On February 1st, the Theatre Royal welcomes a selection of esteemed Irish artists to relive the golden age of the Showband scene.
Showbands were hugely popular in Ireland from the 1950s to the 1980s, with their popularity peaking in the 1960s. Bands typically had seven to ten members, including a rhythm section and a brass section.
The country’s biggest showbands of the 20th century: The Drifters, The Freshmen, The Miami Showband and––Waterford’s own––The Royal Showband dominated ballrooms across the country.
The groups would draw audiences from far and wide and would generally play an assortment of rock and roll, country and western, jazz and pop songs of the time.
“Reeling In The Showband Years” has been entertaining audiences across the country for the past 15 years. Their Waterford date in early 2026 is unmissable––particularly for anybody lucky enough to have witnessed Ireland’s showband pomp in the 1960s!
RTÉ’s Ronan Collins will sing Joe Dolan, Eurovision and Dickie Rock classics on the night. For many years he has been RTÉ’s “Mr Music” and continues to broadcast his music choices to the country. He has also garnered a huge following over the years, even performing live with Dickie Rock and The Miami Showband.
Gina and The Champions, a group that dominated the Showband scene, will also be present. Gina will perform some of her biggest hits such as “Minnie Minnie”, “Do You Wanna Do It” and “You’re the Greatest Lover”.
They’ll also be joined by the legendary Shaun O’ Dowd. Along with his band Ding-A-ling, he was one of the biggest drawing acts in Ireland throughout the 1970s. O’ Dowd had chart topping hits such as “You Are No Angel” and “It’s Good To See You”.
“Reeling In The Showband Years” returns to Waterford City in 2026; tickets are available now at www.theatreroyal.ie.
What better way to kick off the New Year!
ADAM DOHENY
