Many believe that Jim Aiken was the guy who pulled Ireland out of the past and brought it into the future by bringing much needed entertainment and a line-up of world class performers to Ireland in difficult times. In the 1980’s Slane Castle (and later the grounds of Stormont) became the venue where a whole generation of fans with fond memories of hot summer evenings were entertained by the likes of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti and many others. All this was made possible by Belfast music promoter, Jim Aiken.

In this tribute programme Gerry Kelly looks back at the legacy of Jim Aiken, his extraordinary career in music entertainment spanning over 50 years and its transformational impact on Ireland’s cultural life as well as its international reputation. Kelly meets people with personal and professional links to Jim Aiken and learns about the qualities that made Aiken a lot more than a music promoter.

Presented by Gerry Kelly

Contributors: Eamonn Mallie, Fr Brian D’Arcy, Brendan Bowyer, Donal Gallagher, Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Jim Clarke, Eddie McIlwaine, Charley Pride, Cliff Richard, Michael Ball, Phil Bowdery, David Essex, Lord Henry Mount Charles, Ivan Little, Joe Kernan, Ronan Keating, Westlife, Garth Brooks, Michael Flatley

This UTV Production also includes credited BBC and RTE archive inserts and an excerpt from the following music video

Charley Pride ‘Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger?’
Grand Ole Opry 1967
Courtesy of Gaylord Entertainment Co.