Showband legends have declared ‘the show must go on’ this Christmas by launching an online music concert that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
With older and vulnerable people being encouraged to avoid large-scale events, Specsavers audiologists are delighted to partner with Showband Memories, an online concert with Irish musical icons Paddy Cole, Red Hurley, Shaun O’Dowd, Marion Fossett and George Hunter.
One of Ireland’s first online gigs specifically targeting the older demographic, the one-and-a-half-hour pre-recorded performance will include much-loved songs from Ireland’s showband era and can be watched from the comfort and safety of your own home in the lead-up to Christmas - a great way to kickstart the festive season!
Showband legend, Paddy Cole, explains: "During the pandemic the entertainment industry was closed down with musicians and performers forced to stop working. At the same time, as a society, we were asked to be particularly aware of our older citizens as they were asked to cocoon and isolate from their families and friends. But within the Irish music scene there was a thriving group of older entertainers who missed the music and missed performing so we decided to put together an online gig."
As the country re-emerged from the pandemic and government supports were being launched to help the music and entertainment industry, the focus was initially on younger performers, with the older stalwarts in danger of being forgotten.
Paddy continued: "We felt that our generation was being left behind and no one was thinking about what older performers needed and what older audiences wanted, but thankfully, our pleas for support were heard and we are extremely grateful to the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts for their support and funding. Despite not working for almost two years and having to face the same restrictions that our older citizens endured, myself, along with George, Red, Shaun and Marion, jumped at the chance to perform again."
Speaking about Specsavers’ involvement, audiologist Orla Walsh said: "We are delighted to sponsor the Showband Memories and work with such an active and talented group of performers. We are honoured to get behind them and ensure they can bring the magic of music to homes and communities across Ireland.
"We know from our time on the frontline how isolating pandemic restrictions can be for older audiences, so it’s great to see an initiative like Showband Memories get the funding and support it deserves to create something of value specifically for this age group."
Through this partnership, Specsavers audiologists hope to turn up the volume and raise awareness of hearing health, as there continues to be a high number of people suffering in silence across Ireland. To enjoy music, conversation with friends and family, and to maintain a high quality of life, hearing is so important.
"Sadly, there continues to be stigma around hearing aids, typically with the person who is likely to need them and not the friends and family of those who wear them,’ said Orla.
"Hearing aids only enhance your life, ensuring you aren’t missing out on all the great things happening around you, like music. This year at Specsavers we even launched a campaign called Music To Your Ears to highlight the importance of taking a proactive approach to hearing health, so it was the perfect fit to support Showband Memories while having a conversation around hearing."
Following PRSI changes earlier this year, free hearing aids are now available at Specsavers Audiology under the benefits scheme for the very first time.
The timing of the Showband Memories online gig couldn’t have come at a better time with changing pandemic restrictions and government guidelines around socialising this Christmas. Showband Memories is a great way to enjoy a night out but at home in the safety and comfort of your own home.
Tickets for the Showband Memories can be bought online from Sunday December 5 via www.gr8events.ie at a cost of €25 per household. Ticketholders will be given a unique link to then stream the concert in their own time across the month of December, to sing along to a selection of 60s and 70s hits and bask in the nostalgia of a golden era.
So why not take a musical trip down memory lane this festive season and treat yourself to a night out while staying in with Ireland’s showband legends. But first, make sure you can enjoy and hear the music in the way it’s to be heard and get your hearing checked by your local Specsavers audiologist.
For more information on Specsavers expert hearing services, speak to your local store or check outwww.specsavers.ie/hearing You can also make an appointment online.
