The largest digital showband archive in the world!
Based In Sligo, Ireland / email: showbands@gmsproductions.com

CLICK FOR:     FREE FORUM        HOME PAGE        GUESTBOOK      MAKE A DONATION

Emperors Showband (1961-1967)

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

The Story

The first mention of the Emperors Showband from Derry we found is an advert placed in the Irish Independent in November, 1961 by the band's manager, Ben Martin, looking for gigs. The first gig we have found listed was in December, 1961 when they were part of a two band session in the Mecca Ballroom in Lifford. Although it is doubtful this was their debut gig, it would be safe to say they got their start in late 1961. Their tag line, when they advertised themselves, was that they were the "Napoleons of the North." 

As far as we can tell from advertising, it took the band awhile to get moving outside of the Derry area. We can find little information about them, even in the archives of the local Derry People newspaper. There may be more info about them in the Derry Journal newspaper, but the archives we have access to go unfortunately don't go beyond 1924. Although the Emperors traveled up and down the country, we think this was mainly in the western part of Ireland as they played often in the North, Sligo, Mayo, Donegal and Munster, although apparently never in Dublin (no adverts found). 

Based on the adverts for the band, it appears they stopped playing in 1967. We have been unable to find any information about their line-up except that Jackie Boyd (who used the stage name Mark Richards) passed away in 2008. We also know from handouts that the band featured John Richards and Des Dillon and that they would also be managed by William Duffy. We also know Nell McDonald was in the band in 1965. 

We continue to research the band and there is more to come.....

Photo Gallery

click on thumbnails for full image

Emperors - 1961 Emperors - 1961 Emperors - 1962 Emperors - 1962 Emperors - 1965
Emperors (RF) Emperors (RF) Emperors (RF) Emperors (RF) Emperors (RF)
 
Emperors Showband (JB) Emperors - 1964 Emperors (PL) Emperors - 1965 Coming Soon
Years Vocals Vocals Guitar Bass Drums Sax Trombone
196? John
Richards
Des
Dillon
         
               
               
               

Discography

S - #3 Irish Charts
M

Audio Clips

         
Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Where Are They Now?  

Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:
Band Member:

 


© 2002-2017 GMS Productions

In Loving Memory of Grant Gallagher: Sept. 21, 1990 - Nov. 18, 2006