Barry McCabe

I know, it's a bit strange to be writing about December 1973 just as the first signs of Spring are showing right now, including some nice weather. There's a nice two-page spread on Mushroom in this week's issue, including a series of photos by Roy Esmonde (who did lots of work for Spotlight), Fachtna O'Kelly picks his 10 best albums of '73...and goes on to mention more than 10. He mentions "Clear Spot" [Captain Beefheart], "Whatever's For Us" [Joan Armatrading], Planxty's 1st, "Catch A Fire" [Bob Marely], a 10 C.C. album, "Hard Nose The Highway" [Van Morrison], "Tubular Bells" [Mike Oldfield], an album by Mott The Hoople, the Stones' "Goat's Head Soup" (which is probably one of my favourite Stones albums - Barry), "Vagabonds Of The Western World" [Thin Lizzy], an album by The Chieftains, and "Wake Of The Flood" [Grateful Dead].

Pat has his Rock Awards 1973 for us this week, so let's have a look at those, shall we?

These are the musicians and groups I feel have made the most progress and the greatest contributions to the Irish rock scene in 1973. Many notable names have been omitted but I am sure that all will agree that those chosen are the most deserving.

Most Outstanding International Achievements - Horslips

Best Irish Rock Album - "Future Legends" by Fruupp

Best International Hope - Rodeo

Best New Group - The Dave Prim Band

Best Lead Singer - Eamonn Gibney [Skid Row]

Best Guitarist - Jimmy Slevin [Peggy's Leg]

Best Drummer - Don Harris [Peggy's Leg]

Best Bass Guitarist - Philip Lynott [Thin Lizzy]

Best Instrumentalist - Pat Collins [Mushroom]

Carlton To Stage Rock Acts

Rory Gallagher will play Dublin concerts after all. The Carlton Cinema is the venue and promoter Jim Aiken told me: "there will be no shortage of rock acts in Dublin in the New Year now that arrangements have been completed with the Carlton. I hope fans will remember that this is the only venue left where rock can be staged and will treat the venue with respect."

Hawkwind, the British electronic band who toured successfully here last year, will return for two dates in February. They will be in Belfast on the 3rd and Dublin on the 4th. No venue has yet been fixed for the Dublin gig.

Tir Na nOg, due home this month for a short holiday, are mixing business with pleasure playing three special College dates. The twosome, who's new album has yet to reach the shops here were at Cork University this week and play Trinity on the 21st. They will also be at University College Dublin (Belfield) at a date to be announced this week. A national concert for the group is being set up for the new year. A spokesman for EMI in Dublin told me: "The delay in getting "Strong In The Sun" into the shops is due to a delay in covers coming from England."

Peggy's Leg headline a rock concert to be held at Holy Ghost Youth Club, Tivoli Rd, Dun Laoghaire this Sunday (16th). Also on the bill are Aton and Harvest Research.

There is still some confusion over the proposed tour by the Gary Moore band due to begin next week. It's not really known if the trip will take place though the band are expected to come home one way or the other. Moore has already had Irish tour dates cancelled three times in six months.

With their album picking up good sales, Mushroom are sure to draw the attention of a number of top British companies seeking release rights. Guitarist/singer Aonghus McNally told me: "We've already had some inqueries but our management feel it's better to hold back and see how it goes at home first."

Cork band Gaslight have replaced bass player Paul Coughlan with Billy Williams, an experienced musician. "Already his style is showing in the band's music because Billy writes in a country-rock vein", said manager Denis Desmond. He added that he found it hard to agree with Loudest Whisper leader Brian O'Reilly that promoters were only booking bands who play hit numbers. "I agree we're more commercial than Whisper, but we don't play top twenty and I am having to turn down dates at the moment", Denis said.

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 - Pal Of My Cradle Days - Sean Dunphy        

04 - Mountains Of Mourne - Don McLean       

05 - Why Oh Why Oh Why - Gilbert O' Sullivan

06 - Paper Roses - Marie Osmond          

07 - Top Of The World - The Carpenters      

08 - My Coo Ca Choo - Alvin Stardust         

09 - Music Across The Way - Sonny Knowles    

10 - I'm Gonna Make It - Joe Cuddy     

11 - Liberty Boy - Brendan Grace       

12 - The Rocker - Thin Lizzy       

13 - I Never Said Goodbye - Red Hurley  

14 - When I Fall In Love - Donny Osmond    

15 - Photograph - Ringo Starr             

16 - For The Good Times - Perry Como               

17 - Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade            

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

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