Bogey Boys thrill fans in return to hometown

It may have been 30 years since the Bogey Boys last played Navan but the homecoming for Jimmy Smyth, his brother Tony and Doish Nagle, proved to be a rip-roaring success with a huge crowd welcoming the rock band back home to their native Navan. The Swan Lane venue at the Ardboyne Hotel was the setting for an epic night with the Bogeys delivering an awesome two hour show with original songs from the '80s mixed with classic blues numbers and Grand Slam songs written by Doish and Phil Lynott. The band that once had U2 as their support back in 1980 were back in Navan for the first of two rare local gigs. Right from the get-go, original songs such as 'Rock na Roll Romance', 'Obituary' and 'Friday Night' were received with rapturous applause, with the legendary guitarist, Jimmy Smyth, in scintillating form. Tony Smyth on drums, well known around Navan for playing with Deep Six and the McGarry Brothers, was delighted with the response from the local fans on the night. "We were a bit nervous beforehand as it means so much to play in front of your hometown audience. Jimmy has played at the Grammys and in front of huge crowds with Van Morrison and even he was a bit apprehensive beforehand!" he said. Doish Nagle, on bass guitar and vocals, thoroughly enjoyed the gig and added: "It's amazing for us to be able to fit back in and get such a reaction after such a long time." Jimmy was delighted to meet so many of the fans and family afterwards and was in huge demand for photos and autographs after the show, with one fan producing the 'Obituary' single from 1981 to be signed. Fans of the band were in great voice with Paul and Celine Logan from Dunshaughlin delighted that the Bogeys have reformed, even if it's not on a regular basis. Paul explains: "We used to follow the band around Dublin years ago so I couldn't believe it when I saw the poster advertising that they were back!" Alicia Ennis from Kells described the band as "simply world-class! I feel priviliged to be here for the homecoming gig". Bernice Stewart from Navan was thrilled to see Jimmy's nephew, Robbie Fitzgerald, joining the master on stage for a few numbers and adds: "The Bogey Boys are just awesome! This band are a different class altogether!" Georgina Douglas from Trim knows the Smyths all her life and said the homecoming was "absolutely brilliant" while Julie Churchill was at the band's last Navan gig at Claremont Stadium in 1982. "The boys were really on fire! I can't wait until for the next gig in Tara na Rí." Paul Holland first followed the band in Dublin in the early eighties when they regularly sold out venues such as The Baggot Inn and The Sportsman's Inn before touring in the UK and the USA and adds: "Jimmy Smyth is an absolute genius on the guitar and is rated amongst the best ever guitarist Ireland has produced." The Bogey Boys are back for another rare appearance at Tara na Rí on 26th May. Tickets €10 available from e2 Music and from the venue.