Decca Showband Feature (1962-1969)

Photo Gallery - Band Lineups - Discography - Audio samples - Where Are They Now?

The Story

The first mention of the Decca Showband we have found is a small advert in the Irish Independent "Dance Band" section in mid-December, 1962. The band's manager was named as "V.T. Bible" (see below). Unfortunately, the first "gig" we can find for the band wasn't until July 1963 when they played the Shinrone Carnival of Dancing.

In August of 1963, the band was feature in the Evening Herald's Tempo entertainment column along with news that the former Blue Aces manager, Bill Mulcahy, had now taken over managing the band. The full line-up included Vic Bible (16 years old on guitar), Val Bible (bass), Des Purcell (trumpet), Tony Richards (drums), Eddie Redmond (guitar), Davey Walsh (sax), and Tom Russell (trombone).  

By late summer, 1963, the band was playing more and more gigs, we assume, due to the influence of Bill Mulcahy as their new manager and things started to take off.

By April of 1964 it was reported in the Waterford News and Star that the band's management was taken over by Noel Sinnott who owned a record shop at 30 John Street in Waterford. By the summer of 1964 the band was playing venues all across the country, but were especially popular in Munster, the Southeast and around Dublin.

In May, 1965 the band was ready to release its first single, "The Darling Girl from Clare" (sung by Des Purcell) which was released in conjunction with the Miltown Malbay festival of the same name. The "B" side was "Judy Judy Judy" sung by Vic Bible and a cover of the Johnny Tillotson hit of 1963.

The band had undergone few changes since their original line-up with Michael Casey now on drums and they also dropped the trombone from their line-up. We are unsure whether the sax player (originally listed as Eddie Walsh in 1963 and in 1965 as Davey Walsh were one in the same). Although the single failed to make the charts it did bring their music to a wider audience. In fact, the summer of 1965 was exceptional for the band as they were now playing everywhere but Northern Ireland and all across the country including gigs on the west coast.

Near the end of 1965 the band was looking for a lead singer as they had been sharing vocal duties among themselves with a real "frontman." They added Dick Hayes, a 5'8" 21 year old from Waterford who (it was reported) had spent some time singing in England before joining the band. He had been boyhood friends with drummer Michael Casey. At the same time Eddie Redmond left the band and it remained a six piece. In early 1966, bass player Val(entine) was married to Helen Breen.   

As far as we can tell from our research, Dick and the band would stay on the road for another four years before Dick and his wife Nancy formed a cabaret group. A few years later, Dick would reunite with Michael Casey in a two piece, Dick and Mick who would play together for years on the local Waterford scene. Before long former bandmate Vic Bible would also join and in the late 1970's they were Dick, Mick and Vic. The the early 80's they had added John Hayes on bass and his name was added to the list.

Dick Hayes would sadly pass away on St. Stephen's Day, (Dec 26th), 2019. 

If you can add any facts or info to this story, please let us know (email at top of page)....More to come.....

Photo Gallery

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Discography

Darling Girl from Clare (Des Purcell) / Judy Judy Judy (Vic Bible)
Shamrock Records - SSP.504 - 1965

Audio Clips

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Where Are They Now?