Film to recall Miami Showband massacre
PLANS are being made for a film on the Miami Showband massacre.
Thirty-five years ago today three members of the popular band were shot dead on a country road after a gig in Banbridge, Co Down.
Their bus had been waved down in the early hours of the morning by a group of UVF men, who were also members of the UDR, at Buskhill, north of Newry.
Speaking earlier this week, survivor Stephen Travers, whose book 'The Miami Showband Massacre' was published in 2007, said he would only agree for his book to be turned into a film, "if it is done properly."
"Too many films glamorise war, but I think this film of the Miami Showband can make peace look attractive to young people.
"I want a 16-year-old or 17-year-old fella to go to see a well-made film about the Miami Showband and come out of it saying he would rather pick up a bass guitar than a bomb or a bullet. I would like the film to be the antidote to violence."
Mr Travers continued: "Since the book was published I have been approached by six different film companies - two in Ireland, two in the UK and two American companies.
"We signed an option on December last. If we are happy when they put everything together we will go with it. But it is such a sensitive subject. You have to be very careful."
The option is with Regent Street Productions, based in London and Beverly Hills, and Mr Travers said he knew producer Tom Jennings would not sensationalise the story.
"Our concern is whatever film company we eventually go with, although we have signed an option with Regent Street, is that they get that balance right.
You can't make a movie and make it all doom and gloom. Whatever company eventually makes the movie we want to be happy with it."
Mr Travers said the company had completed a "treatment" of the book and expects to see the screenplay in another two to three months.
"Some big names have been suggested for the parts but I really can't say at this point. But there is no doubt it will be great for the film industry here."
On July 31, 1975 the band's popular lead singer Fran O'Toole, guitarist Tony Geraghty and trumpeter Brian McCoy were killed after their minibus was flagged down by armed men in military uniforms at a bogus checkpoint.
While the band members were lined up at the roadside, two UVF men attempted to place a bomb in the van.
It exploded, prematurely killing would-be bombers Wesley Somerville and Horace 'Harris' Boyle. The rest of the gang then opened fire killing three of the band members.
Singer Des Lee and guitarist Stephen Travers survived the tragedy, despite being shot, the latter receiving serious injuries.
The UVF had intended the bomb to go off as the bus made its way to Dublin, giving the impression that the showband, which included members of the Protestant and Catholic communities, was a front for IRA terrorists.
UVF men James Somerville and Thomas Crozier were given life sentences for their part in the massacre.
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