Barry McCabe

It does seem a little bit strange to be writing about December 1973 while it is Spring outside right now but we'll struggle on nevertheless!!

Another difference between then and now (besides the weather) is how busy working bands were in those days, especially around Christmas. There is a full page 'ad' for the Times, a showband I went to see many, many times back in those days. They put on a great show and of course some of you may know Tommy and Jimmy (Swarbrigg) from their 1975 and 1977 Eurovision entries.

Anyway, here's where they were playing with the Times from just before Christmas right through to the first week of January, with just one day off!!

Thursday 20th - Longford Arms, Friday 21st - Killashandra, Saturday 22nd - Carrickmacross, Sunday 23rd - Drumshanbo, Christmas Night - Sports Centre, Cavan, St. Stephen's Night - Kanturk, Thursday 27th - Carrickallen, Friday 28th - Glenamaddy, Saturday 29th - Cong, Sunday 30th - Charlestown, Monday 31st - Town Hall, Killarney, Tuesday 1st - Carlton, Kilkenny, Wednesday 2nd - Boyle, Thursday 3rd - Clonakilty, Friday 4th - Ardagh, New Hall, Saturday 5th - County Arms, Birr, Sunday 6th - Claremorris, Tuesday 8th - County Hall, Mullingar.

Keyboard Player For Skid Row

Skid Row are now a five-piece. They have added Northerner Kevin McAlea on keyboards. Kevin, well known around the rock circuit, has played with a number of groups over the years including the Gentry. Kevin sat in on a few numbers with the boys and it worked out so well we asked him to stay, manager Ollie Byrne told me.

New Spotlight's Night Out went heavy last week with Skid Row showing a big improvement on their Stadium outing. Some very flashy guitar work from Ed Deane and a much more compact sound impressed a lot of people. Eamonn Gibney was in good form and it's nice to see him doing some of the chat between numbers. For once, however, it was Deane who outshone everyone else, even newcomer Kevin McAlea on keyboards. His guitar sound is completely unique and it's unlike anything I have ever heard from any other Irish rock musician.

The same evening I caught Peggy's Leg putting on the style at the Baggot Inn. It cost me 40p just in case anybody thinks we rock know-alls get in everywhere for nothing. It's a nice place for a pub session, with good atmosphere and good booze. With a new album out now every bad gig Leg play is going to cost them sales, a point all groups with wax on release would do well to remember. This wasn't a bad gig by any means and it also turned me on to the fact that there is a lot of talent in this four man band. Gibson, Duffy, Harris and Slevin all contribute equally to making this one of the best young bands in the country.

All the Irish group albums currently on sale - Gallagher, Horslips, Fruupp, Lizzy, Peggy's Leg, Mushroom, Planxty and Bees Make Honey have been picking up above average sales. Horslips and Planxty are two monsters both deserving of their great success. The latest release from Peggy's Leg is a credit to the group, it comes in a fine sleeve by Tim Booth and the recording is first class. When you think of Peggy's Leg, a group lucky to pull in £300 a week, recording an album and having it released on their own label with all the promotion extras, reception, etc., it's an incredible achievement and one that augurs well for the future of rock in this country.

Top western group the Wild Breed from Galway have had some line up changes recently. Bass guitarist Frank O' Connor quit the group for personal reasons and John Small is the new man. "John's a great bass player and he's given the band a new lease of life", said leader Eamonn Cummins. The Wild Breed will be recording a new single in a few months and this time they are hoping to hire a top producer.

A young reader Sean Lynam from Lucan in Co. Dublin wrote to me with a suggestion of how the Stadium could safeguard itself against rock troublemakers and I must agree he makes a lot of sense. He writes: - "I have been to the Stadium many times and I don't blame them for banning rock if it's wrecking the place. So why don't the Stadium people charge an extra 10p on every ticket that's sold. On a full house this would amount to £250 extra, enough to cover any damage if there was any and if not the Stadium would come out of it £250 the richer. Surely this extra revenue would make the Stadium think again." 

I think this is a very good idea from Sean and one that the Stadium management would do well to consider.

The Pink Floyd movie continues its country-wide tour and can be seen in Tralee this weekend at the Picturedome at two special late night shows. The movie's second run in Dublin last weekend drew a sizable crowd. To date this film has not gone on general release in Britian.

Late night rock concerts in Kilkenny run by promoter Eamonn (I'll-get-one-more-in-if-it-kills-me) Langton have been drawing big crowds. Skid Row are headlining (tomorrow) Fri. 21st and Eamonn has a number of big acts lined up to follow.

Alan Dee and his new band were at Gonzo's last week and while the rock palace had its smallest turnout to date, the new Dee outfit came over well. The first time I saw Alan Dee on stage was at the Matt Talbot Hall about nine years ago. I had only started dancing at the time and was a big fan of the Chessmen. Dee was their leader. They were brilliant for their time and I was always appalled in later years to see Dee's fine talent going to waste in wicked pop bands. I honestly feel he could have made it big with just a little extra effort. The new band could turn into something special but it's early days yet.

Shorts

Philip Lynott of Thin Lizzy has signed a publishing deal with the Robert Stigwood Music Company...incredible Melody Maker reviews for recent Rory Gallagher concerts...once again Gary Moore fans have been let down - the group's tour has been called off...good reviews for Tir Na nOg album from UK rock press...at a recent Galway gig Reform drew 2,000 fans at Talk of the Town...our most forgotten greats Paul Keogh featured with Elton John and his band on the new Kiki Dee album...another Irishman picking up a lot of notice in London is ex-Bees Make Honey star Ruan O'Loughlin who is featured on the best selling Bryan Ferry album

Pat Egan

Ireland's Top 20 Chart at Christmas 1973

01 - Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade   

02 - Helicopter Song - Wolfe Tones 

03 - Pal Of My Cradle Days - Sean Dunphy        

04 - My Coo Ca Choo - Alvin Stardust         

05 - I'm Gonna Make It - Joe Cuddy

06 - Music Across The Way - Sonny Knowles         

07 - Beautiful Peace - Tommy Drennan        

08 - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard          

09 - Don't Pretend Anymore - The Memories    

10 - Sunday Monday Tuesday - Dana      

11 - Christmas In My Hometown - Gene Stewart & The Mighty Avons     

12 - I Love You Love Me Love - Gary Glitter             

13 - Liberty Boy - Brendan Grace       

14 - Paper Roses - Marie Osmond      

15 - The Rocker - Thin Lizzy              

16 - You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me - New Seekers                 

17 - Super Maxi - Dickie Rock             

18 - Why Oh Why Oh Why - Gilbert O' Sullivan  

19 - Walk Right Back - Perry Como       

Lots of news and interesting stuff in this week's edition. There's a nice two-page spread on the Plattermen (mostly pictures), there are two reviews of Horslips at The Stadium, a reply from RTE's Bil Keating regarding Van Morrison's very rude behaviour towards Tony Johnson (I remember watching that particular show and I can still remember how rude Van was). Brotherly Love, from Sligo are hoping to be Ireland's answer to The Osmonds and Pat O'Connell suggests as the King (Elvis) is approaching 40 perhaps he should consider bowing out with whatever grace he has left (prophetic words indeed)!!

Excellent sales for Horslips Album

Horslips popularity reached new heights with amazing first weekend sales for their second album, "The Tain". Many shops reported a sell out as fans in their thousands to buy the record. At its present rate of sales it looks like being even bigger than "Happy To Meet...Sorry To Part", their first album. The release of the album was well timed and with three weeks still to go before Christmas it's sure to set up some kind of record in sales figures.

Let's hope when it comes to sharing out the petrol that not only will be big showbands get their rations but the small groups as well. After all who needs it more, the big bands who get £400 a night or the groups who get £30. Promoters will do well to hire local groups. If the crisis continues long enough gigs are going to become very scarce and small groups will need all the local work they can get to keep going.

Garret Brown, fresh to the rock circuit is the new bass guitarist with the fast rising Dave Prim Band. He replaces John Brennan who quit because of ill health and is a fine singer, says manager Smiley Bolger. Later in December the Prim Band will have a special guest on some of their gigs. He is sax player Roland Vaughan who played for some time with Fleetwood Mac and is featured on the groups "Mr. Wonderful" album.

It's well known in the record business that an artist's home territory is vital to sales. In fact in can be responsible for making or breaking the chances of a hit single or album. All the more reason you would imagine why Rory Gallagher, Tir Na nOg and Bees Make Honey should be anxious to have their records out over here in an effort to increase sales. But not so! It's well over a month since Rory's "Tattoo" and "Strong In The Sun" by Tir Na nOg were released but neither have appeared in Irish shops. Gallagher may be in a position to miss out on sales but a band such as Tir Na nOg are very much at the make or break stage of their career and need all the support they can get. Bees Make Honey are also missing sales and they need breaks like any new band chasing a hit. It's ok to blame the delay on the energy crisis, but how come Horslips, Mushroom and Planxty can get their albums to the shops in time. An artist must have a manager or agent here to look after his affairs. Otherwise the companies take their time and the artists and fans suffer.

Two Cork bands, Sleepy Hollow and Loudest Whisper turned up for a gig at Zero's last Saturday, but only one had been booked. Gonzo's Palace had three groups on show last Saturday, Oxo Whitney, Zebedee and Jangle Dangle with Zebedee giving British band Oxo a good run for top honours.

Peggy's Leg first album should be in the shops this weekend...no sign yet of Lizzy's "The Rocker" in British Top 50...let's hope someone sends Gay (Irish records are crop) Byrne a copy of the Mushroom album recorded at Eamonn Andrews Studios - right group, producer and engineer and a great album...new Reform single held over until January...many disappointed fans at Trinity last Friday when guitarist Stefan Grossman failed to show for his concert...Pink Floyd film in Waterford Regina cinema this Friday and Cork's Capitol on Saturday...it's also due for a re-run in Dublin in a week's time...two Van Morrison tracks on RTE in two days, wonders will never cease.

British pub-rock band Oxo Whitney played an exciting if over-flash set at Gonzo's. It was a pity the bad weather kept away most of the regulars who would have enjoyed this very confident rock 'n' roll outfit. Some good originals and a nice version of "Gloria" kept things rockin' along.

James Duggan is back on the peace trail next Thursday at the Mansion House. Trench Band & Rodeo are down as bill toppers but knowing James' capacity for persuasion there could be other big name outfits along as well. Soup will be served and admission is only 50p.

Ticket prices should be kept down for concerts by all Irish groups. Any home band asking more than £1 for a show doesn't deserve the support of the fans. This is meant for all the top Irish rock acts. After all, in most cases, the groups owe their success to their following.

Next week's issue will feature my choice of the best Irish groups and musicians of 1973. Our editor may be persuaded to present some awards.

New Spotlight Year Book has some interesting features, both home and overseas groups. It makes a welcome change from previous years when the publication had a great weight of material concentrated on showbands.

Rodeo are off the road to work on a new stage act and to write some original numbers. The group, who have been making great progress over the last couple of months, are hot favourites to secure a big money contract from Britain.

Mushroom's terrific first album, now in the shops, comes in a really first-class sleeve with a knockout inside picture and poster by Roy Esmonde. Both it and the current Fruupp release are the two best albums from Irish bands so far this year and that includes Lizzy and Gallagher. It's great to see our groups turning out such quality products and it goes a long way to backing up my claim that the new year will see Irish groups reach new heights.

Pat Egan

Ireland's Top 20 Chart on the 13th December 1973

01 - Helicopter Song - Wolfe Tones   

02 - I Love You Love Me Love - Gary Glitter (with the old countdown music leading up to No. 1)     

03 - Why Oh Why Oh Why - Gilbert O' Sullivan      

04 - Pal Of My Cradle Days - Sean Dunphy       

05 - Mountains Of Mourne - Don McLean

06 - For The Good Times - Perry Como         

07 - Top Of The World - The Carpenters      

08 - I Never Said Goodbye - Red Hurley       

09 - Won't Somebody Dance With Me - Lynsey De Paul    

10 - When I Fall In Love - Donny Osmond   

11 - The Rocker - Thin Lizzy     

12 - Forgive Me For Calling You Darling - Brian Harkin      

13 - Almost Persuaded - D.J & The Kerry Blues  

14 - Music Across The Way - Sonny Knowles   

15 - Two Of The Usual - Hugo Duncan & The Tallmen            

16 - Paper Roses - Marie Osmond              

17 - Dynamite - Mud            

18 - Sorrow - David Bowie

19 - Photograph - Ringo Starr     

Just to jog your memory a bit - here's what RTE television was serving up over the weekend of November 1973. Thursday: Hall's Pictorial Weekly was on at 8pm, Action Weekly at 8.30pm, For Your Pleasure[Brendan O'Dowda] and Scope [interview with Dalai Lama]. Friday: Tangents at 6.25, followed by Talk about Pop with Tony Johnson & Danny Hughes (I remember this programme and really liked it). Seven Days was on at 9pm followed by a film. Saturday: Sports Stadium for most of the day and then we had the Likes of Mike at 8pm and the Late Late Show at 9.45pm. Sunday: a film at 4pm, Black Beauty at 6.15pm and The Riordans at 7.20pm. Who didn't watch that show week in and week out??

Mushroom Have A Winner

Mushroom can hold their heads high. Anyone with doubts about their musical ability will have them removed with the release of their first album, Early One Morning. I have played it to a lot of rock fans at Sound Cellar and the reaction has been pleasant surprise. They are sure to have a big seller first time out.

Those who missed the East of Eden gig at Trinity slipped up badly. They are one of the best rock bands to hit these shores in a long time. They deal in sheer high energy and volume and Irishman Joe O'Donnell is very much the main attraction. It was the first time I have seen a fiddle used live totally as a rock instrument and after watching O'Donnell it's easy to see why he's getting so much attention in Britain. The vocals were lost behind a wall of sound but this was well compensated for by the excitement created by the super group. If they get the disc breaks in Britain in the coming months it's anybody's guess how big they will be.Trench band supported at Trinity in place of Dave Prim. The less said about their set the better. It just wasn't their night.

Promoter Gonzo wasn't very pleased with guest band Sherriff at the Rock Place in Moran's last week. A late start by the band plus almost deafening volume were the main causes. So many bands make the mistake of playing Gonzo's as if it were Madison Square Garden. When they did settle, Sherriff came up with some pretty useful stuff.

Rodeo, one of the country's best bands at the moment will guest at the first "special" which begins at Gonzo's this Saturday (24). The successful Tuesday session which first put the rock-pub palace on the map will continue as before and Gonzo's folk night will be on Wednesdays. The bar will open until midnight on Saturdays and the reeling and rocking will carry on way into Sunday morning.

Reaction to last week's ratings was very good and few groups disagreed with my placings. Peggy's Leg might have climbed a bit higher and I completely overlooked Zebedee who should have been in.

People may complain that Van Morrison was rude on his RTE interview. It was just unlucky for Tony Johnson that he happened to be doing the show because Morrison would have treated anyone else the same way. For five years RTE radio, and to a lesser extent, RTE television choose to ignore his massive US achievements. His songs topped the US charts, his albums sold in millions and Time magazine rated him as one of the five most important talents in rock. During all that time only Ken Stewart gave Van the airplay his records deserved. Times have changed and RTE finally decided to jump on the Morrison bandwagon. No wonder the Belfast star wasn't as smoothly charming as he might have been before the cameras.

With his Christmas concerts hanging in the balance and his albums just not getting into the shops Rory Gallagher is in danger of being forgotten by his Irish fans. While he's working his way across Britain and Europe on yet another tour his home following gets a raw deal from his record company. A spokeman for Polydor in Dublin told me "we still can't give any definite date for the release of the album."

Reform, Limerick's chart-busting rock trio, will soon release a follow up to "I'm Gonna Get You". One of four songs they recorded in London last month, it will also be the group's first worldwide release under a five year deal with Young Blood records, one of the world's most successful independent labels. At home the group are extremely busy. Manager Oliver Barry says: "They are in demand seven nights a week since "I'm Gonna Get You" became a hit.

Zebedee have made a number of line up changes...it would be nice to see more rock on The Late Late Show...the Jonathan Kelly Band was first class...still no Tir Na nOg album...reaction to the Pink Floyd film is incredible with unbelievable ticket sales in first few days...good review from John Peel for the Lizzy single "The Rocker"...Fruupp concert at Liberty Hall was not as successful as the group had hoped for. Too many concerts in too few days hit ticket sales...groups wishing to be featured in our Breakdown should send single photo's of each member of the band plus information...Don Weldon from Cork back in the group business and looking after Sleepy Hollow...Reform due for sizable spot on Talk About Pop shortly...Rock 'n' Roll movie, "Let The Good Times Roll" due for Dublin next month...Mushroom's appearance in the Johnny McEvoy show on RTE Saturday can't have done their image any good. The appalling sound left me wondering if any attempt was made to balance it or if anybody even listened to the quality before letting it on the air. Or maybe it got distorted as it went out. Apart from all that this type of show doesn't suit a group such as Mushroom...next week we'll feature Peggy's Leg in our Breakdown section and we'll also have a review of Mushroom's album.

Pat Egan

Ireland's Top 20 Chart on the 29th November 1973

01 - Helicopter Song - Wolfe Tones   

02 -  Mountains Of Mourne - Don McLean    

03 - For The Good Times - Perry Como     

04 - Sorrow - David Bowie    

05 - I Never Said Goodbye - Red Hurley      

06 - Why Oh Why Oh Why - Gilbert O' Sullivan         

07 - I Love You Love Me Love - Gary Glitter (with the old countdown music leading up to No. 1)     

08 - Pal Of My Cradle Days - Sean Dunphy       

09 - Dynamite - Mud   

10 - Almost Persuaded - D.J & The Kerry Blues 

11 - The Deepening Snow - Margo & Co.     

12 - Top Of The World - The Carpenters      

13 - Forgive Me For Calling You Darling - Brian Harkin 

14 - Do You Wanna Dance - Barry Blue 

15 - Light In The Window - Philomena Begley           

16 - Let Me In - The Osmonds            

17 - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John        

18 - Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan 

19 - Two Of The Usual - Hugo Duncan & The Tallmen  

It seems everyone was best pleased this week in the Irish rock scene. It seems we were pleased that Van Morrison was home. Michael Deeny, who was managing Horslips at the time, informed us that 'the boys' were very pleased with the way things had turned out for them over in England. Skid Row had every right to be pleased with themselves as they drew close to 2,000 fans to their Stadium gig. Reform were pleased with the way their recording stint had turned out over in London and the producer Martin Ford was pleased with the way Mushroom's album had turned out. So, all in all, a happy bunch of lads in Irish rocker land this week! Read on...

Spud Split With Manager

Spud have split from their manager, PJ O'Sullivan and have also lost one of their original members. Group leader Don Knox told me: "PJ is very involved with the cabaret scene and just didn't have the time to devote his full attention to the group. We are keen to get in on the university and rock circuit as we feel this is where our future lies."

A little note of welcome home to Van Morrison who arrived in the country last week. We're all very glad you're here Van, but maybe just a little disappointed you're not doing any concerts. We wish you well and hope you have a very peaceful and enjoyable stay.

Peggy's Leg were at Gonzo's last Tuesday week and by all accounts continue to pick up new fans. They have been playing the same programme now for some time (or maybe I just keep hearing the same numbers) and I think now they are almost in a position to all originals, especially on short gigs like Gonzo's. I would still like to see another pub gig in town as it would help to make up for the lack of real rock venues.

Although the Fruupp album is on its third week of release it has yet to go on sale on the home market. However, manager Paul Charles is hoping to have it out here by the end of next week.

Terry O'Neill, one-time manager of Horslips and Thin Lizzy, is returning to the rock business and will be looking after a number of well-known acts. Terry, recently married, is a devoted follower of the Guru Maharaji.

Thin Lizzy's live performances and their album have been have been coming in for some pretty unkind reviews from the rock press in Britain. It seems after all that "Whiskey In The Jar" was more of a drawback than a help in getting the band over to the kind of public that they want so much to be rated among. I have to agree with the writer and I did mention this before that whoever chose the A and B sides for the album made a terrible blunder in not reversing them. Side two of the album is one hundred percent better, whereas side one seems to have been rushed.

Pink Floyd bass guitarist Roger Waters may be coming to Dublin for the premier of "Pink Floyd at Pompeii" movie. The film, which will be shown at the Carlton cinema shortly, is a full-colour production containing all the tracks from their million selling "Dark Side of The Moon" album.

Back in town last week was BP Fallon who is presently working on a book about Led Zeppelin.

Gaslight, the Cork group currently making a comeback, will be playing their first Dublin gigs next weekend when they play Zero's on the 10th plus some other venues to be finalised this week.

Van Morrison was at Gonzo's Rock palace last Tuesday but went away before Rodeo came on stage. A pity really, because he missed another great performance by this incredibly good Northern band. The group's music is full of genuine country feeling and a freshness I have seldom heard from any Irish band. Rodeo are going to be a big name before too long and don't you forget where you heard it first. Easily the best group of musicians on the road here at the moment.

Horslips' manager Michael Deeny tells me: "The boys are very pleased with the progress they have made across the water. Reaction on live gigs has been fantastic and so far everything is running to plan." The group's new album "The Tain" will be released next month and Deeny is hoping to have to tape (cassette and 8-track) available on the same day as the album.

After a highly successful German trip (where Record Mirror reports they are really big) East Of Eden arrived in Ireland this week for their first ever Irish tour. Although they have still failed to break through in England in a big way Eden are finding the rest of Europe only too willing to accept them. Their latest single, "Sin City Girls" almost made it in Britain and is currently in the German Top 20. Main interest to Irish fans will be Joe O'Donnell from Limerick who is on fiddle with Eden. He is one of the main reasons why the band's comeback has been such a successful one.

Joe's younger brother is following closely in his footsteps. He has also taken up electric voilin with a group.

So Henry McCullagh has gone back to his old mate Joe Cocker and together they intend to go on the road with a new band. I guess I was hoping Henry might front his own band but it seems he prefers to let someone else have the biggest share of the limelight.

The students council at Trinity tell me everybody is welcome at any of their rock gigs. "There is no question of only students being admitted" a spokesman said.

Despite not selling out the Stadium for their comeback gig, Skid Row can feel well pleased with themselves that they drew close to 2,000 fans. It was a very big gamble trying to fill such a venue when the fans had no idea what the group had to offer. (see next week's column for a review of the concert).

Reform have recently recorded three originals in London and one of them will be released shortly as their new single. "We were very pleased with the way everything went over there," said Don O'Connor, the group's leader. "I think they were surprised we had so much to offer".

Martin Ford, well-known British producer/musician was in Ireland recently to produce the first album for Mushroom which will be released before Christmas on the group's own label. Ford, who has worked with many of the top names in the rock business including the Rolling Stones, was pleased with Mushroom and feels that the album could well bring them to the notice of some of the major companies in Britain.

Pat Egan

Ireland's Top 20 Chart on the 8th November 1973

01 - My Friend Stan - Slade  

02 - For The Good Times - Perry Como  

03 - Day Dreamer - David Cassidy  

04 - Sorrow - David Bowie  

05 - Eye Level - Simon Park Orchestra    

06 - Almost Persuaded - D.J & The Kerry Blues        

07 - Laughing Gnome - David Bowie     

08 - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John    

09 - Light In The Window - Philomena Begley

10 - Suffer Little Children - Cork Children's Choir

11 - I Never Said Goodbye - Red Hurley   

12 - Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet   

13 - You're Still The Only One I've Ever Loved - Colm & the Sundowners        

14 - Where The Three Counties Meet - Brendan Shine      

15 - Love And The Country - Tommy Drennan           

16 - Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Bob Dylan           

17 - Rockin' The Baby - The Hoot'nannys        

18 - Lonely Lady - Sands

19 - Borrow Angel - Ray Lynam  

Huge Sales Lost on Unavailable Albums

If Thin Lizzy lost sales during last week because their album wasn't in the shops it's anybody's guess what last weekend's sales must have cost them. It's now two weeks since the first rock press advertisements promoting Vagabonds Of The Western World were published. The initial interest has now waned so much that there can be no doubt the delay has cost the band dearly. Lizzy's is just one of a dozen or so top rock albums which have been on release in Britain for weeks but still have to make an appearance in Irish shops. They include sets by Status Quo, Focus, Genesis, Leon Russell and Kris Kristofferson and wife Rita Coolidge.

Peggy's Leg will top the bill on their own Liberty hall concert on Wednesday week (24th). It will be the groups' only Dublin date before the release of their first album at the end of November. While recording the LP last week group leader Jimmy Slevin had his Les Paul guitar stolen from outside the studios. However, thanks to some fast work by the Gardai at Terenure, the instrument was recovered and returned to the group. So pleased were the boys that they have promised to send one of the first copies of the album to the lads at the Garda station.

Look in this Friday night at Talk About Pop on RTE and get yourself an eye-full of the best rock band in the land. Rodeo, our friends from the North, will be showing what good country-rock is all about. Not to be missed on any account.

Donnycarney Youth Club will hold a rock show on Sunday afternoon (28th) at the parish hall. Running for five hours it will feature Angel, Absent, Harvest, Research, Aton and Volcano. Buses 20, 20a, 42, 42a, 27, 27a, 27b. Admission is 60p (which seems a bit high to me) because Angel are the only band on the bill with anything big going for them.

The trouble with Gentry who were at Sgt. Peppers last Friday is that they are caught between two different scenes not only musically but with fans as well. Showband followers look upon them as a group and rock fans see them as a sort of semi-showband. It's a pity really because the new line-up plays very good rock. Cahir O' Doherty sounds as good as ever though he has lost some of his old punch. They seemmed to be enjoying themselves on Friday even on The Osmonds' " Going Home".

James Duggan, who has spent the summer running free and charity gigs for everyone's pleasure brought his peace party to Dublin's Sheriff Street on Sunday. A big crowd of locals and some outsiders were treated to some good sounds from The Trench Band with new singer Dave Murphy showing some signs of doing a good job. He's been knocking around for too long and it's about time he got a break. He deserves it.

Keltic Wine, currently doing well in the charts, may tour Europe early in the New Year. A Dutch agency Tzhumon have offered the boys dates in Germany and Holland. Manager John Dee said: " The success of the single has been a great boost to the group. Ballroom dates are heavier and things are looking great."

After parting with lead singer Pat Ward, Sheriff now appear to be having problems about the signing of new front man Bernard White. It seems he has changed his mind about joining.

Irish groups should pick up good end-of-year sales with albums. Latest to join the LP league are Mushroom who are to release a first set shortly on their own label. (We've heard that story before somewhere!). November 23rd is the date for the second Horslips album " The Tain". Tours for the group have been line up in Germany, Holland and Belgium. Horslips are currently on an 18-date tour of England. Chips also hope to have their first album on Forever Records released before Christmas.

After spinning the Fruupp album I'm confident it has every chance of becoming a best seller. It must stand out as a major step forward for the group who, at this rate of progress, will become a huge name in a matter of months. "Future Legends" is my No. 1 choice as the Irish rock album of the year. It takes a bit of getting into but once you've heard it a few times you won't be able to stop playing it.

Tir na nOg's new album due out this weekend...why did Procol Harum pull out of Dublin date when they are playing almost every other major European city this month...Dave Prim Band came over well on RTE last Friday...Badly needed: more pub gigs like Gonzo's...spending too much time in the States is not doing Rory Gallagher's European popularity any good...what's stopping the Philip Donnelly band getting on the road...on the Thin Lizzy album the second side should be the top because it's so much better...again this week British rock press carried full-page ads for an Irish band - this time Fruupp...Skid Row in the Stadium on Oct. 31st with some good supporting acts and it could be a great night...Reform, with a hit single to their credit, breaking a lot of new ground...a lot of interest in the East Of Eden tour...didn't the story about Philip Lynott going deaf get a bit out of hand

- Pat Egan 

Ireland's Top 20 Chart on the 18th October 1973

01 - Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet 

02 - For The Good Times - Perry Como  

03 - Suffer Little Children - Cork Children's Choir 

04 - Ooh Baby - Gilbert O' Sullivan

05 - Eye Level - Simon Park Orchestra       

06 - My Friend Stan - Slade      

07 - Almost Persuaded - D.J & The Kerry Blues  

08 - Borrow Angel - Ray Lynam 

09 - Where The Three Counties Meet - Brendan Shine 

10 - Shores Of Lough Bran - The Rocky Tops      

11 - Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett & The Crypt Kickers   

12 - Light In The Window - Philomena Begley  

13 - Laughing Gnome - David Bowie 

14 - Love And The Country - Tommy Drennan      

15 - The Dean & I - 10 CC        

16 - Angie - The Rolling Stones         

17 - Oh No, Not My Baby - Rod Stewart      

18 - Rockin' The Baby - Hoot'nannys

19 - I'm Gonna Get You - Reform

20 - Angel Fingers - Wizzard