Derry has always been a city of music, but one of its proudest eras has to be that of the showbands, which offered young aspiring stars from the city the chance to cut loose and take their talents all over the world.
One of those bright-eyed musicians was musician, producer and broadcaster Colum Arbuckle, who has now written an account of his time on tour – the tame version, he hints – which launched yesterday on the opening evening of this year’s City of Derry Jazz Festival.
Anyone who grew up in the whirl of 1960’s Derry will uncover a treasure trove of well-known characters and memories within the pages of ‘Radio, Romance and Rock ‘n’ Roll’ which Colum has been working on since his ‘sort of’ retirement from BBC Radio Foyle after a busy 40-year career.
It’s fitting that the launch took place amidst the buzz of the Jazz Festival where many of his musician peers have proudly taken centre stage over the years, including the godfather of Jazz himself, Gay McIntyre, who was a much-admired mentor to Colum over the years.
Colum was joined by fellow jazz aficionados Jim Whiteside, Jim McDermott, John and Fiona Trotter, Joseph Leighton and the Paul McIntyre Quartet on stage at the Guildhall after the launch for a show-stopping showcase of local talent to open the festival.
It was an opportunity to revisit the music that paved the way for a lifetime of gigging, broadcasting and producing that has made Colum one of Derry’s best loved radio personalities.
The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster as she welcomed a crowd of family, friends and colleagues to the launch. “Colum’s career as a professional musician spans an incredible 60 years. He was still at St
Columb’s College when he got his first spot with the Willie Campbell Showband – and he’s gone from strength to strength ever since, playing all over the world with some of the biggest names in the business.
“He leaves a fantastic music legacy for the city where he has championed so many up and coming artists over the years as a producer and sound engineer, including D:Ream’s Peter Cunnah, Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid and Brónagh Gallagher.
“It’s so fitting that Colum launches his humorous and heartwarming memoir at the Jazz Festival alongside the musicians who feature in his fond memories of the early years on the road.
“Radio, Romance and Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is a must read for anyone interested in Derry’s proud musical history down the years.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Colum said: “I never had any intention of publishing the book. I had really just wanted to record some of these stories for my family.
“It was my wife Sharon who took it to her book club and then came back and said – you really need to publish this! I hope that the stories resonate with people and bring back a few memories.
“I have many happy memories over the years and I’ve worked with some fantastic people but I think my favourite moments have been the outside broadcasts.
“I always loved getting out into the local community and letting ordinary people tell their stories. Radio Foyle is very much a community station and that’s what makes it special.
“Covering local events like the Foyle Maritime Festival and Stendhal with my great friend Mark Patterson, out amongst people, those are the standout moments.
“Though I’ve been lucky enough to meet lots of big names over the years. I’ve played with the Drifters and met Donovan and Suzie Quatro, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel, playing the music I love. It’s been pretty amazing actually.”
Colum took the opportunity on the night to pay a moving tribute to Gay McIntyre, and his dear friend Gerry Anderson with whom he toured and shared the airwaves at BBC Radio Foyle for many years.
‘Radio, Romance and Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is available to buy through Colmcille Press.
The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from Diageo and EY.
For more information on all the events at this year’s festival, go to: cityofderryjazzfestival.com
And for regular updates follow the City of Derry Jazz festival on Facebook Instagram and X @derryjazzfest.
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