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
20 - Lamplight - David Essex
