Brendan O’ Brien 1941 -2008
By Shane Supple
Youghal music fans mourn the death of Showband Star Brendan O’Brien
The legendary showband star Brendan O’ Brien aged 67 died suddenly on Thursday the 3th April at his home in Cork. Even though he is no longer with us his legacy and music will always be a part of Irish Music Folklore. The singer had a total of 17 chart hits through the sixties, seventies and eighties, however his biggest hit was the song “Little Arrows” which he recorded with The Showband “The Dixie’s” which remained at number one in Ireland for a total of 20 weeks in 1968. His success of 17 chart hits even surpasses that of the Waterford Star Brendan Bowyer who has had a total of 16 Chart hits to date. In the late fifties he joined a band in Cork known as the Dixielanders, who later shortened their name to the Dixie’s as a singer and guitarist and was seen by many on the Showband circuit as one of Irelands leading performers. Many people from Youghal and the surrounding areas will recall with great fondness the singer and soft spoken man who would spend ages chatting too many of his fans and friends in the Redbarn Ballroom, Youghal
Many tributes have been paid to Brendan O’ Brien and when Youghalonline contacted another local Showband legend Art Supple, he said he had spent the better part of the day talking to reporters and friends about the charming, humorous and true friend to many, Brendan O’ Brien. He went on to say that it was a tremendous shock to everyone, the suddenness of Brendan’s passing. “Only last week we met up at a function in the Silversprings in Cork and he was looking the picture of health, quite contented and smiling and joking about many things. Brendan was a true gentleman in the business. He was a great front man for the Dixie’s with charisma, charm, talent and a great voice. In my opinion he was one of the best in the business”. Art went on to add, “He never in all the time I knew him had a bad word to say about anyone. We both started out at around the same time in the business and would always meet on the road, but it’s only in recent years that we got the chance to perform together at different concerts and events that the renewed interest in the Showband era has found. There was a night in the Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal, a few years ago where I was being presented with an award for my many years in the business and I was delighted that Brendan sang on stage with me that night. Recent times found his career had a renaissance and he was singing better then ever. In all the years I knew him he never changed. He loved the business and he believed in the business he followed his dream. I just want to extend my deepest sympathies to his family on the sudden passing of a true gentleman and friend”.
Tom Jones & Brendan O’ Brien
Yes Brendan O’ Brien graced the stage in Redbarn,Youghal, City Hall & the Arcadia in Cork, the Majestic in Mallow as well as Las Vegas, first with the Dixie’s then later with Joe Mac & Stage Two until 1974 ,he was badly injured when he was electrocuted on stage performing in the Stardust Ballroom in Cork. Sadly he spent many months recovering in Hospital and as a result came off the road. It was during this low point in his life that he was in a constant struggle with alcohol. These would have been his darkest days, but he battled on and with the help of friends he managed to get his career back on track and started to perform as a solo singer again.
He could call many his friend, from the caretaker of a dance hall to singers like Tom Jones, with Brendan it never mattered what you did or who you were, he always had time for a smile and a chat. Brendan O’ Brien he followed his dream to the very end…
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