I remember Ian over 50 years ago when both of us stood in for Willy Deevy the Cadets drummer who was recovering from an accident. A very talented musician and thorough gentleman. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
- Michael O'Brien
Farewell
R.I.P. Ian, my old friend. You knocked it out of the park. Mickx
- Mick Molloy
Fellow Drummer
Drummer par excellence-or just a great drummer(among other talents).
I first saw him with blues band Bluesville and with Peter Adler and The Action and later with the RTÉ Light(now Concert) Orchestra. We often talked about drummers and drum equipment-I remember how much he liked my kit of Yamaha RC9000 which he played at a PRTV Golf outing in my home club The Royal Dublin.
Many years ago, someone referred to Ian as “ ActionMan”. Not surprising as he was a skier, a motor racing enthusiast and a pilot along with being a TV cameraman and later a TV director. And he was very good at everything.
But I’ll remember him most as a musician of great talent and an extremely nice guy-even tempered and understanding of other’s predicaments even under pressure!!
Safe travels through the cosmos with memories of a mortal life well lived!!
- Ronan Collins
Vintage Teenybop
Bluesville – and The Action – with my old friend Peter Adler – also Paul Williams is in that pic – Ian was just in the hottest groups around – a million miles from the showbands who covered most of the market them. He always seemed calm and unruffled during all the teeny-bopping chaos and fun – especially those regular gigs in The Stella, Mount Merrion. There was a tennis club on the Merrion Road headin towards Dublin from Dun Laoghaire – can’t be sure of the name – Lansdown, Bective … sorry … but Bluesville on this particular night, was headed by Ian Whitcombe of ‘You Turn Me On’ fame – a bit hit in the UK and possibly less so the US – I remember Deke O’Brien playing that night too. That was a great night – so many interesting friends from all over. The best gig ever in a tennis club. As I said, Ian played with the best – that’s how highly they thought of him – Rip it up, Ian
- Regan
Thanks Ian – The Miami Showband
So sorry to hear that Ian McGarry has passed away. A fabulous drummer and TV producer, Ian produced ‘Me And My Music’ the last TV show that our band mate, Fran O’Toole, ever recorded. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKDdEJBWQRg&t=1656s
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- Stephen Travers
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
Good Guys
Two of the ‘good guys’ from the Irish music scene – incredibly talented, creative, real gentlemen with integrity and humility. As Jim Collins said in his book, “Good to Great”, – “what differentiates the great from the good is professional will and personal humility”. These two gentlemen were ‘great’ members of the Dublin music scene on so many levels. ‘The Late Late Show’, ‘Eurovision Song Contest’, ‘Riverdance’ – the list is endless. Their contribution to Irish music and entertainment is monumental. And to top it off – two of the nicest guys you could ever meet or work with – ultimate professionals and wonderful human beings.
- Gerry Madigan
Ian on drums with Bluesville
Some have said he was one of the best drummers in the world at the time – including Ian Whitcomb the singer https://youtu.be/YEeqPqpdJI4
- Jane
Charlie McGettigan’s thoughts
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
- Charlie McGettigan
Ian . The ultimate cool dude .
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.
Maxi
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- Maxi
