A Life in Words and Pictures
Posts related to Ian’s musical past.
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
Ian….I remember you and Peter Adaler when you both played in Bluesville. Might remember Maureen . Peter Do you remember the man I think he owned Sella House….his name was Davy Whitron he was a racing driver ,he came over from England & he lived in the corner house oppisite The Stella…If anyone needed anything for a gig would ” get a note”from Mr.Whitron.
The last time I spone to you Ian was in Jurys hotel in Ballsbridge you said to me anyone who didnt grow up with 60’s music were missing out.
My name is monica and i used to cut Colm Wilkinsons fringe in the No.5 club in Harcout Street . I have many happy memories as Know you have of the 60’s as I kbow you have, they were special times.
Also the spotlight magazine on the thrid floor of building in Grafton Street. Also I remember our Monday nights in the Television Club. Free passes aquired! . ❤🥁
I am so sorry to hear of Ian being unwell and suffering from this apparently devastating illness. I have many memories, ranging from the time that Deke ‘O Brien and I recorded Ian’s trad jazz group, The Jazz Coasters, at The Merrion Inn to watching him play drums in Bluesville at Presentation College in Glasthule. Later when Ian directed Aimin’ High featuring Nightbus at RTE ( see pic) and even later as he often walked by my old house in Elton Park and exchanged greetings. ‘Morning Bones’ ,he would always say. Ian was one of a small group of mutual pals who always called me by this name. ( Ken Gillespie, Derek Peyton, Tony Baker (RIP) , Shay Healey (RIP), Andy Maher (RIP) and Brendan Balfe.
The multi talented Ian McGarry is not in good health . I first met Ian many years ago when he played with Bluesville in Stella House! I later worked with him on many projects in RTE! He was always the calmest , coolest , most professional director that you could hope to work with. I am attaching some pics that another good and very talented Friend ROY Esmond passed on to me!
Oh Jane, I am so very sorry to read this news. My heart goes out to you both and to Tamsen and Kirsty. Every memory I have of Ian is of a highly intelligent consumate professional and such a talented director with many funny stories from his time as a drummer with the great Irish musos .
I will look for photos when I can. You are such a strong woman but even you will need help and support during these difficult times. Your wonderful daughters and your many friends will be there for you I’m sure. I am too, in every way I can. Sending love and hugs.
Jane I’m so sorry to hear this I remember Ian with Biuesville, lots of times I heard him in the 60’s I also remember and was friendly with Peter Adler a friend of mine used to go out with Peter. The years went by the next time I met Ian was at some show in Jurys Hotel I remember Ian saying people that did not grow up in the sixties did not know what they missed. Jane you are so strong, I am sad for you and Ian he was part of my growing up years. I wish I could do something to ease your mind take care sending prayers and love take care.
I am so sorry to hear this news of Ian’s illness Jane… My heart goes out to all of you… I first saw Ian when I first saw BLUESVILLE in 1964… featuring the two coolest dudes in CBC Monkstown school Mick Molloy and Deke O’Brien… Robbie Brennan and I used to look at them in their sunglasses and their black shirts with the collars turned up as the cool-walked down to the school… But Bluesville was a whole new ball game… looking and sounding like nothing we’d ever seen or heard before with Barry Richardson playing harmonica in Evening Dress, Peter Adler in black shades (held together with Sellotape) playing snarling sax, Ian Whitcomb prancing around the piano in American Football gear and huge sneakers… and sitting imperiously behind them in immaculate suit, shirt and tie clinically driving them on was the immaculate Ian McGarry on immaculate drums… Robbie (no mean drummer himself) was transfixed… Ian’s drumming was so meticulous and precise… the heart beat of the band… and as for that unique skip-beat on ‘You Turn Me On’… His pièce de résistance!… Many years later I had the great pleasure of being directed by Ian on FAIR CITY and once again the attention to detail and meticulous professionalism… A thorough gentleman… A lovely, affable, funny and friendly man… I wish you well Ian… My love to you Jane and to your lovely daughters as you mind this special man.
Jane this is the saddest news. I am so sorry that Ian and all of you have to go through this. I have so many fond memories of Ian playing drums with my big band or smaller group on the Late Late and indeed his talented TV direction on several shows we worked on together. Life can be so cruel. Daily prayers will be offered.