As we all have an interest in common, Showbands, how about everyone joining in and forming a new 'imaginary' Showband for 2007? I suggest that the memembers can be from any Country, can be living or 'passed on', and either Male or Female. The play-list can be a mixture of 'Old and New'. And this will be a Showband that will 'Rock the World'. I will start the ball rolling by putting behind the drum kit Buddy Rich, he could drive a Band along. Over to you.

Ron I'm disappointed! Keith Moon is the fastest drummer in the world!  I want Keith!!!!

whistle wrote on 01/04/07 at 22:31:30:

Ron I'm disappointed! Keith Moon is the fastest drummer in the world!  I want Keith!!!!

Hello Whisle.

That's fine by me, Keith it is! I have been on the same bill as him three times in the Sixties, and every word you say is true.

      :)brendan ryder of tweed.vocals  :o ;D

Eric Clapton, lead guitar

Keith Donald, saxaphone

why not have two drummers/percussionists -  Paul McAteer (along with Ron's Keith Moon)

Jools on keyboards

I'd vote for Ray Lynam on vocals AND guitar, he has to be one of the best country vocalists in the world

and I'd have to have the Dixie Chicks on backing vocals....altho this is getting very country...any suggestions to make it a bit rockier?

Yeah I have one...or two...Brian May from Queen on lead guitar & Jon Bon Jovi - lead vocals 8)

shiner wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:26:39:

:)brendan ryder of tweed.vocals  :o ;D

I was going to put Brendan Bowyer, but it's up for grabs, what do you all think?

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:35:16:

why not have two drummers/percussionists -  Paul McAteer (along with Ron's Keith Moon)

Why not indeed! he is in!! good thinking Luap.

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:46:04:

and I'd have to have the Dixie Chicks on backing vocals....altho this is getting very country...any suggestions to make it a bit rockier?

I am a big fan of the Dixie Chicks, and they are not afraid to speak their mind on Politics, they are in!!!!

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:36:02:

Jools on keyboards

Yes, yes, yes, what a great band this is turning out to be, well done everyone

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:34:17:

Keith Donald, saxaphone

Yes he's in, and as you can never have enough good sax players, and there is no limit to the size of this Band, I would like my mate Charlie Cheevers the Boss of the old, Blue Aces in as well please.

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:33:51:

Eric Clapton, lead guitar

Yes please! and how about Gary Moore, and Rory? Hey we need a bass, I know who I would pick (he knows Gary), but what say you all??

Trish wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:52:38:

Yeah I have one...or two...Brian May from Queen on lead guitar & Jon Bon Jovi - lead vocals 8)

Hey we need a name!! come on, thinking caps on, and I think it only right that the word 'Showband' go on the end.

Hey! Ron, Can I add some more? Daire Doyle (Mems) on bass guitar. I suppose if Barry isn't busy, he could join in too? ;). I think Bobby Smith (Royal Blues) would do a fine job on trumpet. As would Tommy Swarbrigg (Times). ;D
It's a naff name but what about 'The Universal Showband'? Well it's a start.... :-/

wrote on 01/04/07 at 23:35:16:

why not have two drummers/percussionists -  Paul McAteer (along with Ron's Keith Moon)

Hello Luap, It was Whistle who suggested Keith Moon, and what a great choice! so we have two drummers as Paul is in as well.

Trish wrote on 01/05/07 at 00:42:26:

Hey! Ron, Can I add some more? Daire Doyle (Mems) on bass guitar. I suppose if Barry isn't busy, he could join in too? ;). I think Bobby Smith (Royal Blues) would do a fine job on trumpet. As would Tommy Swarbrigg (Times). ;D It's a naff name but what about 'The Universal Showband'? Well it's a start.... :-/

Hello Trisha, your choice of players has been noted. And I must be honest, the choice of your name 'The Universal Showband' is mind bendingly good!!! I mean it says it all, it encapsulates the whole concept, it's a 'Universal Showband' players from all over the World, and indeed from the next World, who have the chance to play again in 'our Band'. As for Barry, if he is agreeable I would propose him as Leader of the Band, I can think of no-one better for the job, so Barry if you would be so kind, please step up and lead us. As for you Trisha, for the super job of chosing the name, would you please take on the job as 'Band Secretary'? What it would entail is going through all  the post's, sorting out who we have (when we have enough players) putting them in some sort of order so we can present the line-up to all the board members for approval. The only thing I would really like to keep on-board is the name, it's such a good name, so unless it's been taken by a Band in the past, I propose that the Band is, 'The Universal Showband', (I love that), would any-one care to second that proposal?

Hi All,

Okay, if I'm gonna be be bandleader I have a job for Ron  as organiser of this outfit.
Tell the lads we're all meeting at Jas Fagan's tailors on Saturday to be measured for our band suits. I've decided on sky blue mohair 2 piece Italian style. (note) I anticipate problems with Keith Moon in this area,

Great thread !!

Yours with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Barry

Barry wrote on 01/05/07 at 11:30:32:

Hi All, Okay, if I'm gonna be be bandleader I have a job for Ron  as organiser of this outfit. Tell the lads we're all meeting at Jas Fagan's tailors on Saturday to be measured for our band suits. I've decided on sky blue mohair 2 piece Italian style. (note) I anticipate problems with Keith Moon in this area, Great thread !! Yours with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Barry

Hello Barry, It's great to have you on-board, and as band-leader. As for me being Organiser, well to be honest I think that job needs some-one with their 'feet on the ground', and much more business brains than I have, I mean do you really want a stupid idiot who was cheated out of about one million pounds organizing such a great Band as this? I think not. I would put myself up for Band Songwritter (we can have lot's more writers by the way), I have had a little success in that area. As for your idea on suits, I think we should be a little flexible on that, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, and Rory in blue two-piece Mohair? not really, and Barry, we must take into consideration that the 'Mo' is now a protected animal, they were nearly wiped out in the Sixties by Irish Showbands! So can we agree that a resonable 'casual but smart' dress-code be observed? Once again Barry thank you for agreeing to be our leader, and what do you think of the Bands name? Trisha chose it, I proposed it, would you kindly second it please.

Morning Ron,

Isn't this great fun. First of all the name is spot on. It actually souds like I know them already so no problems there. Also making her Band Secretary is a shewd move. I  would have every confidence in her. In fact I would see her role more as Marketing/Public Relations Director.
Couple of policy questions. Are we to be of the "Classic" Showband formula. ie Band Suits, eclectic programme (Pop, C/W, bit of Dixieland (to pacify the horn players)add a couple of comedy numbers,throw in one or two big showstoppers of the Holy City, Boolavogue genre and Robert is your mother's brother.
OR, Are we gonna be one the mid seventies 'Large beat group format.
Personally I'd go for the original approach if only for the pleasure of watching Old Slow Hand practicing playing in strange keys like Eflat, Aflat etc (see Horn players)

This thread is going to run and run.

Barry

Hi again,
Afterthought. As far as I'm concerned there is only one man to front The Universals and that is Dickie Rock. I know I'm biased as I was his bass player for many years and I still do a fair bit of work with him, but for me he is sheer class. There is no one quite like him, his versatility is amazing. He can sing literally anything. For example on the Vicar Street gig I did with him in April we played numbers from Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Barry White, Tony Bennett, Jack Jones,Willy Nelson, Plus all his own hits. We had a sixteen piece band and it turned out to be one of the best gigs I've ever done in my life. It was sold out and the audience was fantastic. Dickie gave them a truly great night's entertainment.


Just a thought
Barry

Whoa there cowboys, slow down!  As George W Bush's Number One Fan, I believe in democracy and I suggest we assemble a few more proposals and then take a vote on it.  
Perhaps the Administrator might create a table (similar to the listings for band members on the main website), and have people vote within, say a specific time period;  maybe we could put January 31st as the cutoff date?  
I also think we need a lot more suggestions for the brass section and I would humbly suggest, at risk of offending some members, that we need to look outside our little island of Ireland.  I don't have a great opinion of our native horn players, I'm sorry; I often go to hear the NSO and even they leave a little to be desired.  Now, when Bruce is finished his Seger Sessions tour, we could maybe send our manager to discuss terms with those guys?  They were somethin' else!
What about John Drummond on bass?

PS - Point Of Order: Ron!!!! the first time Keith Moon was mentioned on this forum was when you said Keith was the only drummer who could keep up with the punks....so you need to take the credit for that suggestion!

what about Bob Geldof on keyboards?

....

...

....

......
No! STOP!  I'm only kidding!  forget I opened my mouth!!!!!  It was a joke! REALLY!!!!

Barry wrote on 01/05/07 at 12:24:54:

Morning Ron, Isn't this great fun. First of all the name is spot on. It actually souds like I know them already so no problems there. Also making her Band Secretary is a shewd move. I  would have every confidence in her. In fact I would see her role more as Marketing/Public Relations Director. Couple of policy questions. Are we to be of the "Classic" Showband formula. ie Band Suits, eclectic programme (Pop, C/W, bit of Dixieland (to pacify the horn players)add a couple of comedy numbers,throw in one or two big showstoppers of the Holy City, Boolavogue genre and Robert is your mother's brother. OR, Are we gonna be one the mid seventies 'Large beat group format. Personally I'd go for the original approach if only for the pleasure of watching Old Slow Hand practicing playing in strange keys like Eflat, Aflat etc (see Horn players) This thread is going to run and run. Barry

Salutations Barry.

Glad you are enjoying this as much as I am. Re' Trisha and making her in charge of PR etc, what a great idea! apart from anything else her chosing the name alone makes her 'worth her weight in gold'. What a great name, I think we should register the name, any idea how to do this? and make the members of this board the owners of the name (if that is OK with Trisha). If this goes were I think it could go there might even be some type of recording (how I don't know), and some money raised for charity 'Universal Showband' , that name just trips off the tounge, so very good. As for the Bands song sheet, well I 100% agree with you, it should be the former, a 'Classic' Showband, and although some of the Members of the Bands come from out-side Ireland, the Band should be 'Irish at heart', after all it was an Irish concept in the first place, and the Irish are what-ever anyone else thinks the finest Race God put on this Earth, he made the rest with the left-overs!!!!! To prove my point even the Americans who think they are the 'Cat's whiskers' all claim that they have a bit of Irish blood in them!!! and that's a fact!!! Getting back to the song-list, I would like one song in particular, 'The Holy Ground' (Fine Girl you are), such fond memories of singing that in the Blue Aces. Talking about the 'Blue Aces' if you go to my website,www.ronryanmusic.com  and follow the link to Rock-talk', then on to my 'Ron Ryans Round Table', some one has posted a picture there of 'The Blue Aces' and it's a 'Black Band' !!! and it's advertising 'That's allright', a song I wrote, and we recorded!!!  
And Barry, one thing I have noticed on this thread is we are all working in harmony! everybody is happy, and is joining in, now that's food for thought, what say you? All the best mate, Ron.

A few more for consideration. I'm biased so Brendan Bowyer vocals,  Arty McGlynn, guitar.  Don Long, trombone. and Roy Addinell, trumpet.

whistle wrote on 01/05/07 at 13:09:57:

what about Bob Geldof on keyboards? .... ... .... ...... No! STOP!  I'm only kidding!  forget I opened my mouth!!!!!  It was a joke! REALLY!!!!

No I think that's a great idea, we need all the help we can get, perhaps he could be the Bands Mascot?

but Ron, he's allegedly a "fifth-rate, three chord" musician, and anyway if he showed his face anywhere near rehearsals he'd be throttled!   AAAARRRGHHH   why did I say anything!  just when this thread was going so well...trust me to put my two big feet in there...

whistle wrote on 01/05/07 at 13:07:03:

Whoa there cowboys, slow down!  As George W Bush's Number One Fan, I believe in democracy and I suggest we assemble a few more proposals and then take a vote on it.   Perhaps the Administrator might create a table (similar to the listings for band members on the main website), and have people vote within, say a specific time period;  maybe we could put January 31st as the cutoff date?   I also think we need a lot more suggestions for the brass section and I would humbly suggest, at risk of offending some members, that we need to look outside our little island of Ireland.  I don't have a great opinion of our native horn players, I'm sorry; I often go to hear the NSO and even they leave a little to be desired.  Now, when Bruce is finished his Seger Sessions tour, we could maybe send our manager to discuss terms with those guys?  They were somethin' else! What about John Drummond on bass? PS - Point Of Order: Ron!!!! the first time Keith Moon was mentioned on this forum was when you said Keith was the only drummer who could keep up with the punks....so you need to take the credit for that suggestion!

Hello Whistle, re your point of order, I mentioned Keith that is true, but that was in another context, so I will pass on that, but thanks for the thought.
Re' George Bush, sorry we part company there, but I believe music should be the sole subject of this, or any board where musicians post, after all we are all Brothers and Sisters at heart.

Regarding voting, with you 100%, I did broach this subject in one of my postings, and it's only fair that we go down that road. Re' Bass , I was hoping that some-one would nominate Phil from Thin Lizzy' not only was he a great bass-player, but could help out in the vocal department (don't forget in this Band we have invited players who have passed on to join us).

I also agree that it's a very good idea (very good indeed) that the Administrator (who is Aministrator by the way?) to get involved , sort out the table you mentioned, and help us pick the Team. But as I started this thread, I would like Barry to be leader, And Trisha to be Secretary and in charge of PR (if she so wishes). You can vote against these Offices, but I hope you will not, as they have in my humble opinion well earned their respective Offices. So come on people, this is your Band, you can all have a say, and all your ideas are very welome, and we will take all your choices and votes under consideration.

whistle wrote on 01/05/07 at 13:48:01:

but Ron, he's allegedly a "fifth-rate, three chord" musician, and anyway if he showed his face anywhere near rehearsals he'd be throttled!   AAAARRRGHHH   why did I say anything!  just when this thread was going so well...trust me to put my two big feet in there...

Hello Whistle, But he is 'high profile' , and don't forget Barry is in charge, he will soon sort St Bob out if he gets stroppy! No I think it's a very good idea to have St Bob on the team, perhaps he could get the Gigs???

Hi Whistle,

Re the horn section.

Mike Nolan/Stephen McDonald Trpt
John Trotter/Carl Ronan/Jack Bayle T/Bone
Richie Buckley Karl Gerrathy Derek O'Connor Tenor Sax.

Those guys could play with ANYBODY.

Last time I looked most if not all of the brass players with the NSO were German/British etc imports.

Rgds

Barry

The administrator is Gerry Gallagher. Normally he is very much on top of things on the site. However, presently I doubt if he could get involved due to personal circumstances.
If you go to the Home Page you will find "A Special Message From Gerry" directly opposite the pic of the Fairways. That will explain.

Hi Again,

My own choice for the bass chair would be Noel McGann of the Cadets. I'd swear Noel never played a bum note in his life, swings like the bejasus and is an incredible singer to boot.

Barry

liamo wrote on 01/05/07 at 14:59:03:

The administrator is Gerry Gallagher. Normally he is very much on top of things on the site. However, presently I doubt if he could get involved due to personal circumstances. If you go to the Home Page you will find "A Special Message From Gerry" directly opposite the pic of the Fairways. That will explain.

Hello Liamo, I did not know about this, I will go and read it when I have posted this. Thank you for drawing that to my attention ,Ron.

Barry wrote on 01/05/07 at 15:04:40:

Hi Again, My own choice for the bass chair would be Noel McGann of the Cadets. I'd swear Noel never played a bum note in his life, swings like the bejasus and is an incredible singer to boot. Barry

hello Barry, put him on the list, if you say he is good that's good enough for me, (and for anyone else). Do you remember a Band called 'The Airchords' ? I am sure we played with them, what struck me was their transport, they had two VW Beatles, with very smart trailers on the back, looked so cool!! cheers, Ron.

Ron, No prob. I know you didn't know.

ronryan wrote on 01/05/07 at 15:20:53:

Hello Liamo, I did not know about this, I will go and read it when I have posted this. Thank you for drawing that to my attention ,Ron.

Hello Liamo, Thank you for letting me know about Grant. I have been to the site, and I have signded the book. I will take some time off and reflect, so will not post again till tomorrow. But please every-one keep it coming. Thanks again for letting me know, it's so very sad.

Hi Barry  - re your suggestions on the horns: Mike Nolan was (sadly RIP) an incredible player at his peak and a lovely, lovely guy.  I'd agree on
Richie Buckley too, him and Keith Donald are top class.

Ron: perhaps you did not notice, but my reference to being a fan of Dubya was made with tongue firmly in cheek!

Now, folks, we are all forgetting the most important member of the team (and s/he will also be the most reviled - THE ACCOUNTANT!  Someone has to put together the Business Plan and source the spondoolix to finance the whole operation.

PS  - has anyone got the album that came out with Mike and Keith in the 70s, I think Noel Kelehan was involved too?  No idea of the name, but if anyone remembers or has it, it was superb!

ronryan [quote][Phil from Thin Lizzy' not only was he a great bass-player, but could help out in the vocal department ] [end quote]

Ron, as you're on t'other side of the little pond you may not have seen the news that (yet again!) "lost" recordings of Philo have been discovered!  And - as it's a slow news week - the meedja have been interviewing his old pals:  Brush Shiels boasted that he personally had taught Phil to play the bass but, despite the superb tuition, that Phil was never a great bass player; furthermore, he assured the interviewer that Phil was never a great singer either!  In fact, the only reason Brush had Phil in his band back then was that he pulled in the girls coz he was so good-lookin! (I suppose, stood next to Brush, even I could look handsome!)

Now if Brush says it, it must be true.... (NOTE: tongue firmly in cheek again!)

Hi again,

I actually gave Philo a couple of lessons meself. I use a plectrum and thats the way I showed him how to play.
He used to drop around to a flat  I had in Heytsbury Street in Dublin.
I tried to teach him scales and reading music but he wasn't really interested in that stuff, he just wanted to play.
He was the most amiable of people and he ended up a decent bass player.
regards

Barry

Surprised no one mentioned Rob Strong (vocals/bass) and how can you leave out Ray Moore (keyboards/tpt). I would also like to nominate Tiger Taylor (guitar) and Billy Brown (vocals, MD, arranger etc. A good man to have in the band as he can contribute some original songs. The name Universal Showband reminds me of Chris Lamb and The Universals.

whistle wrote on 01/05/07 at 13:09:57:

what about Bob Geldof on keyboards? .... ... .... ...... No! STOP!  I'm only kidding!  forget I opened my mouth!!!!!  It was a joke! REALLY!!!!

Would  Bob Geldof not be better on Air Guitar
                               smith

Hi

HOT Air Guitar I think. Sorry, Couldn't resist ir !!

Barry

Ok folks, here goes the list so far:

The Universal Showband
(the lists are not in alphabetical order)

Vocals:  Brendan Ryder, Ray Lynam, Jon Bon Jovi, Brendan Bowyer, Dickie Rock, Billy Brown, Rob Strong.

Percussion: Keith Moon, Paul McAteer.

Guitar: Eric Clapton, Tiger Taylor, Arty McGlynn, Brian May, Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher.

Bass: Daire Doyle, John Drummond, Noel McGann

Keyboards: Jools Holland, Ray Moore

Trumpet: Bobby Smith, Roy Addinell, Mike Nolan. Tommy Swarbrigg, Stephen McDonald.

Trombone: Don Long, John Trotter, Carl Ronan, Jack Bayle.

Sax: Keith Donald, Charlie Cheevers.

Tenor Sax: Richie Buckley, Karl Gerrathy (?), Derek O'Conner.

Backing vocals: The Dixie Chicks

Note to members: As yet we do not have: Rhythm guitar, Fiddle, Steel guitar, Harmonica (Can we also have a Bodhran player?... sorry I don't have any 'fada's ' on my pc.)

*Please excuse my ignorance if some of the above are in the wrong sections....no doubt I'll be corrected!  :P

What about Gina for female vocals?

That's the first suggestion we've had for female vocals (apart from the Dixie Chicks)...Good thinking there Shay!

May I suggest: Charlie Arkins for the fiddle?

;D mark king ,,,level 42  bass guitar. brendan ryder also used 2 play a  single stand alone .......drum ???xcuse my ignorance ;D :o :)

Trish wrote on 01/06/07 at 02:34:19:

Ok folks, here goes the list so far: The Universal Showband (the lists are not in alphabetical order) Vocals:  Brendan Ryder, Ray Lynam, Jon Bon Jovi, Brendan Bowyer, Dickie Rock, Billy Brown, Rob Strong. Percussion: Keith Moon, Paul McAteer. Guitar: Eric Clapton, Tiger Taylor, Arty McGlynn, Brian May, Gary Moore, Rory Gallagher. Bass: Daire Doyle, John Drummond, Noel McGann Keyboards: Jools Holland, Ray Moore Trumpet: Bobby Smith, Roy Addinell, Mike Nolan. Tommy Swarbrigg, Stephen McDonald. Trombone: Don Long, John Trotter, Carl Ronan, Jack Bayle. Sax: Keith Donald, Charlie Cheevers. Tenor Sax: Richie Buckley, Karl Gerrathy (?), Derek O'Conner. Backing vocals: The Dixie Chicks Note to members: As yet we do not have: Rhythm guitar, Fiddle, Steel guitar, Harmonica (Can we also have a Bodhran player?... sorry I don't have any 'fada's ' on my pc.) *Please excuse my ignorance if some of the above are in the wrong sections....no doubt I'll be corrected!  :P

Hello Trisha, Well done! we need a list as we are going to put it to everyone to vote who's in, and who's not, with a suggested cut-off end of this Month. It looks like the name 'Universal' has been used before, but as a side-name, IE 'Some-one and the Universal's', I don't see a problem myself as when I was in 'The BlueAces' back in the Sixties there was another Showband called 'The Black Aces', but we will have to have a think about that, my feelings are that 'The Universal Showband' is such a great name we should run with it.

I think there are some great choices in our list. Sad to say I have never seen 'Dickie Rock' in action, but from what I have heard from the lads In the 'Blue Aces' he is magic, and glad to see him there,  I saw Bredan Bowyer on Shows, and worked with him on British TV, he's 'sound as a pound' and I am also pleased to see him there, well desreved. And if I may put myself forward I would love to sing a couple of songs, I was singer in the 'Blue Aces', also with an English Pop-Band, 'The Riot Squad', and if anyone would like to go to my website www.ronryanmusic'com you can hear me singing there, most of what's there is 'Country' but I have had a go at other forms of music. Another thing we should be thinking about is the Bands song-list, Barry made a good point in that the Band should follow the 'Classic' Showband stlye. Songs I would like to see myself are 'The Holy Ground (Fine Girl you are)'  got to have 'The Hucklebuck', and I did like 'The old Woman from Wexford', great song. But there should be a mix (as there was back then), and some instrumentals to show off Barry and the rest of the great players.

So thanks for you work so far Trisha, your doing a grand job. Oh and one last thing, It looks like 'St Bob' might be in, as Bands mascot'.

shiner wrote on 01/06/07 at 03:23:06:

;D mark king ,,,level 42  bass guitar. brendan ryder also used 2 play a  single stand alone .......drum ???xcuse my ignorance ;D :o :)

hello Shiner, Yes. yes. yes, now that's a great choice, I forgot all about Mark King, great player, Also Stanley Clarke, and Paul McCartney, a lot of people think more of him as a Singer/Songwriter, but I am sure Barry would back me up when I say he can play, and play well.

A song that would have to be on the list, in my estimation, is "If I didn't Have A Dime" and the singer, the late Tom Dunphy was no mean Bassist either.

Paddy Cole and Podger Reynolds could be considered on sax and Don Baker on harmonica.

liamo wrote on 01/06/07 at 12:04:23:

A song that would have to be on the list, in my estimation, is "If I didn't Have A Dime" and the singer, the late Tom Dunphy was no mean Bassist either. Paddy Cole and Podger Reynolds could be considered on sax and Don Baker on harmonica.

Hello Liamo, We will put them on the list, it's all coming along very nicely. Thanks for your help regarding the other matter again, Ron

No Bother Ron

liamo wrote on 01/06/07 at 12:18:39:

No Bother Ron

Cheers.

Good morning everyone,

I know wer'e havng great fun with this but I think we are getting a bit carried away. Correct me if I'm wrong but are we putting together an "Irish" Showband or an all star Supergroup ?
At this rate we are going to end up with a rhythm section comprised of people like Billy Cobham on drums, Jaco Pastorius on bass and Bill Evans on keyboards or a horn section featuring Miles Davis Charlie Parker and JJ Johnson with Harry Connick Jnr on lead vocals. This would would be a fantastic band but a Showband ? I don't think so.
How about this ? It's 1965 and you've been given the power and  the money to put together a "Super" Showband. For the sake of this hypothesis you can pick ANYONE from the showband scene who was playing at the time.
The criteria for anyone putting together such a band would be as follows. The band would have to be musically sound, look great and above all be ENTERTAINING. In other words a band that the IRISH dancing public would pay in to see.

Based on these criteria may I offer the following. (note) As I have a bottomless pi t of money I'm allowing myself the indulgence of making the band larger than the usual 7 piece lineup.(4 Horns "It's the arranger in me speaking here")
Anyway, Here goes !

Joe McCarthy Drums
Noel McGann  Bass
Clem Quinn     Guitar
Ray Lynam     Guitar/Vocals

Mike Nolan    Trumpet
John Trotter Trombone/Keyboards
Billy Brown   Tenor Sax/Keyboards/Vocals
Paddy Cole    Tenor/Clarinet

Dickie Rock /Brendan Bowyer/Joe Dolan Vocals(Take your pick)
Eileen Reid  Vocals.

No doubt there were others who could be chosen but based on the criteria outlined above I think this band would have a good chance of succeeding in the showband world of the 60's.

As to management. I suppose you could do a lot worse than the legendary TJ Byrne.

Rgds

Barry

Barry wrote on 01/06/07 at 12:38:05:

Good morning everyone, I know wer'e havng great fun with this but I think we are getting a bit carried away. Correct me if I'm wrong but are we putting together an "Irish" Showband or an all star Supergroup ? At this rate we are going to end up with a rhythm section comprised of people like Billy Cobham on drums, Jaco Pastorius on bass and Bill Evans on keyboards or a horn section featuring Miles Davis Charlie Parker and JJ Johnson with Harry Connick Jnr on lead vocals. This would would be a fantastic band but a Showband ? I don't think so. How about this ? It's 1965 and you've been given the power and  the money to put together a "Super" Showband. For the sake of this hypothesis you can pick ANYONE from the showband scene who was playing at the time. The criteria for anyone putting together such a band would be as follows. The band would have to be musically sound, look great and above all be ENTERTAINING. In other words a band that the IRISH dancing public would pay in to see. Based on these criteria may I offer the following. (note) As I have a bottomless pi t of money I'm allowing myself the indulgence of making the band larger than the usual 7 piece lineup.(4 Horns "It's the arranger in me speaking here") Anyway, Here goes ! Joe McCarthy Drums Noel McGann  Bass Clem Quinn     Guitar Ray Lynam     Guitar/Vocals Mike Nolan    Trumpet John Trotter Trombone/Keyboards Billy Brown   Tenor Sax/Keyboards/Vocals Paddy Cole    Tenor/Clarinet Dickie Rock /Brendan Bowyer/Joe Dolan Vocals(Take your pick) Eileen Reid  Vocals. No doubt there were others who could be chosen but based on the criteria outlined above I think this band would have a good chance of succeeding in the showband world of the 60's. As to management. I suppose you could do a lot worse than the legendary TJ Byrne. Rgds Barry

Hello Barry, I  hope the morning finds you well.

The original idea was to have a 'Imaginary Showband' but it need not to be of all Irish 'heads'. Don't forget  not all those who played in Showbands in the Sixties had the luck and good fortune to be born Irish, In fact I had a small 'Showband'  (The Walkers)in the ealy Sixties  that played Gigs at the 'Regent Rooms' Camden Town, and 'The Gresham', and many other 'Irish' Venues, and I was the only 'Head' in it that could claim any Irish blood, and I am only half Irish!! But we played a lot of Clancy Brothers songs, and we made a fair job of the Irish National Anthem, and were always well recieved. Now don't get me wrong, I have said all along that the front-men should be Irish, because although this proposed band is international, hence the great name Trisha came up with 'The Universal Showband' it will be 'Irish at heart' as the whole concept is built around an 'irish Showband'. There is nothing against you or anyone starting a new thread, 'the greatest Irish Showband ever', comprising of all the great pure Irish Heads past and present, I think that should be very interesting, and most importantly entertaining, and keeping this great 'Showband board alive, which was why I posted in the first place. In the Blue Aces we took a mainly Irish 'Irish Showband' into venues that had never heard of an Irish Showband, in England, Germany, and Denmark, and in some Venues and Countries they had never seen anything like it, and we pulled the places down!!!!! As I said I started this thread to geat some life going on this board, and to spread the news far and wide just how great Showbands were, and I have Americans, Canadians, and Brit's watching this site from my site  'Ron Ryans Round-Table' on the USA Board Rock-talk, I even have a feature on Showbands, and the Americans are very interested in the subject, and so they should be!!! So not trying to 'Hyjack' the idea, just spread it to a wider viewer. Cheers, Ron.

I'd be inclined to go along with Barry's concept above. A Showband, an Irish invention, for want of a better description, should be basically made up of Irish musicians (no offence intended Ron).!!!!!!!!!!!!! God knows there were plenty of outstanding musicians scattered throughout the many showbands.
I feel the other concept, though good, was ending up something like The Premier Division with too many world class musicians to chose from.

liamo wrote on 01/06/07 at 13:40:56:

I'd be inclined to go along with Barry's concept above. A Showband, an Irish invention, for want of a better description, should be basically made up of Irish musicians (no offence intended Ron).!!!!!!!!!!!!! God knows there were plenty of outstanding musicians scattered throughout the many showbands. I feel the other concept, though good, was ending up something like The Premier Division with too many world class musicians to chose from.

Hello Liamo, No offence taken, I did say that Barry or anyone should feel free to start a new thread 'The Greatest Irish Showband Ever', and having it made up of Pure bred Irish 'Heads' (I refere you to my last post). but I know for a fact there were many 'Irish Showbands' who had English Heads in them, I was in one!!!!, and I say this, I worked dammed hard to spread the word, and as 'the Front-man' I think I did a good job. And also one of the songs I wrote 'that's allright' and  that we recorded is going for big money on ebay, in fact I saw a copy go for £100!!!! and how many Irish Showband records go for that? Yes the 'Showband ' is an Irish idea, I challenge anyone to say I ever said different. But music is like anything else in life, it changes, or it dies, fact! I mean how many Showbands are there left?, all the Heads that played in them and are still drawing breath, and are now playing in Rock, Jazz, Folk, Country Bands, not many in Showbands. My idea, as I stated before was two-fold, first to breathe some life into this board which, with all the respect in the World, and I can now thanks to you understand why, seemed a little quite. And to get people posting about a subject that is close to all our hearts, be those hearts Irish, Half Irish, or no Irish at all, but who loved Showbands'. My original idea was to spread the word around the World just how great Irish Showbands, and the Heads in them were, and to show them all what a Showband in 2007 would be like, Great Singers, great players (even if not all Irish born), superb music for dancing, and an entertaining Show for all, is that so bad? Another point, some-one saw a show called 'Riverdance' in London, and by all account not all the dancers were pure born Irish, but it did not stop it being a great show, and getting a standing ovation!!!!!!.

Hello Ron, I saw your other post. It arrived as I was typing my last one and appeared just befor mine. Our posts crossed.
I agree that there certainly were some very good, non-Irish heads in Showbands. One of my selections for the Universal, Roy Addinell (Johhny Quigley) on trumpet was one. Michael Gilligan who replaced Jim Conlon in the Royal for a while and was with The Blue Aces was another and the bould Houston Wells was another.
I am not finding fault with your ideas or motives whatsoever and laud the motives which spuurred you to start the idea.
I felt, as I said, that it was too widespread with too many to choose from. None of us has mentioned Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet etc. etc. etc. for lead singer.
As you say it might be a good idea to have a seperate tread for an all Irish Showband

Hi all,
First of all, the last thing I want to do is confuse matters on a terrific thread but just to clarify. No way do I think that the members of the Universal Showband should be exclusively Irish. It's just that some of the suggestions were getting a bit 'out there'. After all it is a Showband we are putting together and some of the people suggested make the mind boggle. I know I would not like to be the guy who has to tell Keith Moon that the next tune is Jim Reeves 'He'll have to go'
mid way through a Nine to Two gig in Tubbercurry (although it would be interesting to hear how he handled it) You know what I mean, There has to be SOME semblance of reality to this whole thing otherwise it is just an opportunity for us all to make a pitch for our favourite musicians.
The suggestions I put forward just happen to be Irish.
Somebody elase could just as easily  suggest Roly Daniels (India) Earl Jordan (USA) Gene Chetty (SouthAfrica) or John Drummond (Scotland) and I would have no problem with that.

rgds

Barry

The first item on the agenda of any new Irish organisation is The Split.
Didn't take yiz long, lads.

[td] Vocals:  Brendan Ryder, Ray Lynam, Jon Bon Jovi, Brendan Bowyer, Dickie Rock, Billy Brown, Rob Strong. [/td]

If we go with Dickie, we'll be limited in the venues we can play.  Not many places have doors wide enough for his head to get through.

Hi Whistle,

Do you have something to back up the "Big Head' crack ?

Off Topic  but I'd just like to know.

Barry

Hi lads! I was wondering when someone would notice how 'out of hand' this 'Universal Showband' was getting. A brilliant idea Ron, but as Liamo rightly adds, that no one suggested Frank Sinatra etc. Before we know it, we'll have Barry Manilow or Louis Armstrong in there with a bit of Barbra Streisand too!!
However, may I make a suggestion that if we are forming an Irish Showband...could we have a different name eg. 'The Emerald Aces Showband'? Then the 'Universal Showband' can continue on. Then, when both bands have been decided, we could have a 'friendly' debate as to their showmanship qualities...(no doubt , knowing this forum, someone will have something to say about them!!) ;D

liamo wrote on 01/06/07 at 14:33:16:

Hello Ron, I saw your other post. It arrived as I was typing my last one and appeared just befor mine. Our posts crossed. I agree that there certainly were some very good, non-Irish heads in Showbands. One of my selections for the Universal, Roy Addinell (Johhny Quigley) on trumpet was one. Michael Gilligan who replaced Jim Conlon in the Royal for a while and was with The Blue Aces was another and the bould Houston Wells was another. I am not finding fault with your ideas or motives whatsoever and laud the motives which spuurred you to start the idea. I felt, as I said, that it was too widespread with too many to choose from. None of us has mentioned Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet etc. etc. etc. for lead singer. As you say it might be a good idea to have a seperate tread for an all Irish Showband

Hello Liamo, First off this is an imaginary Band, a chance to bring to the notice of people every-where just what a great idea 'Showbands' were. I did say time and again that the Singers, who in most bands were 'Frontman' or Frontladies' should be Irish, Hence my own personal choices Brendan Bowyer, and Dickie Rock. It was a little different when I joined the 'Blue Aces' as Charlie (Cheevers) did most of the talking, as he is as Irish as shamrock, and I speak like Michael Caine, and the last think we needed was Michael Caine saying 'The next song is the Old Woman from Wexford'. And when we toured abroad people loved to hear Irish people talk, it's a fact, I am one of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Also Charlie is a very good talker and entertainer, and a bloody good  Sax player/Singer.  If we had Tom Jones, Elvis, Cliff Richard on any other singer then no way would it be, or should it be, a Showband, as every memeber of a real Showband was a Star in their own right. I am more than happy to give way, and say go with my other idea, (and a good idea it is too if I may say so), is to start another thread, which I will watch, and post on if I think I have some-thing to say that might be helpful.

Barry wrote on 01/06/07 at 14:49:10:

Hi all, First of all, the last thing I want to do is confuse matters on a terrific thread but just to clarify. No way do I think that the members of the Universal Showband should be exclusively Irish. It's just that some of the suggestions were getting a bit 'out there'. After all it is a Showband we are putting together and some of the people suggested make the mind boggle. I know I would not like to be the guy who has to tell Keith Moon that the next tune is Jim Reeves 'He'll have to go' mid way through a Nine to Two gig in Tubbercurry (although it would be interesting to hear how he handled it) You know what I mean, There has to be SOME semblance of reality to this whole thing otherwise it is just an opportunity for us all to make a pitch for our favourite musicians. The suggestions I put forward just happen to be Irish. Somebody elase could just as easily  suggest Roly Daniels (India) Earl Jordan (USA) Gene Chetty (SouthAfrica) or John Drummond (Scotland) and I would have no problem with that. rgds Barry

hello Barry, As I said to Liamo, this is an imaginary band, and in ones head anything is possible. As for Heads 'towing the line' you have a point. It came as a bit of a shock to me straight out of a Brit' Pop Band 'The Riot Squad' when I was given a list of songs to learn the most would not have been my first choice of songs to sing. But I was with a 'Showband' and in my eye's one of the very best, Charlie (Cheevers) was the Leader, and he knew what was best for the Band, athough after a while he gave me a freer hand. But again don't get me wrong, I loved some of the songs, still do, 'the Holy Ground' , 'the old Woman from Wexford', ' Were'r all off to Dublin in the Green' Twentyone Years', Thank God were'r surrounded by water ! yes I sung all those. I just wanted to show as many people all over the World, some of which have never heard of 'Wexford, Limerick. Dublin, Belfast, County Down, just what it was like seeing a Showband. I have said it before, and will say it again, those were some of the best days of my life.

Barry wrote on 01/06/07 at 15:55:31:

Hi Whistle, Do you have something to back up the "Big Head' crack ? Off Topic  but I'd just like to know. Barry

Whoa there lads, we leave all that at the door please, we are all friends here.

Trish wrote on 01/06/07 at 18:07:52:

Hi lads! I was wondering when someone would notice how 'out of hand' this 'Universal Showband' was getting. A brilliant idea Ron, but as Liamo rightly adds, that no one suggested Frank Sinatra etc. Before we know it, we'll have Barry Manilow or Louis Armstrong in there with a bit of Barbra Streisand too!! However, may I make a suggestion that if we are forming an Irish Showband...could we have a different name eg. 'The Emerald Aces Showband'? Then the 'Universal Showband' can continue on. Then, when both bands have been decided, we could have a 'friendly' debate as to their showmanship qualities...(no doubt , knowing this forum, someone will have something to say about them!!) ;D

hello Trisha, Yes you are right, it is getting a bit out of hand, my intentions were good, and what's that they say about the road to good intention? Still we have have my 'plan 'B', that's to start a new thread, about a new Irish showband, of indigenous players. Pity, my dream would have been have been a Showband, with Irish Front-Persons leading an international band, to show the World what they missed, the Best Showband ever!

H Ron,

No problem. I was curious to know  the source of such a gratuitous swipe at someone who I know for a fact is anything but a big head.

Rgds

Barry

Hi again Ron,

Just thinking of non Irish people who would have found  success in the hay day of the Showbands.
Don't laugh, but Russ Abbott would have gone down an absolute bomb. His background is in the comedy 'show-group' area  so his contribution to the show would not be  confined to the comedy numbers..

Remember Joe Clark of the Witnesses ? A very funny man.

Barry

Barry wrote on 01/06/07 at 21:00:19:

H Ron, No problem. I was curious to know  the source of such a gratuitous swipe at someone who I know for a fact is anything but a big head. Rgds Barry

hello Barry, thats, fine, and it's very commendable of you coming to some-one I presume you regard as a friend's defence. There is enough trouble in the World, and in my humble opinion we are all Brothers and Sisters in music on this board, and should all try and get along. We may not see eye to eye about things, but that's true in any Family, but lets try. Have a very good week-end mate, Ron.

Barry wrote on 01/06/07 at 21:09:05:

Hi again Ron, Just thinking of non Irish people who would have found  success in the hay day of the Showbands. Don't laugh, but Russ Abbott would have gone down an absolute bomb. His background is in the comedy 'show-group' area  so his contribution to the show would not be  confined to the comedy numbers.. Remember Joe Clark of the Witnesses ? A very funny man. Barry

Hello Barry, Yes Russ would have gone down a storm, very funny. We in 'The Aces' did not do much in the way of comedy, mores the pity, I think the funniest thing we ever did was me try do do a 'Jig' onstage with the Lads, now that was funny, I did not mean it to be, but I was not made for Jigging, and people used to roll about laughing. My biggest regret is that I only saw a few Showbands, as most of the Gigs we were on our own (long, long, long nights Showbands earnt their pay). So I did not see 'Joe Clarke'. One of my fondest memories was working with the Clipper Charlton Showband, it was like being on the same bill as 'The Beatles', the Lads in 'the Aces' showed them so much respect, and what a show they put on, true Pro's, the lead Singer was so bloody good!! and had so much Stage presence.

Re the "wide doors/big head" comment: personal experience guys, personal experience.  1970s to 2006.  And I wouldn't be the first to say it, however, I accept it was outa place here.  For that, I apologise.
But is there a bar on free speech here?  

A good thread, Ron, full credit mate, even if the dissension is creeping in with the "split".

I'm a little concerned about the kinda music that's being proposed.  One of the many, many, reasons why showbands disappeared (see "Demise Of The Showbands" thread coz I don't want to start all that again!) might arguably have been down to the set list.  "Fine Girl Ye Are" may have been fine in the 60s but we're into 2007 now. I haven't given much thought to my own proposals but frankly I baulk at some of the suggestions!
In fact, the songs we chose are going to be critical to the success of this band, perhaps we could create a set list for people to vote on in the same way I suggested that we vote for the musos who'll be playing?
And of course, original material is essential (see Demise etc etc etc....)
Trisha did good work in compiling a list a couple of days ago which really pulled the whole thing together.

Hi Whistle,

"Personal experience" eh !  That's nice and vague but what the hell. "Not the first to say it."  Well Whistle, In the 40+ years I've known him you ARE the first I've heard say it. I'm sure that if this is a generally held view of Dickie the  contributors to this forum will support your opinion.

Lets leave it at that and get back to the thread.

Barry

whistle wrote on 01/06/07 at 22:51:49:

I'm a little concerned about the kinda music that's being proposed.  One of the many, many, reasons why showbands disappeared (see "Demise Of The Showbands" thread coz I don't want to start all that again!) might arguably have been down to the set list.  "Fine Girl Ye Are" may have been fine in the 60s but we're into 2007 now. I haven't given much thought to my own proposals but frankly I baulk at some of the suggestions! In fact, the songs we chose are going to be critical to the success of this band, perhaps we could create a set list for people to vote on in the same way I suggested that we vote for the musos who'll be playing? And of course, original material is essential (see Demise etc etc etc....) Trisha did good work in compiling a list a couple of days ago which really pulled the whole thing together.

Hello Whistle, My reason for chosing the songs I did was that there should be a mix, and in that mix there must be some 'Irish Culture' and those are songs are, and I bet they would still well recieved. And Trisha did a very fine job, and is a very nice person.

Thanks for that Ron! Right lads, it's back to business (never mind about who likes Dickie & who doesn't). Barry has already set this 'ball rolling' by namimg who he'd like in this 'Super Showband'. So this is mine ( I've added some C & W artists - well we gotta keep the all the fans happy)

Vocals: Jim Barry, Roly Daniels, Female - yet to be named.
Guitar: Bobby Kelly
Bass: Jim Hudson
Trumpet: Bobby Smith
Trombone: Vincent Gill
Sax: Keith Donald
Keyboards: Shay O'Donoghue
Percussion: Joe Mac (for entertainment value)
Banjo/Steel: Gerry Madigan
Fiddle: Charlie Arkins
Backing Singers: Maxi, Dick & Twink

If other members want to add their 'wish list', then maybe we can find our ideal  super Showband. ;)

Trish wrote on 01/07/07 at 00:39:50:

Thanks for that Ron! Right lads, it's back to business (never mind about who likes Dickie & who doesn't). Barry has already set this 'ball rolling' by namimg who he'd like in this 'Super Showband'. So this is mine ( I've added some C & W artists - well we gotta keep the all the fans happy) Vocals: Jim Barry, Roly Daniels, Female - yet to be named. Guitar: Bobby Kelly Bass: Jim Hudson Trumpet: Bobby Smith Trombone: Vincent Gill Sax: Keith Donald Keyboards: Shay O'Donoghue Percussion: Joe Mac (for entertainment value) Banjo/Steel: Gerry Madigan Fiddle: Charlie Arkins Backing Singers: Maxi, Dick & Twink If other members want to add their 'wish list', then maybe we can find our ideal  super Showband. ;)

hello Trisha, Go Girl!! I think you got some-thing going there. Mind you I worked a couple of times with Roly Daniels, great entertainer, did not know he was Irish though! still there you go. What about the song-list? I hope you put some of the old Showband clssics in. Very well done.

Hiya Ron! No, Roly isn't Irish but Barry said that he had no problem adding his name on the list (see reply no.61). I suppose I could include someone like Jimmy Swarbrigg or Brendan O'Brien if Roly wasn't available!
As for a song list, I'm working on it. Is anyone else going to join in here...or am I flying solo? :-/

There are some great female singers, better not include an email pal,so how about Gina, out of the champions?

Johnny Carroll on trumpet perhaps?

I've read with interest the suggestions for the lineup of the new showband. Here, for what it's worth , is my ideal lineup:

Vocals: Dickie Rock
Gtr : Louis Stewart
Bass: Rob Strong
Tpt: Ray Moore
Tbe: Don Long
Sax: Jim Farley
Keyboards: Billy Brown
Drums; Des Hopkins

mary b who was the lady in   pluto. still playing and singing. :)(pluto donegal based band around 80s)

Afternoon all,

I'm surprised no one has come up with ex showband sax player and Killnaskully star. Pat Shortt as a possible member.
In the original showband set-up he'd be a sure- fire hit.

Best

Barry

You won't get away with that here ;D