Granny's Intentions (1967-1970?)
Granny's intentions started life (as did most
groups in the 60's and 70's) as a relief band in their native
Limerick playing for £5 a night. As they became
more popular locally, they eventually spread their wings and started
playing the clubs in Dublin, building a reputation as a great live
band. In 1967, as the band broke from their rural beginnings, they
quickly dominated the scene in Dublin. In fact, in June, 1967, Pat
Egan listed them as the most popular beat group in Dublin, ahead of
well known groups like the Vampires, Strangers and Chosen Few. At
this point, they were still in the transition period from their
original name, The Intentions, to Granny's Intentions as Pat listed
them under both names in the same column. The following week Pat
reiterated that the Intentions, who had just gone off to London in
June, were the country's number one group.
The trip to London in the summer of 1967
resulted in the announcement of their recording contract with Deram
records, one of only two Irish artists to sign with the label that
we know of (the other being Patricia Cahill). The label boasted acts
like Procol Harem, Cat Stevens and The Move among their stable at
the time. Within a couple of months they released their first
single, Story of David. In August, it was reported in
Spotlight that Martin Branigan had left the band (as we not aware
that he was in the band, we will have to check this fact out).
Granny's Intentions
seemed to get more press (at least from Spotlight) than any other
beat group of the mid to late sixties, but never quite lived up to
the hype which surrounded their careers. By late 1968, they had
relocated from their native Limerick to London to try their luck
abroad.
In an article by Pat Egan in the December 28th,
1968 issue of Spotlight, the head of Deram Records (a division of
Decca), Wayne Bickerton, is quoted as saying the band's album (due
to be released in January) would be in a style "similar to the Moody
Blues." Despite their success, organist and leader John Ryan said in the same
article, "It's not all that rosy over here and we are far from being
big stars. But at least we're doing what we want to and enjoying
it."
The band included Johnny Duhan (vocals), Greg
Donaghy (drums), John Ryan (keyboards) and John Hockedy (guitar) but
in February 1969, it was reported in
Spotlight's Insight Column that drummer Greg Donaghy had left
the band. The same column also reported that the Orange Machine
had broken up, having just released their second single. A few
weeks later, the new lineup of the band was announced with Peter
Cummins (former bass player with the Grass band) and drummer Noel
Bridgeman (formerly with Skid Row) joining forced with Duhan, Ryan
and Hockedy.
By early 1970, drummer Noel Bridgeman had left
the band to rejoin Brush Shiels and Gary Moore in Skid Row he was
replaced by Pat Nash. At that time the
band released it first (and as far as we can tell only) album,
Honest Injun. Despite having left the band, both Bridgeman and
Moore from Skid Row appeared on the album. The band was moving
toward a country rock feel and continued to live in Bayswater,
England.
More to come....
Click on thumbnails for full images
Discography
Singles:
Story of David / Sandy's On the Phone
Again
Deram Records - DM.158 - November, 1967
Julie Don't Love Me Anymore
Deram Records - DM.184 - April, 1968
Never An Everyday Thing
Deram Records - DM.214 - November, 1968
Take Me Back
Deram Records - Unknown - June, 1970
Album:
Honest
Injun
Deram
Records - SML.1060 - March, 1970
Audio Clips
(Coming Soon)
Coming Soon
Where Are They Now?
(Coming Soon)
