Adam Clayton presents the final part of Ballroom Blitz this Wednesday, Dec 4th on RTE One at 9.30 pm - watch now via RTÉ Player.
Below, the series' writer, producer and director Billy McGrath explains how it all started for him.
My passion and love for live music started with showbands. One in particular. With seven kids, our family summer holidays were every July (from 1962–1967) in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The rented house near the Arklow Bay Hotel was owned by the Sweeney family who also owned the garage next door where local heroes the Columbia Showband practiced every weekend.
Aged 11 or 12 I’d stand outside the open window often watching them rehearse the same song over and over again. I never want to hear 'Are you going to Amarillo’ ever again. In 1966 they had their first top 10 Irish hit. To me they were ‘stars’ and they welcomed me – their newest fan.
Adam Clayton, Kate Fuller (daughter of iconic ballroom owner Bill) and
RTÉ's Ronan Collins – once a drummer for Dickie Rock.
It was always a big night when they played the local Entertainment Centre by the beach and, now aged 14, I was their roadie for the afternoon helping unload their wagon. Now that I had the taste for loading in band gear, most weekends, no matter the band, I was there ready and willing. I always appreciated the band member or crew who said 'thanks' or even slipped you a half crown. As the years went by I’d get to know some of the bands and noticed that some ‘lost’ original members; others now had new lead singers and that ex-lead singer now fronted their own band! Musical chairs indeed! It was clear that the managers and the ‘money men’ had taken over.
In my final year, 1967, now aged 15 I was allowed 'stay up' and watch the night performance. Dickie Rock was a true star act; The Royal blew the roof off; Eileen Reid had more female admirers front of stage and I loved The Freshmen - mainly cos they dressed in mod clothes and looked like stoner cowboys, unlike others who could pass as bank tellers.
But those summer years were my ‘school of music’ and the main reason I appreciate the role that showbands played in the evolution of the Irish music industry. They had a huge influence in what came after and, at a time when the economy and the church had us on our knees, they brought 100s of 1000s of dancers to their feet. And when Van, The Chieftains, Rory, Clannad, Planxty, Lizzy and The Rats opened up the ears and eyes of a new generation, including me, the ‘copycat’ showbands faded away.
"It was the beginning of the concept of stardom in Ireland."
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 17, 2024
Adam Clayton on his new documentary Ballroom Blitz, which explores Irish showbands.#latelate pic.twitter.com/mH8hFE8Qoc
So when I pitched Adam Clayton the idea, you could say I had ‘skin in the game’. Today, the live music world has changed - but possibly not for the better. As one guest, Dr Stan Erraught (ex-Stars of Heaven) points out, ‘Now music fans either go the big event gig … or stay at home on their phone’.
PS I did suggest to our host that he should form The Adam Clayton Showband as a fun side project. He laughed … but that’s one dance I want to be at. I’d even go to Amarillo.
Ní fheicfimid a leithéid arís.
The 2nd and final part of Ballroom Blitz is on RTE One on Wednesday Dec 4th at 9.30 pm - catch up via RTE Player.
