A new book provides a comprehensive listing of the showbands and dance bands of Ireland’s musical past.
‘From Tango To Twist’ is by Irish Bands’ Archive at irishshowbands.net, and the Curious Cat Library. The publication is an almanac of 20th century Irish dance-bands, bandshows and showbands. A hardback, with 336 pages, it is packed with photographs of 865 different Irish bands (most with bio and a list of personnel), 160 vintage dancing and music cuttings, and selected discographies for all bands who recorded.
The book includes a 12-page index with 1,500 entries including bands, towns, villages and singers or featured artistes. It’s a quality production with 220 x 250 mm. (8 1/2 x 93/4″) pages and a reading ribbon. The book is case-bound (thread-sewn) and weighs 750g. It’s the ultimate reference book for those with an interest in the social history of Ireland, or an ideal gift for a relative who may
have played in a dance-band or showband, or one who just enjoyed dancing. The author, Francis K. Beirne, himself toured as a showband musician and has been collecting press cuttings, magazines, records, photographs and memorabilia since he was a teenager. He has had articles on the subject published in various publications including the Irish Independent, Ireland’s Own (three different series), Senior Times, the Irish Post and Irish-America Monthly. He was a consultant for the RTE series ‘A Little Bit Showband’ and the 2005 TV film, ‘Showbands’. He founded the irishshowbands.net web archive in 2002. The book may be pre-ordered at www.thebookshop.ie where it’s priced at €28 and this includes postage and packing. It will be delivered after the launch date of July 1.
