singers). For a few years in the early 70's, the Sands were ahead of Dickie's new Miami in drawing power. Maybe Maurice and others were asked and refused to go on the show?

     Francis (founder: irishshowbands.net): That we might not ever know Joe. Were you approached? They bought two books from me but it looks like they only looked at the pictures! 

     Joe McCadden: No, I wasn't but with all due respect to Tony Brown, I thought with your website, your Mineral Bar page, your book and obvious knowledge of the business, you were the standout person to represent those who are still passionate about the Showband era.

     Francis: Ah well, it didn't happen though the producer was fully aware since he bought the books.

     Joe McCadden: And being a former musician and manager.....the full package in one. It's hard to understand how some production companies do their research.

Peter Lydon: A mixed bag of showband memories it's hard to believe that a lot of the showband singers are still around to talk about the good times but can anyone tell me why isn't there more there more about Ireland showband years it's only a documentary I know that rte television have archives of the clips that were showed why don't they do a celebration of the Irish showbands like one week Dickie rock music with less chat and more music I think the best of the showbands documentary was the first one good night god bless and safe home and it would also be great to give a full half hour of the showband hand outs photos.

Jim Harte (original Miami): Have not seen the documentary but now not sure if I should. Will there be more?

     Francis K. Beirne: Part 2 next week. Watch it and make your own judgement. I'm just a grumpy old writer.

Declan Kennedy (Philosophers): Yet another badly researched puff piece by someone who knows nothing about the subject .. Next week: Big Tom on the credibility of punk.

Patsy Brichta (Exciters/Paddywagon): Francis! Spot on, as usual. Thank you for keeping the record straight.

Michael O'Hara (Crackaways): What about Ben Dolan ?

       Francis K. Beirne: Ignored. Maybe Part 2 but I doubt it.

Michael Dineen: There is another way of looking at it. If every surviving showband entertainer was on the programme it would have been great. Sadly, in another way it was an impossible task.

       Francis K. Beirne (author - 'From Tango To Twist'): Everyone couldn't have been there - just pick any 10 from the list.

Johnny Campbell (Trend): Quite a number of the interviewees are no longer with us and we were given far too much recycled footage. When I see Niall Stokes and Bob Geldof on a program, I know it’s time to reach for the zapper.

Ted Carroll (band manager): I managed one of the first top Irish groups ~ The Caravelles / Greenbeats ~ in 1961/62 /63, later I managed 'Skid Row', also Thin Lizzy & Mellow Candle [Oh, I forgot also Rockhouse and The Uptown Band]. From 1959 to 1965, I went to see all of the top showbands, except The Dixies, who I somehow managed to miss, despite the fact that they probably made more great records than ANY other showband! I loved showbands, saw my favourites, The Royal, Johnny Quigley All Stars, The Clippers and The Capitol at least 6 times, also Joe Dolan & The Drifters, Kerry Blues, Freshmen, Blue Aces, Jack Ruane, Miami, Jim Farley, Cadets, Johnny Flynn, Young Shadows, Donie Collins, Chris Lamb, Airchords, Hilton, Greenbeats Showband, Swingtime Aces, Magnificent Seven, Pacific, Donie Collins, Witnesses, Mighty Avons, Chessmen, Crickets, Black Aces, Blue Clavons (with Dickie Rock), Kings, Earl Gill, Gene & The Gents, Maurice Lynch, Melody Aces, Plattermen, Premier Aces, Regal, Skyrockets (with Henry McCullough), Vanguard Six. There may have been some others, but in my opinion all of these were excellent bands, that provided first class entertainment every time they played. These bands were the main entertainment for young people, especially in the provinces. There was little popular music on Radio Eireann, Telefis Eireann, did not start until 1962 and only people on the East Coast & the North could get BBC TV & ITV.

Alan James Carr (Heather & The Pines, Stage 2): I haven’t seen it yet, but from what I am reading here it seems like it is not worth watching. Was there any mention of all the showband heads that emigrated from the era, were any of those people even approached? I’ll see if I can stream it online somewhere.

       Norman Bissett (Silhouettes): Alan James Carr It is pitiful. Didn’t even finish it. Hopefully someone will come out with some decent coverage and do justice to the guys, including me, who performed in that era. IT WAS SHEER MAGIC!

       Paddy Kierans (links to Flying Carlton): Alan James Carr I turned it off after 10 mins

Mark Lynch:  Watching Ballroom Blitz on RTE Player now. The great Brendan O'Brien's daughter Aideen is very honest about the alcohol addiction her father suffered. Not to put a dampener on a great documentary but something I'm sure a lot of the stresses and family strains lead to with life on the road in those days.

       Mike Ahern (Regal and Arrivals): It would take a book to tell that story Gerard, there was always drink, before, during, and after the gigs. It was part and parcel of music. I was like you and didn't partake but being the odd man out one didn't get to call the shots (pardon the pun). We were on the road and we did have rules but not always heeded.

       Des Hickey (Airchords, Wheels, Stage 2): Mike Ahern I was married with a young daughter during my time with Stage 2 and can recall waiting for hours to get home while there was a drinking session going on. Eventually I joined in and when I did a gig on Sunday and didn't get home until Tuesday I knew that it was time to leave. The band was popular, and deservedly so. We once did 35 nights in a row. Imagine 5 weeks away from home at a time before mobile phones, debit cards or online cash transfers. My poor wife ended up eating baby food while I had a pocket full of cash. Luckily my family lived near our flat and helped out. Crazy times indeed.

       John O'Regan (radio presenter): The answer to your question as to why were members of Horslips Mushroom and Bob Geldof includes was twofold. Firstly they all played the ballrooms. Horslips were regulars on the ballroom circuit and managed by Jim Slye, Mushroom were later managed by Tom Costello organisation and played ballrooms as did The Boomtown Rats on the first Falling Asunder Tour in 1976 with Nightbus and Cheap Thrills. Secondly Aonghus McAnally played the ballrooms again as part of Starband between 1978 and 1980 with Des Lee, Adrian Mullen, Ray Millar, Stephen Travers and Dee McMahon and later Liz Allen. He later led his own band Crackers with Stephen Travers which became The Crack.

       Francis K. B: Yes. In what year/s? Brendan Bowyer once said that the era was in decline from 1965.

       John O'Regan: Horslips played the ballrooms from 76 onwards also Mushroom would have played them in 73/74 and Starbands first line up was going from 78 to 79 and the next line up in 1980.

       Francis K. Beirne: I'm well aware of those facts John O'Regan. The showbands/ballrooms' era started in the late 1950s and faded away in the early to mid-1970s. Hundreds of musicians and managers from that golden era are still alive and well - were they approached?

       John O'Regan: good question which I dont know depends on who was researching this show and who they asked for information and contacts.

       Francis K. Beirne: Well, though they bought two of my books, they didn't ask me!

Jimmy Sharpe: Geldoff made it very clear he didn’t like the Showbands

       Michael Dineen (collector/historian): That's old news at this stage. He shouldn't have been there at all. He was just there to create an argument. He can say what he likes to though. The showband era did exist. It was mighty ' and is still being remembered.

       Francis K. Beirne: In a way, I'm happy that Geldof was included. He made a complete ass of himself with his head in his hands (despair?) at the end. Adam Clayton pointed the finger at him.

       Jimmy Sharpe: Geldof doesn’t like LIFE!!! 1d Reply

Reuben Jake: Why was a glam rock song - Ballroom Blitz - by an English pop group with no connection to the showbands used? Would have been great to hear the music the showbands created. There's definitely a more accurate, more encompassing documentary to be made about the showband era. Sadly so many from that era are no longer with us.

       Francis K. Beirne: True but there are still many of the musicians alive and well - they weren't asked.

Francis K. Beirne: Feel free to agree or disagree with any or all of the points in my subjective review. As John O'Regan does.

Jimmy Fitzgerald: Terrible documentary in my opinion, two things, maybe I'm wrong about the first one, it said Jimmy Swarbrigg was in The Sands when the girls were trying to pull his clothes off, the second one I'm not wrong about, it said Michael Coppinger voice when in fact it was Eddie Sullivan.

       Francis K. Beirne:  . . . and a still photo of The Miami onstage to the soundtrack of 'Papa Oom Mow Mow'.

Michael Dineen: The fifth segment of the article ' is bang on. It is also a shame' that they didn't travel to make the programme. There are plenty people who have collected memorabilia' and are still collecting it. They would have something to offer' such as why they they started collecting why are they doing what they do' and what will happen to the material in the future. I'd love to be approached and talk about what I know' regarding the showband era. I could tell them plenty. I don't think the programme was a disaster' in the true sense of the word. It was badly researched l'll admit' but It might strike up another interest in the showband era. R.T.E should stay away from Geldof ' when these programmes are being made. His rants about that era' are now a joke. He hasn't a clue ' what real music is. They should also have debated the showband era' up against today's scene. It would be great ' to hear someone outlining all the different aspects of it.

Jim Milner: There were 28 different showbands playing out of Derry at one stage, anybody remember the great tenor sax player in the Magnificent Seven? Good to see Hugo Quinn last night on the trumpet showband royalty, why doesn't somebody the

Norman Bissett: The programme was utter crap! What a letdown. Why didn’t he stick to people involved with the band? What an absolute joke!

Leo Nolan: Totally agree Francis, i think that if someone was watching it that was knew to Showbands they would come out thinking people were grasping at straws for entertainment and then good music came along so the bands didn't last and then punk was all the rage. Silly!

Leo Nolan: I was very suprised at "Ballroom Blitz" last night, ne'er a mention of The Melody Aces which should have really got the spotlight - no pun intended.

       Tony Mulvany: Another episode to go people, don’t get excited too early. Shows not over.

       Francis K.B: As long as Butch Moore was featured Tony.

       Jimmy Sharpe: The Skyrockets from Enniskillen were not mentioned either they played 6 or 7 nights a week & toured Britain with Bride Gallagher & also appeared on the London Palladium, very big shows at the time.

John Sheehan: Yes Brendan you're right it was Anthony and Paddy. I have the photo in my collection.

        Jet Calders (Hi-Lows): You're right Tony whoever put it together knew nothing about the show bands. all these guys talk about are the same bands on every platform. Biggest hall fillers around the country were Big Tom, Larry Cunningham, the Melody Aces I could go on but my finger is getting tired.

       John Sheehan Poor show. Not a word about the Maurice Mulcahy Orchestra - one of the best.

       Brendan Cahill: True words John. Did you see the photo of the Mick Del band ? I'm sure Anthony Wiley, saxophone (ex Jimmy Wiley Orchestra) was at the start of the line, Paddy Byrne was there also.

Seamie McIntyre: Who ever put that programme together hadn't a clue. I think it would take a month to show all the great bands and singers.

Pat Grimes: One error in the show where is stated that Jimmy Swarbrigg was with the Sands Showband.

        Jim Milner: Don't forget Leitrim, I know they had the great Larry Cunningham song but there was also a great band from there anybody remember Jimmy Shivnan and The Savoy Swing Seven? LEITRIM was also famous for the the shocking story of Jimmy Gralton who was I think the first man deported from the Republic, apparentely his alleged crime was running a dancehall.

       Gerard Neary: What about tweed brush sheils memories horslips not every body liked boring county music

       Leo Nolan: Gerard Neary no need bring down the Country singers now.

       Francis K. B: I don't recall seeing many country singers - see the minute by minute breakdown below.

Michael O'Hara: What about Joe Dolan and The Drifters - one of the most travelled and lasting showbands of all? Also Tommy Drennan and The Monarchs.

       Tony Finlay: Jet what about Hi Lows Mighty Avon’s Mainliners.

       Ann Kay: What no mention of Margo, Philomena Begley, Muriel Day, Eileen King? That's just a few that come to mind.

Gus Murphy: Geldof is a nobb.

Paddy McSherry (Hilton, Majestic):  Very disappointed with the show last nite. every time Rte do a Showband documentary they neglect to use showband from the North. They only spoke to Derek Dean, no mention and video footage of Billy Brown and Freshmen. They could have spoken to Pat Chesters about Clipper Carlton and Plattermen and also Melody Aces who were playing 7 nites a week before The Royal came along they were big crowd pullers when I was growing up . Also what was that prat Bob Geldof doing slagging off the bands wearing stage suits, he always looks scruffy when on TV also some musicians that were interviewed played in folk groups and rock groups. I think if you want to get correct information about the showband from 1958 to present you need to talk to someone who experienced it in a showband someone like Pat Chesters or Ray Moore. There was a lot of great Showbands they could have featured in the North like Plattermen, Johnny Quigley All Stars, Billy Brown and Freshmen, etc having said that it was nice to feature Dickie Rock, Cadets and Dixies. Just my opinion.

Gerard Neary: Show bands were lively and entertaining not like country bands.

Jet Calders: IT was bad as usual they think all the showbands were from Dublin and Belfast. those people talking were not really showband.

Tom Bustin: No mention of the Late Brian Coll or Gene Stewart, Big Tom. So disappointing .

Stuart Cooper: Only the freshmen covered in this what about the Hilton one of the finest vocal teams in the whole of Ireland, Ricky Patricia and Peadar; three top brass men and a powerful rhythm section? I never heard any other band ripping the place apart with songs like Love Story (where do I begin), Climb Every Mountain, Tom Jones and Sinatra numbers and all the latest chart hits along with a mixture of country/Irish. They lasted 45 years on the road!

Norman Bissett: Stuart Cooper, What about Quigley, Glover, The Silhouettes, The Melody Aces, the Platters, the Polka Dots, the Skyrockets, Gay McIntyre, Gene and the Gents and lots more? And these are all Northern bands. What about Farley, Johnny Flynn, the Pacific, The Victors, the Premier Aces? If only Clayton had asked around.

Leo Nolan: I believe that they should have focused on the smaller bands simply because if they don't it makes the scene look like everyone was copying Miami or Royal whereas that wasn't the case.

Alec Cowan: Ok, a few errors maybe, but so what, coming from a showband background it was great just to be reminded of what it was like, warts and all.

       Francis K. Beirne: No Billy Browne? No Johnny Quigley? No Dave Glover? No 1964 'Showband Show'? No 'Like Now'? No 'Go 2 Show'? No Blue Aces? No Pacific? No Chessmen? No Plattermen? No Tommy Drennan? No Johnny Flynn? No Kerry Blues? Too many warts for me.

       Paddy McSherry: Totally agree Francis real cock-up.

       Mike Ahern: The '63 and '64 TV Showband Shows were recorded over Francis, the tapes were reused to save money.

Michael Dineen: It is great' that the documentary was done. It might help the memories' of that era.

Paddy Kierans: Dad's first band, Flying Carlton, Drogheda.

Brendan Kehoe: I thought that many of the guests weren't really showband people.

Neil Cassidy: I haven't seen it yet but it sounds like the €725,000,000 may not have been enough to improve production standards in RTÉ.

Art Teema (Gary Green/Trampas): Was Paul Brady a solo Showband at some stage?

Declan Carroll (Jackhammers/Silkwood): Most of your points registered with me Francis, particularly members of Horslips, Mushroom, Stocktons Wing etc. I never recall the likes of the Miami, Capital, Cadets, Royal etc being mentioned in Hot Press, so why Niall Stokes? As you've pointed out, there were definitely more suitable and more informed people who could have been interviewed. As regards the Clippers, I'll take your word (I was too young!)

Anthony Murphy: Geldof is a total TWAT.

       Michael Dineen: Geldof is often known as "Gob" Geldof or "Bob The Gob" because of his fiery hot-tempered outspoken views on music.

       Francis K. Beirne: A friend of mine always calls him Bob Jeldof - don't know where the soft G comes from but he believes that we're all wrong.

Michael Dineen: I'm shocked at Adam Clayton's respect for the showband era. As for Geldof, his ranting about them is now a joke.

Ted Carroll (manager of various bands): Fair play to Adam for being involved in this show and his U2 fame has attracted much attention, however, he never actually saw a REAL showband play at a dance. He is too young to have experienced the excitement created by the great showbands in the late fifties and early sixties. It was becoming diluted by the mid-sixties.

       Francis K. Beirne: The producer of Ballroom Blitz is quoted as saying "I know my music". What music would that be, I wonder?

Stephen Travers (bassist): The second part of Adam Clayton's excellent ’Ballroom Blitz’ documentary will air on RTÉ TV on Wednesday, December 4th, at 9:35 p.m. Part 2 explores the decline of Ireland's showband phenomenon during which more Irish musicians were in full time employment than ever before or since.

       Shay Martin: Slagged Ireland from ivory tower in UK.

       Gus Murphy: Hopefully without Geldof the nobb.

Robin Lavery (Chips): A song for Bob - "Tell me why, I don't like Geldof; tell me why, I don't like Geldof"

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