Day: 8 February 2023

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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