Ian has always been a very encouraging force in my musical story. I remember back in the 1980s when my band Jargon appeared at the National Stadium where Ian was directing television series called ‘Festival Folk’ he brought me to the vision mixing studio to show me how he was editing the show. No one has ever brought me in there since. I found it so interesting. Ian has been in touch with me on Facebook over the years and always has something positive to say. at the risk of being profane I would have to mention Ian’s drumming. He was the coolest dude on the jazz and blues scene back in the day. Anyway profanity -‘Whats the similarity between a premature ejaculation and a drum solo?’answer ‘You know they’re both going to happen and there’s not a thing you can do about it.’ Get well soon Ian
Hi Ian
It’s me Mike Nolan here you’re most favourite Irish member of Buck’s Fizz.
I have to tell you something Ian, I can remember like it was yesterday, when we had our first run through with our song ‘Makin’ your mind up’ and you came down to me and asked me what I thought, and I said to you , ‘the most important part is , when we sing ‘if you want to see some more’ I requested that everyone could see the skirts come off in a wide shot. That is how we won the Eurovision because of you and me ! As they say, in life, two great minds think alike. In are in my thoughts and prayers. Next time I’m in Dublin, we are going to have a Guinness.
Hi Ian
Maxi here. We’ve known each other since the days of Maxi Dick and Twink, Sheeba and indeed meeting at receptions and the supermarket.
Our most famous outing was when you directed the Eurovision in Dublin in 1981. I was with Sheeba and you were the boss- boss -boss, with Carolyn Fisher as your right-hand lady. What a great adventure that was.
There followed many happy appearances on light entertainment programmes and you continued to excel at everything you did. Often when I was driving into the complex on my way to present Rising Time at the break of dawn, I’d see you going into the building too, to prepare for another busy day. I learned a lot from your example.
I remember watching you carefully. Somewhere in my mind, I had a plan to develop my broadcasting skills, and you were the man to watch. You were meticulous, fully prepared at all times, and so gentle with the performers and crew. When there was an emergency your calmness and professionalism always won the day.
Thank you for your friendship, your example and the joy of your presence in my life.
God Bless you and your family.
Jane and family, I am so sorry to hear the sad news that Ian is unwell. I have so many good memories of working with him in Light Entertainment – particularly on the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest. He was unique in that he had been both a musician (great drummer, taught me a few basic fills!) and also a cameraman, so his ability as a studio director was second to none. He was a quiet perfectionist and extraordinarily hard-working, but a great team leader and you wanted to be the best help to him, particularly during the extreme stress of live productions which you knew were being seen around the world! I hope he knows how many friends and former colleagues are thinking of him with fond memories and great affection and wishing him well at this time
Some years ago I had the pleasure to meet you whilst ‘working’ on Crimecall. Unlike you, I wasn’t a TV professional and found the whole live TV thing somewhat intimidating. You were extremely generous with your time and advices. We mostly chatted music though, because that was better fun. I really enjoyed our chats and I recall those times very fondly. There was much talk of drumming 🙂 I’m grateful for your easy company and kindness.
I’ve seen the unfair and frustrating effects of aphasia up close and I’m sorry you’re having to go through it.
It’s terrible, but communication is so much more than words and I know that it doesn’t affect who you are.
I’m wishing you and your loved ones strength right now.
Keith White (Garda)
I met Ian while he was with Action and while i was starting out in the business I was in awh of his drumming and such a nice guy met and talked many times after that ! Lost contact until 1997 I was involved in the tops final in cork , snook a peek into control unit outside and low and behold who was producing was himself and he even remembered my name a true gent and proud to know you
I have many happy memories of holidays in Chatel with you both, Ian and Jane. In McGarry Ski System days with trips to the hot springs at the end of the day and, later for Les Arcs Girls reunions it was walks up the mountains and drinks on the balcony looking at the glorious alpine views. Special times to treasure.
Jane and Ian you are wonderful, generous hosts welcoming everyone from around the world. It’s great fun sitting around your table where there’s always delicious food, wine and laughter. Ian, you make your guests feel at home in Dublin and Chatel with your thoughtful, kind presence, twinkling eyes, chuckles and wise words in a lovely, soft Irish accent.
Ian – Peter and I visited Dublin years ago and went to a show you were filming. Peter was in awe of your talents as you calmly, professionally and effortlessly directed a bank of cameras through the performance. A lovely memory to have.
So sorry to hear that you are not well.
I have many great memories of your time with Bluesville {and The Alpine Six and The Action}. Myself and 2 pals Viv Kennedy & Trevor Murray ran the R&B Club at Longford Lawn Tennis Club, Monkstown, back in the Sixties, as well as promoting concerts in and around Dublin.
In 1963, we put on an R&B show at St Anthony’s Little Theatre and this was Bluesville’s first public appearance. Deke & Mick were in the audience and as Bluesville was tearing up the place, Deke said to me, “That’s the kind of band I want to be in”. The Rhythm section was from The Crickets showband with which Barry Richardson played. Around this time Deke invited me to come and see The Alpine Seven who were playing in a hall on the South Circular Rd. A couple of weeks later, Mick & Deke had talked their way into Bluesville, bringing you and the Bass player from The Alpine Seven.
From then on in, we booked Bluesville for several shows, at Longford LTC, The Crystal Ballroom and The Marian Hall in Milltown. I recall Bluesville playing one Sunday night At Longford LTC, having spent several hours recording in the Eamonn Andrews studio in Abbey Street with Jerry Dennon from the American label Jerden Records. ‘You turn Me On’ which you, Mick, Deke and the others including Ian of course recorded at that time, became a top ten hit in the USA.
Eventually Barry Richardson, finished his studies at Trinity, Ian Whitcomb left for the States to promote his career which was launched big-time by ‘You Turn Me On’ now on Tower Records and you and Peter Adler formed a new band The Action, which played for us at least once at the R&B Club at LTC. I remember your drumming which was very precise & professional, but still maintained a great feel. Was the Alpine Seven your band?
