The history of most of today's popular music in Ireland traces its roots back to the country's "showband era" which swept through the country in the 1950's and 60's.

Prior to the showbands, most bands in Ireland in the early 50's were similar to the "big bands" of the 1940's or orchestras. They usually had ten or twelve musicians who sat behind music stands while a band leader, such as Mick Delahunty or Maurice Mulcahy, took center stage. They played the Irish dance circuit which was mostly made up of some ballrooms and the parochial halls that dotted the island.

This documentary chronicles one weekend with "The Indians" where we learn of the highs and the lows of life on the road.

The band consisted of: Eamon Keane (trumpet), Noel Brady (vocals), John Woodfull (guitar), Chris Mullahy (drums), Brian Woodfull (bass) and Shay O'Reilly (trombone).

The Indians are still on the road in 2012, visit their website

Producer: Maxwell Sweeney

First broadcast 3rd November 1978

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