Jimmy Smyth interview

Navan guitarist Jimmy Smyth formed The Bogey Boys in 1978, and two years year later had U2 as support band in the Cork Opera House!

The band were hugely successful in the early '80s, and moved to London before releasing two albums, Friday Night (1979) and Jimmy Did It! (1980).

Jimmy Smyth is widely regarded as one of Ireland's greatest guitarists, and was Van Morrison's musical director for a year in 2002. Jimmy played at the Grammy Awards in 1988 and 1996, and was nominated as co-writer with Toni Childs for 'Best Rock Song'. Jimmy also plays with Gilbert O'Sullivan on his British and European tours. The Bogey Boys reformed last month and will take to the road for the month of May...

PAUL HOLLAND: How do feel about bringing the band back in your hometown of Navan?
I'm delighted to be back playing with The Bogey Boys after such a long time, though I have played here with other bands over the years. We've had a fantastic response to the gigs we've done so far.

You've been rehearsing in Tara na Rí, but have you ever played in The Swan Lane venue in Navan?
Yes, I did a gig there with Frances Black and was very impresssed with the whole set-up. It's a wonderful venue, and fair play to Sean Mulligan for taking the initiative in bringing live music to the town on such a regular basis.

The Bogey Boys reformed to play two gigs last month in The Forum Waterford and Whelan's of Dublin. How did it feel for you to be back playing the old songs from 30 years ago?
I'm thoroughly enjoying the whole experience, but it's been surprisingly easy to slot back in after so many years! I'm not as keen to front the band like before so myself and Doish split the singing 50-50. I take a lot of the older songs and Doish takes the later ones.

You have worked with the legendary Van Morrison on a number of occasions. You were even his Musical Director for a whole year!
I first joined Van in 1995. I toured with his band for a while but I was mainly recording with him.Then in 2002 I spent a year as his MD. This involved organising band members for Van and bringing them up to speed. I would organise a new drummer for him,a keyboard player - rehearse with them,get everything right before touring with Van's band.

I was hoping to include a video clip of yourself playing along with Van Morrison for the promotional video of The Bogey Boys. I've managed to find lots of clips from the past but none of Van and yourself!
Well I don't think such a clip exists as Van is very protective of that kind of stuff.

I was able to include a clip with you playing with Toni Childs at the world famous Grammy Awards from 1988!
Yes, I was nominated along with Toni Childs as we co-wrote the song 'Don't Walk Away',which we performed on the night.

You come from a fascinating musical background. Your dad played with The Arcadians Showband, and your two sisters (Gloria of One Day At A Time fame) and Patrice are very well known on the country & western circuit. Your brother Tony is the drummer with The Bogey Boys!
Don't forget my little brother Shane! He plays with the Navan Swing Band!

It comes as no surprise then that your wife Jenny Newman is also a singer!
Yeah that's how I met Jenny. She toured with Andrew Strong and has sung with the likes of Elton John, Prince and Brian Adams. She's a session singer and fronted a band called Toy with Rhythm, and replaced Leslie Dowdall at the end of In Tua Nua. Even our daughter Ruby enjoys singing!

Away from Music how do you manage to switch off?
It's really music the whole way with me but I do a fair bit of running and do the Navan 5K run most years with the South O'Hanlon Athletic Club.

Have you any plans to bring out a third album?
Yes, there's a strong possibility of bringing out a live album.We have recorded the first two gigs we did in March and we're very pleased with the quality of the sound.

Catch The Bogey Boys live this month when they play the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan (May 4), the Slaughtered Lamb, Swords (5), Stillorgan Orchard (12) and Tara Na Rí, Navan (26).