| from Natasha Hynes:
"My father was Robert (Bertie//Bobby
the latter mainly used in the UK) Keating who was the Cymbals
Showband drummer.
For the whole of my life, up until
he passed, I only ever knew him to be 'the' lead singer/drummer of a
band. - And that was in London with the three bands he was with over
the years. The 'Wagon Wheels', was one of the most popular and well
known one.
He was in a couple of other bands
in London, prior to my birth in 1970. One such band was 'Art
Supple's' Showband. He was Art's drummer and lead singer. He
actually met my mother in Art's Showband, when she later joined them
as a singer
Growing up, our life, very much
revolved around the 'London Irish Music Community'. I was always
very proud of how everyone knew and liked him. Music really was his
gift and he gave it to all who came to hear his bands music. My
mother told me daddy was also a session drummer for the likes of Big
Tom, Anne Breen, Philomena Begley, The Indians, to name but a few.
That's why they were all like aunties and uncles to me as a kid when
I was around them.
My father made one of my childhood
dreams come true in 1997, when he brought his band over from London
to play at my wedding here in Ireland. Of course Henry Harrington
and his lovely wife, also came my wedding. (I'm sure any child of a
musician dreams of having their parent play at their wedding, I
always did).
Both my father and I, returned home
to Ireland in 1998. Sadly, my dad passed away a few years later on
the 24th January 2004,. He was laid to rest in his hometown
Ballyporeen, with my grandparents. He is still missed greatly, not
only by myself, but also by his family and friends. May he rest in
peace. Knowing my dad, and his voice, I'm sure he would have also
sung with the Cymbals too.
Accordionist Jackie Daly was also
part of the Cymbals Showband at one stage, having answered an
advertisement in the Cork Examiner, when the band advertised for an
accordionist. He later played with Arcady and DeDanann. |
