Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Miami Showband Massacre Remembered Amid Controversy
Imagine a famous Irish band, the Miami Showband, was traveling home from a concert.
Suddenly, fake soldiers stopped them and tried to blow up their bus.
The plan was to make it look like the band was smuggling bombs.
But the bomb blew up too early!
Then, the fake soldiers shot the band members, killing some.
Years later, the killers went to jail, but were later let out.
Now, a parade is planned to remember one of the attackers, which is causing a lot of discussion.
The Miami Showband, a popular Irish band, was attacked in 1975 by loyalist paramilitaries.
Three band members were killed in the attack near Banbridge, Northern Ireland.
The attackers, members of the UVF, attempted to bomb the band's bus, but the bomb detonated prematurely.
Two men were jailed for the murders, later released under the Good Friday Agreement.
A memorial parade for one of the perpetrators is planned, sparking controversy.
- Who
- The Miami Showband and members of the UVF.
- What
- The Miami Showband was attacked by loyalist paramilitaries.
- When
- July 31, 1975
- Where
- Near Banbridge, Northern Ireland
- Why
- The attackers intended to bomb the band's bus, framing the band for smuggling, and inciting violence.
Criticism of the Parade
Support for the Parade
Parade's Intent
Criticism of the Parade
The parade risks glorifying terrorism.
Support for the Parade
Supporters believe the parade honors the deceased perpetrator of the massacre.
- Band Name
- The Miami Showband
- Date of Attack
- July 31, 1975
- Location
- Near Banbridge, Northern Ireland
- Perpetrators
- Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)
- Fatalities
- Fran O’Toole, Tony Geraghty, Brian McCoy
- Convictions
- Two men were jailed in 1976
- Release
- Under the Good Friday Agreement, 1998