Gene is Back
Gene Chetty, lead singer with Gene and the Gents (1964 – 1970) is back! In May 2006 Gene appeared as a guest on the Henry McCullough show at Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen and also at The Riverside Theatre, Coleraine. This was Gene’s first appearance in Ireland in 30 years! These shows were so well received that Gene decided to continue performing, along with working at his day job as Management Training Consultant.
At the end of 2007 Gene was invited to appear for 12 nights on the ‘Do You Come Here Often’ show hosted by George Jones. This show played at The Waterfront, Belfast, The Helix, Dublin and The Millennium Forum Theatre, Derry. Following this he received numerous letters and e-mails from fans urging him to continue performing.
Gene was born in South Africa and came to Dublin in 1962 to study law, but gave up his studies to join the Showband Circuit.
Gene and the Gents made their debut on St. Patrick’s Night 1964 and within two years were rated amongst the top attractions in Ireland with a very big following in Navan, Dundalk, Drogheda, Monaghan and Cavan along with being amongst the top five attractions in Northern Ireland. Gene was rated as one of the most exciting performers on the showband scene. The band was then based in Enniskillen.
Gene recorded a new four track CD in 2007 and released it to remind his friends and fans that he is still alive and kicking! The four songs were, ‘End of the World’, ‘And I Love Her’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘Wonderful Tonight’.
This CD raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research.
Following this success Gene releases his latest CD 'Showbands and Other favourites' in June 2009; Gene records some new songs and some old familar favourites, sure to keep his fanbase happy and revive more memories
For enquiries please contact Purple Heather Promotions,
8 Forthill Rd., Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 6AW.
Tel: 028 6632 3238 (Code from ROI 048)
Mob 079 6738 1610. (Int code 00 44)
Also e-mail: erneproms@btinternet.com
Email received from Cindy (Cynthia) sent to Sean McGrade, June 2008:
The name Gene Chetty is well known to me. In the sixties Gene fronted The Gents who were based here in Enniskillen. I danced to their music many times, Gene was a heartthrob for the girls!!.
This brings back memories, the lineup included Henry McCullagh on lead guitar (who once played with ex Beatle Paul McCartney), Barry Scully (who passed away recently), Peter Watson, Paddy McDermott, Dermot Doherty, Tony.
Their road manager then was Joe Maguire (who is now our local butcher). Paddy, Tony and Joe got married then to three sisters named Harkin. I remember Genes first car all those years ago was a red Ford Corsair, Reg No AIL 2. So now Cynthia that is an insight to Gene Chetty!!!!!!
Gene’s contact details:
E mail:dushy.chetty@btinternet.com
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Try out these sites for great info on the band!!!!
http://www.irishshowbands.net/
http://irish-showbands.com
http://www.iangallagher.com
http://www.iangallagher.com/geneandgents.htm
http://www.henrymccullough.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_McCullough
