A History Lesson
Wish You Were Here
A History Lesson
Distant Past
Even More Friends
My Lovely Rose
Red Rooster FolkClub
My Lagan Number 1
Past and Present
I am always being asked where did the name "Bakerloo Junction" come from?
Simple. It came from a map of the London underground. Don't try and find the location. It doesn't exist. There is a Bakerloo Line but no junction.
Eddie McIlwaine a journalist from the Belfast Telegraph wrote the cover notes for our first LP which was called "Next Stop". He has had people looking for the Bakerloo Junction underground station for the past 30 years.

There was a good reason for the name.
When I formed the group back in 1974 I wanted to perform on the local cabaret circuit and not the usual pub scene. Cabaret clubs would have been very reluctant to book a folk duo. The name Bakerloo Junction put them off the scent. It only took one performance in a club to convince them that we were an acceptable cabaret act.
A folk duo arriving dressed in velvet jackets with bow ties and black patent shoes was most unusual but very impressive

The group has been performing since 1974.

Todays members are
Noel McMaster (Mac) and
Andrew Rowan (Drew)

Members of the group have been
Michael Keery, guitar / vocals
Aubrey Campbell, accordian
Diane French, keyboard
Paul Toner, Guitar/vocals
Helen Mansfield, Vocalist

Michael was a founder member when the band was formed. He came from a folk group called "The Folk 3" which was a very successful band in the seventies.


Drew came to Bakerloo in 1978 to appear in 5 shows.He insisted only 5 shows. That was 30 years ago.
Drew is a wizard on the silver flute and penny whistle. He also has a go at singing.
Totally dependable and always enthusiastic. Couldn't ask for a better partner.
Having compered a summer season in the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle 1974 I was convinced that a folk duo would be successful in the cabaret clubs.
The second member of the newly formed group was Michael Keery. Mike was a lovely singer and a good guitarist and banjo player. Our voices were meant for each other.
I can remember the Saturday afternoon in Lisburn when my wife Pat trailled us around various shops looking for our new outfits. Mike thought we were mad. I have many happy memories of the numerous shows I did with Michael.
To get the duo established as fast as possible we entered two major talent competitions. One was in Mackie's Social Club, Belfast and the second was for Harp Lager held in Bangor. We won first prize in both and that got us known to a number of booking agents. Our main agent was Billy McCullough (Cuckles). His first booking for us was the Abercorn Club in Belfast. WHOW Bakerloo hits the big time. Mr 10% Billy was a real character. It was a pleasure to pay him his money just for the fun. We performed on the cabaret circuit until most of the social clubs disappeared due to firms closing down. By this time numerous other contacts had been established and we enjoyed playing the very best in local venues.
Our next break was being introduced to Emerald records. We were invited to the recording studio where Mervyn Solomon and George Doherty (studio manager) listened to us singing a few songs.They were impressed. I should think so. The next thing we knew we were offered a recording contract. Here we go here we go!
Our first LP was "Next Stop"
A marvellous experience making the record. Not to be missed. The record proved to be an outstanding success. A new song on the record called
"My Lagan Softly Flowing" was destined to become a hit single in the local charts.
Bakerloo number 1.
Eddy Grant number 2. Can't believe it!!!!!
Bakerloo Junction
Enjoy the Craic