Peter Boy and the Trend Showband Derry
I was the original drummer with The Trend Showband.
In the picture with the tuxes I am the Skinny one on the far right. ( My
dad was Charles Kelly, band leader of Charlie Kelly's Ceili Band, Derry.
His band was broadcast in a BBC TV series,
and radio Erin.
The Cutliff brothers, were my cousins, with
the Syndicate Showband in Buncrana, Donegal.))
I have been living in Canada for about the
last 30 years. For awhile I played in a band the Harp and Heather
featuring Ena O'Brien
(folk Irish traditional) Then the Trend also came to Canada, and
I rejoined them for a few years. Eventually in 1979, the band retrurned
to Ireland, but I remained here. I stayed in touch with the music
scene through occasional opportunities to play. Eventually I became
involved in children's music,(the Magpies) and
recorded 2 CD's in the late 1990's.
I continue to be in touch with two other original
band members;
Ray Beales (lead guitare) and Donall Sweeney
(piano). They also live in this neck of the woods.
For your info, other former showband musicians/entertainers
that also reside in this area are:
Sean Fagan (Pacific Showband), Mike
O'Brien (the Real McCoy), Terry Connolly (The Trixons),
Mickey McFadden (Rhythm Boys), Pat Halferthy
(Wood Choppers), Johnny Anderson (Johnny Quigley),
John Deehan (Quigley?), former Ballamena musician
Willie O'Hagan, and Harry Parker (Pacific ).
These are just a few names I can recall this
moment.
Presently Dickie Rock is touring in this area,
participating in the
St. Patrick Day celebrations.
So, there are still lots of us around.
Again, thanks for the memories.
Best wishes, Richard Kelly
Story of the Trend Showband
By John Baird
From John Bairds collection
bairdart@iol.ie
