The story of Dreams goes back to mid 1968 when it was decided to build a band around John Farrell who had already enjoyed success with the beat group The Movement who had already released two critically acclaimed singles in Ireland and the UK during 67/68.
They were signed to Dolphin Records and their first record I Will See You There which was specially written for then by Alan Blakley and Len Hawkes members of The Tremeloes. The record was an immidiate success and reached number 14.
In September of 1968 the B side was an original song A Boy Needs A Girl written by the keyboard player Shay O'Donoghue which included as mentioned in an interview some years ago this song was the first Irish record with feedback.
This was soon followed by what has been described over the years as one of the best original songs to come from the showband era it was of course Baby I'm Your Man again written by Shay O'Donoghue and Aiden which had already been a huge hit for Dickie Rock and The Miami Showband back in 67. Dreams reached number 15 with this which was backed by the equals number Softly Softly.
Their third single which has the greatest interest to fans of ERIC was a song called Sweeter Than Sugar which was backed by a track called Dance In The Light Of The Sun which features Eric Bell on banjo. This track was written and produced by Alan Blakey and Len Hawkes.
Their fourth was also their biggest hit a track called The Casatschok" backed by yet another original by Shay O'Donoghue called Don't You Ask Me this record reached number 5 in the Irish charts in june of 69.
They went on to release two more singles which did not chart and finally released a best of Dreams album which consisted of all the singles plus a few cover versions.
Members
- Eric Bell
- Shay O'Donoghue
- John Farrell