By Seán Darby:
The Crypt were based
in Rathfriland, Co. Down. They appeared on "Like Now" on the then Teilifis Eireann
sometime around 1970. The Crypt recorded a demo disc in Dublin's
Trend Studios featuring two songs, "Monday" and "Jane" mixed and
produced by John Dardis. The late chairman of Shelbourne F.C., Ollie
Byrne managed the band at that time. A previous manager for was
Father Tony Marcellses (Belfast), better known in the band scene as
"The Hoodlum Priest"!
Vocals:
Barry
Manson
Lead Guitar:
Mark Fitzpatrick,
Mick
Loughran
2nd Guitar:
Seán
Darby
Bass:
Bill Wilson
Drums:
George
Elias, Brian
Donaghey
Piano/Organ:
Sax:
Manager:
From
left: Bill Wilson, Brian Donaghey, Barry Manson,
Mick Loughran, Seán Darby.
"My friend Sean Darby and I started
Crypt in Rathfriland Co. Down sometime in 1966. Original members
were Sean Darby, P.J. Darby, Alan Anderson, George Alias, Barry
Manson and Mark Fitzpatrick. Alan left to concentrate on country
music and P.J. decided that he would be happier getting married and
was replaced by Bill Wilson.
The line-up stayed the same until late 1969
when I decided to go to Canada and Mickey Loughran was recruited to
replace me. George later left and was replaced by Brian Donaghy.
Group members decided to go their individual
ways in late 1970. Crypt recorded two songs which were never
released called Monday and Jane. Both can be heard on Irish
Showbands Juke Box page."
by Mark Fitzpatrick (top, front left)
The Crypt was a tight five piece unit
from Rathfriland in Co Down and they played at our school dance in
1969. I have no idea who booked them or how they were allowed
anywhere near the place. The dance was marshalled by a very strict
nun called Sister Mary Malachy and when the band ripped into Whole
lotta Love and I saw the look of horror on her face, I knew
immediately this music was for me. I’ll never forget that moment. It
seemed as if the lead guitar, drums and vocals were vibrating out of
my chest. The thrill and noise of it in such a small space was
unbelievable.
They never played our school again –
Sister Mary Malachy knew a thing or two about the Devil having all
the best tunes – but we travelled to see them in neighbouring towns
and villages. There I was educated about Steppenwolf, Hendrix, the
Cream and Velvet Underground. I think The Crypt split in 1971 but by
1972 I was on my way to London with my school friend Eugene McVeigh.
courtesy of Owen O'Neill -
from 'Tom Joad and Me' - London Pub Rock Scene 1973
We were originally “discovered” by
Maurice Walsh of the Drifters showband when opening for them at the
Castle Ballroom, Banbridge.
Maurice invited us to Dublin and set up
some gigs for us with a view to his brother Sean managing us, which
he did.
Later, Larry Mooney took over and managed
Crypt, opening doors to new locations and getting the band on the
"Like Now" TV pop show.
After Larry, Ollie Byrne managed the band
but Barry, the vocalist had left and formed Ironhorse.
The Irish Bands Archive is an ongoing
work in progress. Photos, cuttings, posters, adverts,
line-ups, etc. to be added are always welcome and
appreciated. If you have anything to contribute, please contact us by
email.
