Month: February 2023

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My ski hero!

Ian McGarry will always be my benchmark for skiing with perfect style! I started skiing as a young child in 1998, taught by my dad who had previously taken lessons with Ian and Jane in Chatel.

While I haven’t had an opportunity to ski with Ian myself, growing up, I would rewatch Ian’s Secrets of Skiing videos before each ski season.

My goal (and my dad’s) will always be to try to bring our style of skiing as close as possible to Ian’s perfect example. I’ll always be in awe and very grateful to Ian 🙂

  • Russell Coates
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Ian was a Jazz-Rocker! OMG!

Ian was a founder member of the Jazz-Rock ensemble Metropolis, formed in May 1978. This is something he would probably prefer to be not made public; consorting creatively with a bunch of reprobates, such as Keith Donald (saxophones), Garvan Gallagher (bass), and Trevor Knight and Paul Barrett (keyboards). Metropolis may have been the very first Irish band to sport two keyboard players, and a very capable percussion maestro. Metropolis maintained serious cult status amongst both it’s fans, ably driven by such an accomplished drummer. Public performances were briefly paused between 1982 and 2016, while the band thought of a better name for the outfit. They chose the very striking tile of Metropolis, and since 2016, have vigorously performed at least twice a year to this present date.

  • Paul Barrett
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Drum Hero

As a young student of Jon Murray at the Dublin Drum Centre (Camden St) I was struck by a poster of this Handsome chap advertising his Ajax Drum Set. Jon, our teacher spoke fondly of this rising star on the music scene who we came to know as the Legendary Ian McGarry. I never got to meet you in person Ian until the early 80s when you produced the interval segment for the Eurovision the year following Johnny Logan’s win with “What’s Another Year”. I played drums on the track (Time Dance) and remember fondly
you coming over when we were finished recording to compliment me on what I had played on the track. Thanks Ian for your kindness and humility always. By the way, I am currently playing with some of your old band mates in a revamped Metropolis and I am not budging in case you get any notions of a return. Love to you and yours Ian.

  • Paul McAteer
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Secrets of Skiing

I was such a terrified skier! Watching the Secrets of Skiing videos hundreds of times helped me to overcome my fear and end up living in the French Alps for 11 years. I have passed on the secrets to many friends and family, all were greatly helped. I never got to meet Ian but I feel I know him well as he’s always speaking in my ear while I’m skiing!! Many thanks to an amazing instructor!!

  • Diane Coates