The Showbands phenomenon burst spectacularly onto the Irish music scene in the 1960s, and Spotlight photographer Michael O'Reilly had unique access to the biggest stars of that time.

From national treasures like The Royal Showband, The Drifters, The Clipper Carlton Showband, The Dixies, The Miami Showband and Phil Lynott; to heroes of the folk scene like The Wolfe Tones, The Dubliners and Johnny McEvoy; and international visitors including Sandie Shaw, The Everly Brothers, Bing Crosby, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones, Diana Ross and David Bowie, this personal collection of photographs is a must-have for anyone whose hey-day was spent in the famous dancehalls of the 1960s.

Remember it all again - the ferment of the music, the hysteria of the fans and the charismatic stars of that thrilling decade.

'Wonderfully evocative of how it was in the 1960s'

Shay Healy

An entire generation of Irish performers and legendary international stars captured in stunning black and white.

About the Author

Michael O'Reilly is one of Ireland's most experienced photographers. As a photographer for Spotlight Magazine, he was among those to be called into action when major overseas acts visited Ireland, and he saw the very best of the 1960s. He was there to document the hysteria that showbands inspired as they rolled between iconic venues like the Television Club and Bray's Arcadia Ballroom. He was on hand to witness the emergence of the Irish folk and rock scenes. Retired now, he lives in Dublin.

Book Information
ISBN 9780717164608
Author Michael O'Reilly
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Gill & Macmillan Ltd
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 2590g
Dimensions(mm) 300mm * 300mm * 30mm