Northern Ireland

Miami massacre survivor to be keynote Bloody Sunday speaker

Miami Showband massacre survivor Stephen Travers is to be the keynote speaker at the annual Bloody Sunday anniversary march and rally.
Miami Showband massacre survivor Stephen Travers is to be the keynote speaker at the annual Bloody Sunday anniversary march and rally.

MIAMI Showband massacre survivor Stephen Travers is to be the keynote speaker at next year’s Bloody Sunday anniversary march and rally.

Mr Travers will address the rally at Free Derry Corner on February 2, marking the 48th anniversary of Bloody Sunday when in 1972 British soldiers shot and killed 13 men at a civil rights march.

A 14th person John Johnston died later from his wounds.

Miami Showband were at the height of their success when the group was targeted by loyalists in July 1975. As the band’s mini-bus made its way towards the border after a gig in Banbridge, it was stopped by a group of UVF men disguised as members of the UDR.

When a bomb they were attempting to place on the mini-bus exploded prematurely killing two of the gang the rest opened fire on the Miami Showband members, killing three of them.

Bass player, Mr Travers, while seriously injured, survived the attack along with saxophone player, Des McAlea.

Confirming he was to be keynote speaker at next year’s commemoration, Mr Travers said he was "honoured" to be the main speaker at the event.

In a Twitter post, Mr Travers said he hoped to speak for every victim.