[youngstranger]

As an Irish person it is interesting to read this thread to read about Gord's visit here in the 80s. Reading about it in the past has always been both interesting and somewhat uncomfortable.

The island of Ireland comprised and comprises two states the Republic in the south and the Northern Ireland in the erm, North which is part of the UK. Most of the terrorism, bombings etc. etc. happened in Northern Ireland during this period from the late 60s to the 90s. However, both places became identified as one in the minds of those abroad and so even though the Republic was largely peaceful international bands and musicians avoided it like the plague. Despite the fact that there were more incidents related to the troubles in England than there were in the Republic people couldn't see the distinction and so the Republic (along with the troubled North) became something of a no go area for touring acts. So, big kudos to Gord that he bothered to come here!

In 1975 a group from the Republic, the Miami Showband, were attacked by terrorists when travelling from a gig in the North. 3 band members were killed, thus sealing the fate of all Ireland as a destination for musicians.

Interestingly several performers who played the National Stadium (as Gord did) around this time had some of their sets recorded and shown on TV. Some shows have recently been repeated including one by Don McClean. It would be amazing if Gord's show was filmed, it would be great to see him in action at this stage of his career.

Edited in: Just to be nerdy and anal the Aer Lingus hijacking had nothing to do with the troubles and terrorism, it was some religious nut who wanted the Pope to reveal the the third secret of fatima.*

*I doubt that means much to a lot of people today!