Des Lee shares the tragic story of the Miami Showband massacre, where loyalist paramilitaries ambushed his pop group, killing half the band. Des recalling his survival by playing dead during the attack illustrates the profound impact of the violence in 1975. This massacre, although overshadowed in Britain, remains a significant and haunting part of Irish history. Des highlights the unique role of showbands in providing a sense of unity and joy across religious divides, despite the ongoing Troubles that characterized life in Ireland during that era.
Des Lee reflects on the horror of the Miami Showband massacre, describing how he played dead to survive as half his bandmates were murdered.
The Miami Showband massacre of 1975 shocked Ireland amid the Troubles, marking a traumatic event in Irish cultural memory, despite its lack of traction in Britain.
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