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Miami 2011
21st April 2011. The Turn On The Light Event at The Silver Springs Hotel and Convention Centre, Cork was a resounding success. Steve Travers and Noel Magnier organised this sell-out fund-raiser in aid of St Vincent De Paul. The Miami Showband entertained a packed house and there were fine performances also from: Dana, Johnny Fean, Derek Ryan, Shindig and Crystal Swing. A wonderful...
read moreThe Miami Showband Massacre Book Launch
11th September 2007. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds is one of the guest speakers at The Miami Showband Massacare book launch, an eye-witness account written by Stephen Travers. The book was co-written by Neil Featherstonhaugh and is published by Hachette Ireland. Reproduced from the Lisa Richards Agency website A big thank you to everyone for their support on the day. [TABLE=2] Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, speaking at the launch of The Miami Showband Massacare book in Eason’s of Dawson Street in Dublin, recalls when...
read moreMiami 2008 Tour
On September 16th 2008 The Miami Showband returned to Vicar Street in Dublin for a very special concert to say “thank you” to The Irish people for their love and support for over three decades. The three legendary figures of the showband era were accompanied by three of the greatest musicians this country has ever produced, Johnny Fean (Horslips), Gerry Brown (Dana) and Barry Woods (The Real McCoy). On the following night, September 17th 2008, the Miami Showband travelled north for a sister concert at The Royal Opera House in Belfast in a...
read moreMiami 1969
In 1969, Danny Ellis joined the band, replacing Pat McCarthy who had teamed up with John Farrell in The Dreams. Front: Brian McCoy, Des Lee, Fran O’Toole, Danny Ellis Back: Tony Bogan, Clem Quinn, Dickie Rock, Paul Ashford
read moreMiami 1971-1972
Martin Branigan took over the drum-stool in 1971. Brothers Frankie and Johnny Simon from Roscommon had a brief stint with the band in 1972 following the departure of Dickie Rock. Front: Fran O’Toole, Johnny Simon, Paul Ashford Back: Brian McCoy, Des Lee, Frankie Simon, Clem Quinn, Martin Branigan
read moreMiami 1972-1973
Later in 1972, the Simon brothers departed and vocalist Billy Mac joined the band. Front: Martin Branigan, Paul Ashford Standing: Fran O’Toole, Clem Quinn, Brian McCoy, Des Lee, Billy Mac
read moreMiami 1973
In 1973 Dickie Rock and The Miami Showband parted company. Some observers said it was inevitable as “the times they were a changing”. Dickie concentrated on a successful career in cabaret; singing popular big ballad classics as only he can. The Miami Showband, fronted by the dynamic young singer/songwriter Fran O’Toole, transformed itself comfortably into a modern pop group destined for international greatness. Mick Roche (ex Vampires and Arrows) joined in 1973. Bassist Johnny Brown replaced Paul Ashford who left to form Stepaside and Ray...
read moreThe Day The Music Died
BBC documentary The Day The Music Died chronicles The Miami Showband Massacre in 1975 and the devastating aftermath for Ireland’s music scene. The Miami Showband were known as The Irish Beatles and credited with being Ireland’s No 1 band. The Irish showband scene had enjoyed huge popularity from the late 1950’s, through the 1960’s and on into 1970’s… until one fateful night in July 1975. (c) Copyright BBC Links Get the latest BBC News on The Miami Showband massacre:...
read moreMiami 1975 – The Massacre
In early 1975, bassist Steve Travers replaced Dave Monks. This is one of the last photographs taken of the band before the massacre on 31st July 1975. From left: Steve Travers, Tony Geraghty, Ray Millar, Brian McCoy, Fran O’Toole, Des Lee. The scene of The Miami Showband Massacre The Miami Showband killings (also called the Miami Showband Massacre) was a paramilitary attack at Buskhill, County Down, Northern Ireland, in the early morning of 31 July 1975. It left five people dead at the hands of Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) gunmen,...
read moreMiami 1975 – Last Official Photo
Stephen Travers had recently landed the bass player’s job with The Miami. The top gig in Ireland. The lads were clearly very at ease with their newest member. This is the last official photograph of The Miami before the tragedy.
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