The Book

The book that took 30 years to write

11th September 2007. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds is one of the guest speakers at The Miami Showband Massacare book launch, an eye-witness account written by Stephen Travers. The book was co-written by Neil Featherstonhaugh and is published by Hachette Ireland.

Miami Showband Massacre

Extract from The Miami Showband Massacre

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The Miami Showband Massacre Book Launch

11th September 2007. Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds is one of the guest speakers at The Miami Showband Massacare book launch, an eye-witness account written by Stephen Travers. The book was co-written by Neil Featherstonhaugh and is published by Hachette Ireland.

Miami Showband Massacre

Miami Showband Massacre Editions 1 and 2

 

Extract from The Miami Showband Massacre

Reproduced from the Lisa Richards Agency website

 

The Miami Showband Massacre Book Launch

The Miami Showband Massacre Book Launch

A big thank you to everyone for their support on the day.
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Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, speaking at the launch of The Miami Showband Massacare book in Eason’s of Dawson Street in Dublin, recalls when he ran out of petrol in Northern Ireland.

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, speaking at the launch of The Miami Showband Massacare book in Eason’s of Dawson Street in Dublin, explains his role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland. The book was written by journalist Neil Fetherstonhaugh and survivor, Stephen Travers.

Pat Kenny
Pat Kenny RTE Today Programme
This is a terrific book and an important book

 

Joe Forde Chesterfield
Trying to understand the past is what this book is all about. On a deeply personal level for Steve Travers, who, though shot and badly injured, miraculously survived that night in July 1975 when three of his fellow Miami band members were killed by the U.V.F. at a road block returning from a gig in the north of Ireland; and on a more detached level for those of us who were not part of these events first hand, but who nevertheless vividly remember the shock, horror and revulsion we experienced when we heard of the news as it broke on our T.V. screens back then. The quest for a better understanding of terrible past events is the surest way of avoiding them being repeated, and in this regard this book may make a not insignificant contribution to safeguarding the peace which has now been found on the island of Ireland. For Steve Travers, co-writing the book has clearly been a cathartic experience, and his journey to that point is recounted in a way that takes the reader deep into his private thoughts and emotions, as he grapples with trying to make sense of that horrific night that turned his world upside down. It’s a rewarding journey as the result is to witness the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome such events. On another level, the book is a celebration of the way musicians, weaving their magic, can reach into people’s souls in ways that transcend sectarian political and cultural divides. His memories of the showband era are both fascinating and thoughtful in this regard. One of these is his recollection of being auditioned for the bass guitar vacancy with the Miami; he recalls how he listened to several of the best bass players in Ireland get up one by one and do their paces and was understandably impressed; yet after only two minutes jamming with the band at his turn, it was Steve who got the job, with the guitarist in the band( Tony Geraghty) shouting out ‘No Contest’ and the singer (Fran O’Toole) saying ‘This is the man I want!’. Anyone who has seen Steve Travers play bass guitar will have no doubt as to the accuracy of his recollections-his musical talent is as awesome as it is unique.The contribution from the other co-author, Neil Fetherstonhaugh, is also skillfully effective. The combination of his contextual narrative interspersed with Steve’s poignant quotation passages, results in a seamless account of the events as they unfold, as well as plenty of scope for reflective analysis. Overall a very worthwhile endeavour; one that is ultimately uplifting and, on many levels, offers hope for a brighter future.
Tony Curtin Tipperary, Ireland
At last the lid has been lifted on one of the worst atrocities ever to take place on this island. Stephens story of it is at once informative, frighteningly sad, tension filled, but never less than truthful. If one never had the privilege of meeting Stephen Travers in person, his almost apologetic tone throughout this book is indicitave of a man whose sense of forgiveness is noble in the extreme while at the same time, cogniscant that the families of those who perished may be at odds with his point of view. One can also gauge that here is an individual who though by nature is a person of utter gentleness, possesses a unique sense of determination and steely resolve. This book, for all its sadness, is a must have and for Irish music fans, is highly recommended. That it is written by a gentleman and top class bass player (with Neil Fetherstonhaugh) is an added bonus
Tom Widger Sunday Tribune
This is a chilling read, culminating in a chilling encounter with a UVF man who regrets that he and his fellow butchers ‘didn’t do more’.
Noel Welch
Noel Welch Evening Echo
It is a fascinating read from a man who just wanted to be a musician and entertain people regardless of their religious or political beliefs.

 

John Byrne RTE Guide (Ireland's biggest selling weekly magazine.)
This is a remarkable story of an extraordinary man who was eventually willing to face his would-be assassins.

‘The Miami Showband Massacre – A survivor’s search for the truth’ by Stephen Travers and Neil Fetherstonhaugh is available online at the following outlets:

 <<Trade Paperback: Ireland & U.K. / U.S.A. / Ireland

 Paperback: Ireland & U.K. / U.S.A. / Ireland

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Miami 1975 – The Massacre

In early 1975, bassist Steve Travers replaced Dave Monks.
This is one of the last photographs taken of the band before the massacre on 31st July 1975.


From left: Steve Travers, Tony Geraghty, Ray Millar, Brian McCoy, Fran O’Toole, Des Lee.

The scene of The Miami Showband Massacre

The Miami Showband killings (also called the Miami Showband Massacre) was a paramilitary attack at Buskhill, County Down, Northern Ireland, in the early morning of 31 July 1975. It left five people dead at the hands of Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) gunmen, including three members of The Miami Showband. The band, one of Ireland’s most popular cabaret bands, had been travelling home to Dublin after a performance in The Castle Ballroom in Banbridge, County Down, Northern Ireland.
The band’s minibus was stopped at a bogus military checkpoint seven miles (11 km) north of Newry. Gunmen, dressed in British Army uniforms, ordered them out of their van and to line-up by the roadside. Although at least four of the gunmen were members of the British Army’s Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), all were members of the UVF, a loyalist paramilitary group. While two of the gunmen were hiding a time bomb on the minibus, it exploded prematurely and killed them. The remaining gunmen opened fire on the band members, killing three and wounding two. Two UDR soldiers and one former soldier were found guilty of murder and received life sentences; they were released in 1998. Read more on Wikipedia.

Directions: Scroll left and place your mouse cursor across the main road in the side road, Buskhill Rd. A circle will appear beside your mouse cursor. Click on it. The map will zoom to the junction where Buskhill Rd meets the old A1 road. Scroll right. On the left of the old A1 you will see a patch of tarmac. This is where the Miami truck was pulled over. Best viewed in full screen mode.

View Larger Map

Scene of crime photos 1st August 1975

The RTE Documentary

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The BBC documentary

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UK charts – 1974 to 1976

  • Tiger Feet – Mud
  • Devil Gate Drive – Suzi Quatro
  • Billy Don’t Be A Hero – Paper Lace
  • Seasons In The Sun – Terry Jacks
  • Waterloo – Abba
  • Sugar Baby Love – Rubettes
  • She – Charles Aznavour
  • Rock Your Baby – George McCrae
  • When Will I See You Again – Three Degrees
  • Love Me For A Reason – Osmonds
  • Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
  • Annie’s Song – John Denver
  • Everything I Own – Ken Boothe
  • You’re The First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White
  • Down Down – Status Quo
  • Ms Grace – The Tymes
  • Make Me Smile – Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
  • If – Telly Savalas
  • Bye Bye Baby – Bay City Rollers
  • Oh Boy – Mud
  • Stand By Your Man – Tammy Wynette
  • I’m Not In Love – 10CC
  • Tears On My Pillow – Johnny Nash
  • Give A Little Love – Bay City Rollers
  • Barbados – Typically Tropical
  • Can’t Give You Anything But My Love – Stylistics
  • Sailing – Rod Stewart
  • Hold Me Close – David Essex
  • I Only Have Eyes For You – Art Grafunkel
  • Space Oddity – David Bowie
  • Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
  • Mamma Mia – Abba
  • Forever & Ever – Slik
  • December ’63 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
  • Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John and Kiki Dee
  • You To Me Are Everything – Real Thing
  • Dancing Queen – Abba
  • Mississippi – Pussycat
  • If You Leave Me Now – Chicago

US charts – 1974 to 1976

  • No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley & The Wailers
  • That’s The Way (I Like It) – KC & The Sunshine Band
  • Love Will Keep Us Together – The Captain & Tenille
  • Philadelphia Freedom – Elton John
  • Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen
  • Sweet Home Alabama – Lyrnyrd Skynyrd
  • Lady Marmalade – Patti LaBelle
  • Rock Your Baby – George McCrae
  • Rikki Don’t Lose That Number – Steely Dan
  • You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet – Bachman Turner Overdrive
  • I Shot The Sheriff – Eric Clapton
  • I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
  • Pick Up The Pieces – Average White Band
  • Never Can Say Goodbye – Gloria Gaynor
  • Killer Queen – Queen
  • The Bitch Is Back – Elton John
  • You Make Me Feel Brand New – Stylistics
  • Rock The Boat – Hues Corporation
  • Young Americans – David Bowie
  • Love To Love You Baby – Gloria Gaynor
  • Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell
  • Rockin’ All Over The World – John Fogarty
  • You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
  • Ballroom Blitz – Sweet
  • Lyin’ Eyes – The Eagles
  • Jive Talkin’ – The Be Gees
  • Loving You – Minnie Ripperton
  • Don’t Fear The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
  • More Than A Feeling – Boston
  • Knowing Me, Knowing You – Abba
  • Tonight’s The Night – Rod Stewart
  • Young Hearts Run Free – Candi Staton
  • Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
  • New Kid In Town – The Eagles
  • Let’s Stick Together – Bryan Ferry
  • Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
  • Love & Affection – Joan Armatrading
  • Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel – Tavares
  • Misty Blue – Dorothy Moore
  • Living Thing – Electric Light Orchestra
  • Money Money Money – Abba

Also On 31st July 1975

James Riddle (Jimmy) Hoffa, one of the most influential American labor leaders of the 20th century, disappears in Detroit, Michigan, never to be heard from again. Though he is popularly believed to have been the victim of a Mafia hit, conclusive evidence was never found, and Hoffa’s death remains shrouded in mystery to this day. A Hollywood movie starred Jack Nicholson. (IMDB)

Also in 1975

  • Watergate: Halderman, Erlickman, Mitchell Convicted of Conspiracy
  • President Ford Announces Recession Policy
  • US Plane With Vietnamese Orphans Crashes …..200 Killed
  • Saigon Falls to North Vietnamese, Thousands Flee By Boat
  • Marines Rescue 39 From USS “Mayaguez” Seized By Cambodia
  • Patty Hearst Arrested By FBI
  • Ford Escapes Shot Fired by Sara Jane Moore
  • OPEC Increase Oil Prices 10%
  • Unemployment reaches 8.9%, highest since 1941
  • US and Russia agree to 5 year grain export plan
  • President Ford rejects Federal bail out of NYC
  • CIA acknowledges plots to kill undesirable heads of state
  • Died, Cannonball Adderly, Aristotle Onassis, Rod Sterling, Casey Stengel
  • Archie Griffin (Ohio State) first player to win second Heisman Trophy
  • VCR Betamax makes first appearance
  • Disposable razor introduced

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Miami 1975 – Last Official Photo

Stephen Travers had recently landed the bass player’s job with The Miami. The top gig in Ireland. The lads were clearly very at ease with their newest member. This is the last official photograph of The Miami before the tragedy.

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