Miami 1963 to today
The Miami Showband Line-up from 1963-1967
One of the first photos of The Miami Showband, c. 1963. Front: Joe Tyrrell. Seated: Tommy O'Rourke, Clem Quinn, Tony Bogan, Tony Harris, Murty Quinn. Standing: Dickie Rock, Martin Phelan.
This line-up lasted from 1963 to 1967. From left: Tommy O'Rourke, Clem Quinn, Joe Tyrrell, Tony Bogan, Martin Phelan, Dickie Rock, Murty Quinn and Dennis Murray who replaced Tony Harris.
Miami 2009
On Friday November 20th 2009 showband history was made at The Silver Springs Hotel in Cork when Dickie Rock and The Miami Showband reunited after thirty-six years. The catalyst for this momentous reunion is the bravery of a young woman who has been paralysed. They say God works in wondrous ways and in accommodating this reunion, He appears to have pulled out all the stops! This was a concert not to be missed, as the very best of Cork’s showband talent including Pat Lynch, Declan Ryan, Terry McCarthy (Dixies), Edward James and DJ Ted Dunne...
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 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.
read moreMiami 1977-1985
The “Miami” name continued until 1985, though it had tenuous links with the legendary showband of the ’60s and ’70s. Dessie O’Flaherty (until 1981) was the only link with the reformed band that played in Seapoint, Galway following the 1975 massacre.
read moreMiami 1976
There were more changes in 1976 following the departure of Steve Travers, Noel Ryan and Norman Clifford. Front: Paul Kaye, Dessie O’Flaherty, Gerry Kaye Back: Des Lee, Ray Millar, Ray Clifford, Peter Eades
read moreMiami 1975 – The Massacre Aftermath
After the 1975 atrocity, The Miami Showband reformed with new members and made their debut in Seapoint Ballroom, Salthill, Galway Front: Ray Millar Centre: Dessie O’Flaherty, Des Lee, Noel Ryan Back: Steve Travers, Norman Clifford
read moreMiami 1967
The “new” Miami in 1967, soon after some members left to form The Sands. Front: Clem Quinn, Brian McCoy, Des Lee, Fran O’Toole, Dickie Rock, Paul Ashford Back: Tony Bogan, Pat McCarthy Des Lee takes centre-stage with Fran, Brian and Pat in the background New Spotlight Night-Out at Dublin’s Television Club Fran’s first year with the band. The Arcadia, Bray with Jimmy Saville
read moreMiami 1965
Dickie Rock & The Miami Showband – Every Step Of The Way. Recorded in 1965, from Dickie Rock & The Miami Showband lp 1972.
read moreMiami 1964
In 1964 The Miami Showband rocked Sunday Night At The London Palladium. Also in 1964 Dickie Rock and The Miami released the single Round and Around.
read moreMiami 1963
The Miami Showband Line-up from 1963-1967 One of the first photos of The Miami Showband, c. 1963. Front: Joe Tyrrell. Seated: Tommy O’Rourke, Clem Quinn, Tony Bogan, Tony Harris, Murty Quinn. Standing: Dickie Rock, Martin Phelan. This line-up lasted from 1963 to 1967. From left: Tommy O’Rourke, Clem Quinn, Joe Tyrrell, Tony Bogan, Martin Phelan, Dickie Rock, Murty Quinn and Dennis Murray who replaced Tony Harris.
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