Hi Eddy,

In fact, many of the early showbands came from the ranks of the "support" bands. In the early days, many ballrooms had resident bands that would perform through a season (the Dixies started this way). Usually the gig was part time and the big decision for these bands was whether to "turn pro" which usually meant quitting the day job and hitting the road. In the latter years, "relief" bands were usually 3-4 piece locals bands and I know Brotherly Love who released several singles on EMI in the early 70's were the relief band in the Silver Slipper, Strandhill. Of course MANY of the musicians who filled the showband ranks got their start in the relief/support bands.