Irish Bandleader P.S. Gilmore Started the Times Square New Year's Eve Countdown Tradition in New York City

Irishman Patrick S. Gilmore, the famous 19th century musician and bandleader, started the annual tradition of the New Year's Eve countdown in New York City on December 31, 1888. On this particular New Year's eve, the Gilmore Band performed for the large audience that gathered up and down Broadway, and then Gilmore led the crowd in a countdown, firing two pistols at the stroke of midnight.

In 1891, Gilmore applied for and received permits from New York City to hold a special concert in Times Square, which at the time was simply known as the Long Acre, according to Gilmore historian Jarlath McNamara. The area was renamed Times Square in 1904 when the New York Times opened its offices there.

After living in Boston for more than two decades, Gilmore started a new chapter in his life and career when he moved to New York City in 1873, where he led the 22nd Regiment Band. The Gilmore Band performed frequently in the city, and for the final two decades of his life, Gilmore and his band toured throughout the United States and Canada as well as Europe.

During this era the the Gilmore Band was one of the nation's most popular bands, performing indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the year. Gilmore conducted many of the concerts nearby at Gilmore's Garden, which later became Madison Square Garden.

According to Gilmore scholar Michael Cummings, Gilmore was born in Ballygar, County Galway in 1829, and emigrated to Boston in 1849, where he lived for over twenty years. During that time he established himself as a great cornet player and bandleader. He was active during the Civil War and wrote the popular tune, When Johnny Comes Marching Home.

He also created two massive peace jubilees in Boston's Back Bay in 1869 and 1872.

Gilmore died on September 24, 1892, while performing with his band in St. Louis.

For more information on Boston's Irish history, visit IrishHeritageTrail.com.

Research + Text, Michael Quinlin

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