BAGATELLE & Friends: Celebrating the Legacy
BAGATELLE & Friends
Celebrating The Legacy
Bagatelle: Ireland's Iconic Touring Band of the 1980s
Bagatelle stands as one of the most successful and original touring bands to have emerged from Ireland during the 1980s. The group achieved widespread recognition with several number one hit singles, including their iconic and timeless song "Summer in Dublin."
"Summer in Dublin" was written by the late, great singer-songwriter Liam Reilly, who was responsible for the majority of the band’s original repertoire.
Signature Songs and Hit List
Notable tracks penned by Liam Reilly include "Summer In Dublin," "Trump Card," "Second Violin," "Raining In Paris," "Leeson Street Lady," and "All Fall Down Philadelphia." The band’s massive hit list continues to grow, reflecting their lasting impact.
Emigration Songs
Liam Reilly also wrote some of Ireland’s greatest emigration songs, including "Streets Of New York," "Flight Of Earls," "Boston Rose," "Bainbridge Avenue," and "If You Ever Come Back From England." These songs are frequently featured in polls for “Ireland’s Best Ever Irish Emigration Song,” which are regularly run in America, Australia, England, and Ireland.
Origins and Songwriting
Bagatelle was originally formed by the late John O’Brien, who served as lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter. John contributed to many of Bagatelle’s album tracks and co-wrote several songs with Liam Reilly, including "Love Is The Reason."
Achievements and Worldwide Tours
Bagatelle has received Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum awards for album sales. Their iconic "Summer in Dublin" was recently featured on the RTE special “Ireland’s Top 10 Best Irish Songs.” The band has toured extensively throughout America, Hong Kong, Macau, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, England, Scotland, and consistently across Ireland.
Eurovision Song Contest
In 1990, Liam Reilly represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest with his own composition, "Somewhere In Europe." He made his country proud by finishing as a very close runner-up, an achievement often overlooked by the media in discussions about Eurovision.
Remembering Liam Reilly
On 1 January 2021, Ireland lost one of its finest ever singer-songwriters, Liam Reilly. His contribution to original Irish music and Bagatelle’s musical legacy will endure.
Bagatelle & Friends: Exclusive Ballybunion Date
Bagatelle and Friends will be hosting an exclusive event in Ballybunion.
Sunday 14 June
Also check out other Music events in Letterkenny, Entertainment events in Letterkenny, Contests in Letterkenny.
