Showband return to North 30 years after shooting

The Miami Showband is set to play a gig in the Co Down town of Banbridge next month, over thirty years after three of its members were shot dead by loyalists nearby.

The popular 1970’s band was returning south when the UVF attacked their van, shooting three of them dead in 1975.

The UVF had planned to stage a fake checkpoint in British Army uniform and blow up the band's van to make it look as thought they had been carrying explosives.

The bomb exploded prematurely, killing two of the gang, while other UVF gunmen then opened fire on band members as they stood with their hands on their heads, killing three.

Two others were badly injured but survived.

Band-member Steve Travers has since written a book and the band has reformed, starting a nationwide tour in Ballymena tonight.