Red Hurley celebrates 50 years in music with Moate concert
David Flynn
Singing star Red Hurley will be playing a local gig in Moate which has stirred memories for him about playing in the region during the showband era, and all of the musicians that he came across during that time.
The Dublin-born entertainer played with the Nevada Showband in the early 1970s and represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976, with the song, ‘When’.
Red and the Nevada played such local venues as the Grove Bar, Baylough in December 1971 and July 1976 and he headlined a music extravaganza at Athlone’s Jolly Mariner Carnival, alongside, singer Kelley and the Nevada in June 1972.
At the time, Red had been chosen by Spotlight magazine as Top Male Singer in Ireland.
Red Hurley and his own band also played the Tullamore Harriers.
“I loved playing the Harriers and it was a lovely ballroom with a kind of half-moon stage and I remember playing there before and after I did the Eurovision,” said Red.
He also remembers playing the Roseland Ballroom (also called the Rose Club) in Moate on a Saturday night in the late 1970s.
“I had my own band at that stage, and it was a big ballroom, and we had a great time there and the people were very friendly,” said Red Hurley.
In later years, Red also played Silvers night club in Moate.
In recent times, the popular singer has played with Athlone musician Frankie McDonald and his son, Keith McDonald and daughter, Lorraine McDonald.
“We do the Showband Show every February and March and the McDonalds are very good, and great in the show,” said Red Hurley.
He is also friendly with Tony Allen and Mick Foster of Foster and Allen and praised their recent TV documentary.
“I saw their documentary last week and it worked very well, and they had a very good sound,” said Red. “It was nice and refreshing and Tony and Mick came across lovely, humble and modest.”
He also remembered Showband legend, Doc Carroll, who lived in Athlone up to his untimely death in 2005.
“Poor Doc died way too young, and he sang with the Royal Blues Showband,” said Red. “I had a brother, Des, who died a few years ago, and he played with the Royal Blues after Doc.”
Red Hurley also spoke highly of Athlone singer, Brendan Shine, who he did a gig with one month ago.
Red is this year celebrating his 50th year in music and on Saturday, November 12, at 8pm he will be playing at Tuar Ard, Moate.
“I just want to keep enjoying what I do, and my favourite gig is when I walk out to a concert stage and see people have a great night,” ended Red Hurley.