Tom Dunne: The spirit of the showbands could be back with a country twist

The showband era was just too good to disappear forever, and there are some signs in the ether that it might be about to undergo a 21st-century revival

Midnight in Vegas pictured performing on The Late Late Show 'Opening Act'. Picture: Andres Poveda

Wed, 06 May, 2026 - 21:15

Tom Dunne

Tom Dunne is a music-lover extraordinaire who, as well as presenting radio and TV shows, can also be seen in the wild as the lead singer with Something Happens.

A scary thought this bright May morning: could the showbands be on the verge of a comeback? Could a new era — spearheaded by 21st century versions of Dickie Rock, Brendan Bowyer and Joe Dolan — be just lurking in the wings?

And further scary questions, seeing as we’ve gone there: would that be the worst thing that ever happened? Are the Ballrooms of Romance about to open their arms to the youth of Ireland all over again, only this time with shots, contraceptives and zero clerical interference?