* after band name denotes band no longer active.
Click on a photo to view full size image.
70% Proof*
Gary Hassard (vocals), Stuart Kewley (guitar), Russell Maddox (bass), Ralph McGuicken (drums).
Formed in 1978, 70% Proof hailed from Bangor, County Down. Initially, Robert Scott (the Ski's, the Doubt etc) played ocassional guitar for the band but was soon replaced by permanent guitarist Stuart Kewley. The teenage band only played a few gigs around Ballyholme and Seahill where self-penned songs such as No Fame, Trials, Be Your Boy etc. rocked nicely alongside Clash, J. Thunders, and Undertones covers. One of the band's first serious gigs was in Ballyhome youth club in a fairly affluent suburb of Bangor. Colin Bateman (the well-known author) who was in the crowd, described the band as 'Bangor's answer to the Angelic Upstarts'. 70% Proof split in 1980 when Kewley emigrated to Canada with his mother. There he formed a hardcore punk trio called Zeroption, who are credited with being an influence on such bands as Killdozer and White Stripes. Zeroption formed in 1983 and supported bands like DOA, TSOL, the Circle Jerks and the Dead Kennedys. McGuicken went to university in England and played in a band called Onionhead. Maddox reformed a more rock orientated version of 70% Proof in 1983, with Steve and Mike Benton on guitars and Roger Davidson on drums. They performed new songs such as You Turn, My Crumbling Road, and Cry These Tears but still retained a few Clash and Johnny Thunders covers. When this line-up of the band split up in 1985, Maddox went on to join another local band by the name of Carpenter Joe.
Onionhead website * The Zeroption Years
Formed in 1978, 70% Proof hailed from Bangor, County Down. Initially, Robert Scott (the Ski's, the Doubt etc) played ocassional guitar for the band but was soon replaced by permanent guitarist Stuart Kewley. The teenage band only played a few gigs around Ballyholme and Seahill where self-penned songs such as No Fame, Trials, Be Your Boy etc. rocked nicely alongside Clash, J. Thunders, and Undertones covers. One of the band's first serious gigs was in Ballyhome youth club in a fairly affluent suburb of Bangor. Colin Bateman (the well-known author) who was in the crowd, described the band as 'Bangor's answer to the Angelic Upstarts'. 70% Proof split in 1980 when Kewley emigrated to Canada with his mother. There he formed a hardcore punk trio called Zeroption, who are credited with being an influence on such bands as Killdozer and White Stripes. Zeroption formed in 1983 and supported bands like DOA, TSOL, the Circle Jerks and the Dead Kennedys. McGuicken went to university in England and played in a band called Onionhead. Maddox reformed a more rock orientated version of 70% Proof in 1983, with Steve and Mike Benton on guitars and Roger Davidson on drums. They performed new songs such as You Turn, My Crumbling Road, and Cry These Tears but still retained a few Clash and Johnny Thunders covers. When this line-up of the band split up in 1985, Maddox went on to join another local band by the name of Carpenter Joe.
Onionhead website * The Zeroption Years
1000 Drunken Nights
Darzo (vocals), Marty (guitar / vocals), Yamez (guitar), Cormy (bass), Dan (drums).
Formed from the ashes of everyones favourite drunk punks Mr Nipples. 1000 Drunken Nights include members and ex members of other notable NI bands such as Runnin' Riot, Pocket Billiards, Aggressors and Stillbirth. They describe their sound as H/C political punk with a dirty ska edge and this is tinged with great melody and catchy-as-fuck singalong choruses. They released their debut album Blank Cheque For Peace in 2010 and appeared on the Warzone benefit compilation 09:09 Split Fusion alongside Subhumans, A-Political and the Lobotomies. One of my favourite bands of the past few years!
1000DN on Facebook 1000DN on Myspace
Formed from the ashes of everyones favourite drunk punks Mr Nipples. 1000 Drunken Nights include members and ex members of other notable NI bands such as Runnin' Riot, Pocket Billiards, Aggressors and Stillbirth. They describe their sound as H/C political punk with a dirty ska edge and this is tinged with great melody and catchy-as-fuck singalong choruses. They released their debut album Blank Cheque For Peace in 2010 and appeared on the Warzone benefit compilation 09:09 Split Fusion alongside Subhumans, A-Political and the Lobotomies. One of my favourite bands of the past few years!
1000DN on Facebook 1000DN on Myspace
Acme Music*
Stuart Bailie (vocals / bass), Ian Hanna (drums), Alan Giddings (guitar), Colin Callaghan (guitar)
Band formed in east Belfast 1978. Influenced by the Clash and local band Protex. Played the usual haunts with the likes of the Outcasts and Rudi and gave the Defects a support slot for their debut gig. Callaghan was replaced by Barry Young of the Idiots and brother of Rudi's Brian Young. They split in 1982, leaving behind one 4 track demo tape as their sole recorded output. Ian Hanna went on to form Family of Noise who later morphed into the Troubleshooters who were joined by Stuart Bailie. Head over to the Sing Sing blogspot were you can get more info and listen to 2 tracks from the demo tape.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Stuart Bailie's Radio Ulster show Stuart Bailies blog
Band formed in east Belfast 1978. Influenced by the Clash and local band Protex. Played the usual haunts with the likes of the Outcasts and Rudi and gave the Defects a support slot for their debut gig. Callaghan was replaced by Barry Young of the Idiots and brother of Rudi's Brian Young. They split in 1982, leaving behind one 4 track demo tape as their sole recorded output. Ian Hanna went on to form Family of Noise who later morphed into the Troubleshooters who were joined by Stuart Bailie. Head over to the Sing Sing blogspot were you can get more info and listen to 2 tracks from the demo tape.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Stuart Bailie's Radio Ulster show Stuart Bailies blog
Aerosols, The*
Pete Stevenson (vocals), John Gray (guitar), Steve Bingham (guitar), Paul Evans (bass), Alan Davidson (drums).
A Glengormley based band formed in 1978. They began practising in garages and bedrooms until moving on to a local primary school, which they trashed, and so were given the boot. The Aerosols made their live debut in 1979 at Glengormely Youth Centre, sharing the bill with other local acts Allotropes, Music For The Deaf and White Noise. Their set consisted of mainly self-penned tunes such as Voyant Symphony, Premature Burial and Wrong Number. After a few more gigs around the Glengormley and Rathcoole area's, the band changed their name to Final Stage. A number of line-up changes followed - Stephen Mitchell (ex Pure Mania) replaced Stevenson on vocals and a number of stand-in drummers were employed (including Davy Lynas - Dogmatic Element and Colin Kenny - MFD) after Davidson quit. Final Stage called it a day in 1980. Stevenson and Davidson joined a band called Visuals before Stevenson joined The Bits as drummer. Gray joined Tarot XIII and later formed Burnin' Kisses. Today he plays alongside Buck of the Defects in ska tribute band Doghouse.
Doghouse on Facebook
A Glengormley based band formed in 1978. They began practising in garages and bedrooms until moving on to a local primary school, which they trashed, and so were given the boot. The Aerosols made their live debut in 1979 at Glengormely Youth Centre, sharing the bill with other local acts Allotropes, Music For The Deaf and White Noise. Their set consisted of mainly self-penned tunes such as Voyant Symphony, Premature Burial and Wrong Number. After a few more gigs around the Glengormley and Rathcoole area's, the band changed their name to Final Stage. A number of line-up changes followed - Stephen Mitchell (ex Pure Mania) replaced Stevenson on vocals and a number of stand-in drummers were employed (including Davy Lynas - Dogmatic Element and Colin Kenny - MFD) after Davidson quit. Final Stage called it a day in 1980. Stevenson and Davidson joined a band called Visuals before Stevenson joined The Bits as drummer. Gray joined Tarot XIII and later formed Burnin' Kisses. Today he plays alongside Buck of the Defects in ska tribute band Doghouse.
Doghouse on Facebook
Aggressors BC
Marty - Vocals & Guitar / Cushla -Vocals / Sauce- Guitar / Steeky - Bass / Corm - Keyboard* / Dan - Drums
Formed just prior to the summer of 2009, the Aggressors BC feature members of Runnin Riot, Pocket Billiards, and 1000 Drunken Nights. They are a six-piece band who came together through their love of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. Made their live debut in August 2009 supporting Vic Ruggiero of the Slackers. Gigging locally and recorded the debut mini album 'Boss Sounds From Titanic Town' in 2010. Cushla, the original female vocalist, was replaced by Patreece Lundy in 2011.
Aggressors BC on myspace - Aggressors BC on Bandcamp - Aggressors BC on Facebook
Formed just prior to the summer of 2009, the Aggressors BC feature members of Runnin Riot, Pocket Billiards, and 1000 Drunken Nights. They are a six-piece band who came together through their love of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. Made their live debut in August 2009 supporting Vic Ruggiero of the Slackers. Gigging locally and recorded the debut mini album 'Boss Sounds From Titanic Town' in 2010. Cushla, the original female vocalist, was replaced by Patreece Lundy in 2011.
Aggressors BC on myspace - Aggressors BC on Bandcamp - Aggressors BC on Facebook
Alienated*
Allister Girvin (vocals), David Butler (guitar), Michael Gale (percussion)
Larne band formed in April 1983. Their 1st demo tape No Right To Govern spawned the track Living In Fear which appeared on the Crass Records compilation Bullshit Detector Vol.3 in 1984. The band released 2 further demo tapes in their short career - Curse Of The Earth in September 1983 which featured David ‘Smout’ Martin on guitar, who had by that time replaced Dave. Ian Davis also played guitar on some tracks. The track Falkland War featured on another punk compilation album in a similar vein to the Bullshit Detector compilation. The third demo The Best Of The Worst, which was issued in March 1984, saw Smout moving to bass and Pete Magill joining as their new guitarist. Later, Phil Coburn joined the band briefly on synth. Singer Ali eventually quit the band which saw Smout add vocals to his bass duties. When Alienated split in 1984, Pete Magill and Ian Davis formed a more Indie orientated band called The Prophets, with other former members of Alienated! Creation records had expressed an interest but the band split up while trying to record something to send them. Mike and Smout went on to form KC & the Moonshine band (later renamed Stagnant Excretia) with Smout on guitar, Michael on drums, KC vocals & Anne on bass. KC & The Moonshine Band’s track Which Side appeared on the Mortarhate compilation LP We Won't be your Fucking Poor in 1985. Smout went on to form Repulse who released several records in the 90's. Repulse also contributed a track Jesus Sweat to the infamous Screw The Underground EP in 93. This EP was financed by myself and some friends. Jesus Sweat was played on the John Peel show. Smout is still recording today, under the name Denzil, while Pete Magill records under the name Peng Weng!
KC & the Moonshine Band on Youtube * Denzil on Facebook * Repulse on Youtube
Larne band formed in April 1983. Their 1st demo tape No Right To Govern spawned the track Living In Fear which appeared on the Crass Records compilation Bullshit Detector Vol.3 in 1984. The band released 2 further demo tapes in their short career - Curse Of The Earth in September 1983 which featured David ‘Smout’ Martin on guitar, who had by that time replaced Dave. Ian Davis also played guitar on some tracks. The track Falkland War featured on another punk compilation album in a similar vein to the Bullshit Detector compilation. The third demo The Best Of The Worst, which was issued in March 1984, saw Smout moving to bass and Pete Magill joining as their new guitarist. Later, Phil Coburn joined the band briefly on synth. Singer Ali eventually quit the band which saw Smout add vocals to his bass duties. When Alienated split in 1984, Pete Magill and Ian Davis formed a more Indie orientated band called The Prophets, with other former members of Alienated! Creation records had expressed an interest but the band split up while trying to record something to send them. Mike and Smout went on to form KC & the Moonshine band (later renamed Stagnant Excretia) with Smout on guitar, Michael on drums, KC vocals & Anne on bass. KC & The Moonshine Band’s track Which Side appeared on the Mortarhate compilation LP We Won't be your Fucking Poor in 1985. Smout went on to form Repulse who released several records in the 90's. Repulse also contributed a track Jesus Sweat to the infamous Screw The Underground EP in 93. This EP was financed by myself and some friends. Jesus Sweat was played on the John Peel show. Smout is still recording today, under the name Denzil, while Pete Magill records under the name Peng Weng!
KC & the Moonshine Band on Youtube * Denzil on Facebook * Repulse on Youtube
Allotropes*
Steve Swales (vocals / guitar / synths, tape loops),
Colin Woods (guitar / synths, samples) Peter Todd (bass), Ken Hosick
(drums)
Hailing from Glengormley (just north of Belfast) the Allotropes were formed in 1978 by Swales and Woods. Schoolfriends Todd and Hosick were roped in as the rhythm section. They were an experimental / industrial band who set out to deconstruct punk. Over the years they released a number of cassettes and a CD with various different line-ups and eventually called it a day around 1990. The band had close links with other bands from the Glengormley area such as MFD and the Stabs.
A chapter on the Allotropes / the Glengormley scene is featured in the book 'It Makes You want to Spit!'
Allotropes on myspace Colin Woods on myspace Allotropes official website
Hailing from Glengormley (just north of Belfast) the Allotropes were formed in 1978 by Swales and Woods. Schoolfriends Todd and Hosick were roped in as the rhythm section. They were an experimental / industrial band who set out to deconstruct punk. Over the years they released a number of cassettes and a CD with various different line-ups and eventually called it a day around 1990. The band had close links with other bands from the Glengormley area such as MFD and the Stabs.
A chapter on the Allotropes / the Glengormley scene is featured in the book 'It Makes You want to Spit!'
Allotropes on myspace Colin Woods on myspace Allotropes official website
Almighty Fallen, The
Phil Dixon (vocals), Andrew McCallister (guitar), Jo Goudie (bass / vocals), Matt Rice (keyboards / vocals), Marc Cumming (drums).
Alternative / Goth / Rock crossover band, formed late 2008 in Belfast. Lifelong friends, and musicians, Phil Dixon and Joe Goudie, tired of the endless commercial rock offerings of major labels, spent many long winter months in the recording studio. Endlessly writing and recording until they at last came up with a sound they were happy with but, was also very different from anything else out there!The result = driven drums, menacing guitars, haunting keys, melodic vocals and festival conquering anthems. To date, the band have released 3 singles (the 3rd one being a more uptempo, slightly punkier cover of Common People - all proceeds going to charity). Bass player Goudie cut his musical teeth in the Belast altenative / punk scenes of the 70s & 80s - firstly with punk band Pure Mania / Tarot XIII, then with gothic / post punks Witching Hour before forming the more rock orientated Burnin' Kisses.
AF on Facebook * AF on Reverbnation * AF on Myspace
Alternative / Goth / Rock crossover band, formed late 2008 in Belfast. Lifelong friends, and musicians, Phil Dixon and Joe Goudie, tired of the endless commercial rock offerings of major labels, spent many long winter months in the recording studio. Endlessly writing and recording until they at last came up with a sound they were happy with but, was also very different from anything else out there!The result = driven drums, menacing guitars, haunting keys, melodic vocals and festival conquering anthems. To date, the band have released 3 singles (the 3rd one being a more uptempo, slightly punkier cover of Common People - all proceeds going to charity). Bass player Goudie cut his musical teeth in the Belast altenative / punk scenes of the 70s & 80s - firstly with punk band Pure Mania / Tarot XIII, then with gothic / post punks Witching Hour before forming the more rock orientated Burnin' Kisses.
AF on Facebook * AF on Reverbnation * AF on Myspace
Alturos, The*
Gerry McCandless (guitar / vocals), Alan Giff (bass / vocals), Luke Cauldwell (drums).
Formed in Derry / Londonderry circa 2007 by ex-members of Ramones tribute band Teenage Lobotomies. Gerry McCandless is of course better known as one of The Moondogs. Check out their pop-punk / surf influenced tunes on myspace. Stopped playing live around 2009.
Alturos on Myspace Gerry McCandless on myspace
Formed in Derry / Londonderry circa 2007 by ex-members of Ramones tribute band Teenage Lobotomies. Gerry McCandless is of course better known as one of The Moondogs. Check out their pop-punk / surf influenced tunes on myspace. Stopped playing live around 2009.
Alturos on Myspace Gerry McCandless on myspace
Anarchy and The Fourth Reich*
Anna (vocals), William Maxwell (guitar), Cliff Mason (guitar), Maurice Maxwell (bass), Troy Liddell (drums), Ray McFarland (Guitar).
Belfast band formed in 1978 after friends Troy and William saw Rudi and Stage B perform. Fronted by Anna, from London, the girlfriend at the time of Greg Cowan from The Outcasts. Played mainly covers of X-Ray Spex, Penetration and The Banshees. Ray McFarland was a big Buzzcocks fan and introduced the rest of the band to their music. This lead to Fourth Reich adding Ever Fallen In Love.. to their live set which they performed mainly in local youth clubs. When Anna went back to London, Ray quit the band and the remaining members formed Deja Vu in late '78.
Time To Be Proud More photos
Belfast band formed in 1978 after friends Troy and William saw Rudi and Stage B perform. Fronted by Anna, from London, the girlfriend at the time of Greg Cowan from The Outcasts. Played mainly covers of X-Ray Spex, Penetration and The Banshees. Ray McFarland was a big Buzzcocks fan and introduced the rest of the band to their music. This lead to Fourth Reich adding Ever Fallen In Love.. to their live set which they performed mainly in local youth clubs. When Anna went back to London, Ray quit the band and the remaining members formed Deja Vu in late '78.
Time To Be Proud More photos
Androids, The*
Joe Zero (vocals), Aza Middleton (bass), Steve AKA (guitar), Billy Britt (drums)
Hugely popular Belfast band formed in 1977. Played their first gig on 10th February 1978 at the Arts Council Gallery, Bedford Street and were the first punk band to play the legendary Harp Bar when they supported Victim at that venue in April '78. In the summer of '78 they recorded a session at Downtown Radio then went to London later that year to try their luck but returned home after only one gig. Joe (real name Moody) and Aza left to form Emergency with Wes and Jeff from Victim. Steve (Rainey) and Billy (McIlwaine) recruited Jim Megarry on vocals, ex Chaos bassist Robin Holmes (RIP) and Jeremy Nicholl (rhythm guitar). and this new line up signed to Good Vibrations and recorded Bondage In Belfast and News Of The World for a compilation album which never came out. Split up in 1979. In 1980 Billy, Jim and Robin reunited to form a new band - Urban Bitch and were aided by Kerry Holmes on synth and a guy called Brian on guitar. When Urban Bitch folded Billy and Jim went on to form a John Foxx/OMD/Human League type synth duo called The Business in 1982. Steve Rainey moved to the Northeast of England and joined a band called Darkness & Jive in 1981.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Aza Middleton's official website Billy McIlwaine's account of The Androids
Androids photos Darkness & Jive website
Hugely popular Belfast band formed in 1977. Played their first gig on 10th February 1978 at the Arts Council Gallery, Bedford Street and were the first punk band to play the legendary Harp Bar when they supported Victim at that venue in April '78. In the summer of '78 they recorded a session at Downtown Radio then went to London later that year to try their luck but returned home after only one gig. Joe (real name Moody) and Aza left to form Emergency with Wes and Jeff from Victim. Steve (Rainey) and Billy (McIlwaine) recruited Jim Megarry on vocals, ex Chaos bassist Robin Holmes (RIP) and Jeremy Nicholl (rhythm guitar). and this new line up signed to Good Vibrations and recorded Bondage In Belfast and News Of The World for a compilation album which never came out. Split up in 1979. In 1980 Billy, Jim and Robin reunited to form a new band - Urban Bitch and were aided by Kerry Holmes on synth and a guy called Brian on guitar. When Urban Bitch folded Billy and Jim went on to form a John Foxx/OMD/Human League type synth duo called The Business in 1982. Steve Rainey moved to the Northeast of England and joined a band called Darkness & Jive in 1981.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Aza Middleton's official website Billy McIlwaine's account of The Androids
Androids photos Darkness & Jive website
Anti-State*
Hardcore punk band formed in Derry / Londonderry in the
summer of 2006. Gigged extensively until the end of 2007 supporting the
likes of The Subhumans, Oi Polloi, and Constant Fear along the way.
The band also promote / organize gigs in their local area.
official Anti-State website
Anti-State on myspace
official Anti-State website
Anti-State on myspace
Apolitical
Ali (vocals,) Joe Carey (bass,) Petesy Burns (guitar / vocals) Mickey McKenna (drums).
Comprised of 3 ex members of Belfast anarcho band Stalag 17 and their old mate Ali, Apolitical formed around 2008 and have honed a set of 80's style UK hardcore / thrash nuggets. Gigging out and about now - catch 'em when you can.
Apolitical on myspace
Comprised of 3 ex members of Belfast anarcho band Stalag 17 and their old mate Ali, Apolitical formed around 2008 and have honed a set of 80's style UK hardcore / thrash nuggets. Gigging out and about now - catch 'em when you can.
Apolitical on myspace
Ask Mother*
_Boots (vocals), Willie Foster (guitar), Quiggles (guitar), Trevor Wray (bass), Click Gill (drums).
Glam-Punk band formed in 1977 from the ashes of Seymour Hill based band Chaos (who included future Androids bassist Robin Holmes in their ranks). Ask Mother have been described as 'like the MC5 on Mundies, Blues and Mandrex...' Their debut gig at Queens Fringe Festival in November 1977 ended in a mini riot when the band was forcibly removed from the stage. In 1978 they recorded an EP for It Records featuring the songs Do You Wanna Know A Secret, Twinkle, Love'n This Lady and Let Dreams Lie. Unfortunately the EP was never released (due to a fight with It Records owner Cliff Moore). The band went through a number of lineup changes before signing for Good Vibrations in early 1979 but nothing came of that union and Ask Mother split up later that year. Boots is better known today as the successful performance artist Andre Stitt.
Andre Stitt official website * more Ask Mother photos
Glam-Punk band formed in 1977 from the ashes of Seymour Hill based band Chaos (who included future Androids bassist Robin Holmes in their ranks). Ask Mother have been described as 'like the MC5 on Mundies, Blues and Mandrex...' Their debut gig at Queens Fringe Festival in November 1977 ended in a mini riot when the band was forcibly removed from the stage. In 1978 they recorded an EP for It Records featuring the songs Do You Wanna Know A Secret, Twinkle, Love'n This Lady and Let Dreams Lie. Unfortunately the EP was never released (due to a fight with It Records owner Cliff Moore). The band went through a number of lineup changes before signing for Good Vibrations in early 1979 but nothing came of that union and Ask Mother split up later that year. Boots is better known today as the successful performance artist Andre Stitt.
Andre Stitt official website * more Ask Mother photos
Assailants, The
Denver (lead vocals / guitar), Conor (guitar / backing vocals), Matt (bass / vocals), Dermot (drums).
The Assailants are a four piece Ska Punk/Hardcore band from Belfast. Starting in the Summer of 2009 they have taken their separate influences and incorporated it into their own distinct sound. With a socio-political shadow in their lyrics, they blend fast hardcore elements with slow reggae grooves, bringing a fresh sound to the Hardcore and Ska Punk scene.
Empty Lungs and The Assailants have teamed up to bring you a joint launch show celebrating the official release of Empty Lungs' ''Identity Lost'' single and The Assailants self titled debut EP, Tuesday 20th September 2011.
Assailants on Bandcamp * Assailants on Myspace * Assailants on Reverbnation
The Assailants are a four piece Ska Punk/Hardcore band from Belfast. Starting in the Summer of 2009 they have taken their separate influences and incorporated it into their own distinct sound. With a socio-political shadow in their lyrics, they blend fast hardcore elements with slow reggae grooves, bringing a fresh sound to the Hardcore and Ska Punk scene.
Empty Lungs and The Assailants have teamed up to bring you a joint launch show celebrating the official release of Empty Lungs' ''Identity Lost'' single and The Assailants self titled debut EP, Tuesday 20th September 2011.
Assailants on Bandcamp * Assailants on Myspace * Assailants on Reverbnation
Asylum*
Eddie Johnson (vocals), Jim Gilmore (lead guitar), Paul O'Neill (bass), Donal McCann (drums).
Formed in 1982 after witnessing Crass play the A Centre in Belfast. Initially Jim Gilmore , Paul O'Neill , and Donal McCann practiced as a three piece without a singer. The well-known local teddy boy “Big Bear' took the band under his wing and introduced them to Eddie Johnson, who became their singer. The band rehearsed in a local youth club, initially doing covers of The Clash, Anti Nowhere League and the Exploited before electing to write their own material. Asylum played their debut gig at the Clubhouse on the Glen Road, Belfast as support to Re’bel after about 6 months of rehearsal.
They then gigged regularly around Belfast with Stalag 17, playing venues such as the Orpheus and the Manhattan. Eddie decided to leave the band to be replaced by Fra (The Emperor). Asylum continued to practice and play sporadic gigs with Fra as their vocalist until they eventually split in 1984. However, after a short break Asylum reformed with an additional guitarist - Brian McCann, and Chuck Haveron was recruited on lead vocals. Around this time the band went on a tour of England and Scotland with Stalag 17 and Anathema. Highlight of the tour was playing with the Mau Maus in Sheffield and getting a write up in Sounds magazine. Chuck left soon after and was replaced on vocals by Paul Convery (aka Spike). Asylum continued for a while as a four-piece after Jim Gilmore left. Gilmore went on to join Stalag 17. The band members are sketchy as to when or why the band eventually spit up but they recorded numerous demos throughout their career and in 1987 they appeared alongside Stalag 17 and Toxic Waste on the split LP 'We Will Be Free' released by Warzone / Mortarhate.
Asylum on Youtube
Formed in 1982 after witnessing Crass play the A Centre in Belfast. Initially Jim Gilmore , Paul O'Neill , and Donal McCann practiced as a three piece without a singer. The well-known local teddy boy “Big Bear' took the band under his wing and introduced them to Eddie Johnson, who became their singer. The band rehearsed in a local youth club, initially doing covers of The Clash, Anti Nowhere League and the Exploited before electing to write their own material. Asylum played their debut gig at the Clubhouse on the Glen Road, Belfast as support to Re’bel after about 6 months of rehearsal.
They then gigged regularly around Belfast with Stalag 17, playing venues such as the Orpheus and the Manhattan. Eddie decided to leave the band to be replaced by Fra (The Emperor). Asylum continued to practice and play sporadic gigs with Fra as their vocalist until they eventually split in 1984. However, after a short break Asylum reformed with an additional guitarist - Brian McCann, and Chuck Haveron was recruited on lead vocals. Around this time the band went on a tour of England and Scotland with Stalag 17 and Anathema. Highlight of the tour was playing with the Mau Maus in Sheffield and getting a write up in Sounds magazine. Chuck left soon after and was replaced on vocals by Paul Convery (aka Spike). Asylum continued for a while as a four-piece after Jim Gilmore left. Gilmore went on to join Stalag 17. The band members are sketchy as to when or why the band eventually spit up but they recorded numerous demos throughout their career and in 1987 they appeared alongside Stalag 17 and Toxic Waste on the split LP 'We Will Be Free' released by Warzone / Mortarhate.
Asylum on Youtube
Axis Of...
Ewen Friars (bass / vocals), Niall Lawlor (guitar / vocals), Mark McAuley (drums).
Young anarcho punk band from the Portstewart / Coleraine area on the north coast. Formed in June 2007 from the ashes of two former north coast bands - the much missed Man Over Bored, and The Dragged. Signed to Belfast Records.
Axis Of... on MySpace
Young anarcho punk band from the Portstewart / Coleraine area on the north coast. Formed in June 2007 from the ashes of two former north coast bands - the much missed Man Over Bored, and The Dragged. Signed to Belfast Records.
Axis Of... on MySpace
Bam Bam And The Calling*
Paul McCartney (guitar / vocals) / John McCloskey (guitar) / Joe Brown (bass) / Thomas Doherty (drums).
New Wave band from Derry formed in 1983 by Paul 'PJ' McCartney (ex punk band Graffiti) and Tom Doherty. The band went through several lineup changes over the years and counted Raymond Gorman, Jeff Beale and George Quigley as members. BBATC built up a big local following at live shows and in 1986 they appeared live on BBC's Channel One show performing two songs. The band relocated to London and released 2 singles Scraping Of The Shine (1987) and Neck Tattoo(1988). Despite earning favourable reviews in the music press BBATC called it a day soon after. In September 2000 Bam Bam reformed for a charity gig with The Moondogs and The Undertones in The Vibe in Derry. In August 2001 they played The Gasyard Festival. Gorman joined That Petrol Emotion. McCartney had a stint with Rare then formed The Deadly Engines and Rural Felini.
Bam Bam on Myspace Bam Bam on Youtube Bam Bam Fanning Sessions
New Wave band from Derry formed in 1983 by Paul 'PJ' McCartney (ex punk band Graffiti) and Tom Doherty. The band went through several lineup changes over the years and counted Raymond Gorman, Jeff Beale and George Quigley as members. BBATC built up a big local following at live shows and in 1986 they appeared live on BBC's Channel One show performing two songs. The band relocated to London and released 2 singles Scraping Of The Shine (1987) and Neck Tattoo(1988). Despite earning favourable reviews in the music press BBATC called it a day soon after. In September 2000 Bam Bam reformed for a charity gig with The Moondogs and The Undertones in The Vibe in Derry. In August 2001 they played The Gasyard Festival. Gorman joined That Petrol Emotion. McCartney had a stint with Rare then formed The Deadly Engines and Rural Felini.
Bam Bam on Myspace Bam Bam on Youtube Bam Bam Fanning Sessions
Bankrobbers, The*
_Joby Fox (bass / vocals), Liam Carville (keyboards / vocals), John McDonald (guitar), Seamus O'Neill (drums).
West Belfast band formed in 1979. Made their live debut in McGonagles, Dublin in the same year. More new wave / powerpop than punk the band suffered a fair amount of abuse when they supported the UK Subs and Anti-Pasti at the Ulster Hall in 1980. Got into bother with the authorities on a number of occasions including the time they printed their own Bankrobbers banknotes! Released their first single On My Mind on the Good Vibrations label in 1982 and released 2 further singles on EMI. Appeared on UK TV music show The Tube and recorded a number of sessions for BBC Radio 1 and Downtown Radio. Split up in 1984. Joby Fox went on to enjoy some success with Energy Orchard.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Joby Fox on Myspace Joby Fox official website
West Belfast band formed in 1979. Made their live debut in McGonagles, Dublin in the same year. More new wave / powerpop than punk the band suffered a fair amount of abuse when they supported the UK Subs and Anti-Pasti at the Ulster Hall in 1980. Got into bother with the authorities on a number of occasions including the time they printed their own Bankrobbers banknotes! Released their first single On My Mind on the Good Vibrations label in 1982 and released 2 further singles on EMI. Appeared on UK TV music show The Tube and recorded a number of sessions for BBC Radio 1 and Downtown Radio. Split up in 1984. Joby Fox went on to enjoy some success with Energy Orchard.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Joby Fox on Myspace Joby Fox official website
Barney
Rab Harron (Vocals/Guitar) Dave Brolly (Guitar/Vocals) Martin Scott (Bass) Simon Burns (Drums/Vocals).
Barney formed just as Stoneage Roister were slowing down, and gave a more stripped down feel to what was essentially the same act. From a 5 piece to a 3 piece (initially) the guys soon recruited Dave from Deadlock to provide some lead guitar. A demo followed and soon after original bassist Bobby departed to be replaced by Scotty (another ex- Roisterer). Turning point for the band was a hard won support slot at the Limelight with NOFX, this lead in turn to the guys working with Dave Sinton and Johnny Grant, to record further tracks and tour London, with a support on a UK Subs bill in Brixton the highlight. More gigs at home followed but things fizzled out soon after and the gigs dried up. But we are back!! After 15 years of pointing out that we never broke up, Barney played a couple of gigs in Belfast and are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to a few new recordings – watch this space.
Barney on Facebook
Barney formed just as Stoneage Roister were slowing down, and gave a more stripped down feel to what was essentially the same act. From a 5 piece to a 3 piece (initially) the guys soon recruited Dave from Deadlock to provide some lead guitar. A demo followed and soon after original bassist Bobby departed to be replaced by Scotty (another ex- Roisterer). Turning point for the band was a hard won support slot at the Limelight with NOFX, this lead in turn to the guys working with Dave Sinton and Johnny Grant, to record further tracks and tour London, with a support on a UK Subs bill in Brixton the highlight. More gigs at home followed but things fizzled out soon after and the gigs dried up. But we are back!! After 15 years of pointing out that we never broke up, Barney played a couple of gigs in Belfast and are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to a few new recordings – watch this space.
Barney on Facebook
Basics, The*
photo copyright Sean Hennessy.
John Stevenson (aka John Perfect) (vocals), Paul 'Dill' Delaney (bass), Helen Caves (guitar), Alan 'Bruce' Brown (drums).
Belfast band formed in early 1978. Lead singer John Perfect was formerly in The Batteries. Paul Delaney on The Basics - "John Perfect was the singer, myself on bass, Helen Caves on guitar and Alan 'Bruce' Brown on drums." The Basics made their live debut at the 1978 May Day punk festival in the Harp Bar. Due to some confusion the only band to turn up to play was Pretty Boy Floyd and the Gems. After playing for an hour or so The Gems wanted to take a break so they invited audience members to get up and have a go. Up stepped Perfect, Dill, Claire Armstrong (original Basics guitarist) and Bruce for an impromptu set. Paul Delaney - "I'd jammed a bit with Dennis from Pretty Boy Floyd and they'd played at my 19th birthday where me and Perfect did some covers with Henry Cluney of SLF. I worked with Bruce, so it all fitted together easily enough." In September 1978 Helen Caves joined the band and Claire left soon after (due to musical differences?). Helen Caves - "It was me and Paul who wrote the songs, mostly on beer mats in the Harp." The Basics played regularly at venues such as the Harp Bar and the Pound. Paul Delaney - "We played all original songs written by me and Helen. A big crowd favourite was 'Temporary Insanity' with the opening line 'it's so nice to be insane, no one asks you to explain' which allowed John to wail and moan a lot. The band played a lot of gigs in a short time and caused a bit of a stir when Perfect pretended to die, death notices in Belfast Telegraph, the lot! He stayed hidden for 2 weeks then appeared at his own tribute gig in the Harp - he nearly got lynched! Band split up quite happily when Jackie Forgie from Ruefrex said we were becoming popular, that was never the plan. Perfect was last heard of working as a swimming pool attendant in a police sports centre in the south of England. I did a bit of bass playing with Stage B and myself and Bruce had a bit of success with a band called The Bell."
Helen Caves - "Well, it was a far from glamorous lifestyle, although it felt brilliant to be part of it! Mostly it consisted of practising in freezing rooms, begging lifts, being our own (and other people's) roadies (cos it was kinda communal), being our own (and other people's) public relations people (cos this was the stone age, remember....) and generally spending more money than was ever taken at the door..... frickin awesome!!!
The night John Perfect returned from the grave was hilarious. I think I was wearing a bin bag. He emerged from the Harp loo in complete Hitler uniform. Or that may have been our last gig... or indeed both!!!!
I remember it was an almighty success, at least in our minds."
Belfast band formed in early 1978. Lead singer John Perfect was formerly in The Batteries. Paul Delaney on The Basics - "John Perfect was the singer, myself on bass, Helen Caves on guitar and Alan 'Bruce' Brown on drums." The Basics made their live debut at the 1978 May Day punk festival in the Harp Bar. Due to some confusion the only band to turn up to play was Pretty Boy Floyd and the Gems. After playing for an hour or so The Gems wanted to take a break so they invited audience members to get up and have a go. Up stepped Perfect, Dill, Claire Armstrong (original Basics guitarist) and Bruce for an impromptu set. Paul Delaney - "I'd jammed a bit with Dennis from Pretty Boy Floyd and they'd played at my 19th birthday where me and Perfect did some covers with Henry Cluney of SLF. I worked with Bruce, so it all fitted together easily enough." In September 1978 Helen Caves joined the band and Claire left soon after (due to musical differences?). Helen Caves - "It was me and Paul who wrote the songs, mostly on beer mats in the Harp." The Basics played regularly at venues such as the Harp Bar and the Pound. Paul Delaney - "We played all original songs written by me and Helen. A big crowd favourite was 'Temporary Insanity' with the opening line 'it's so nice to be insane, no one asks you to explain' which allowed John to wail and moan a lot. The band played a lot of gigs in a short time and caused a bit of a stir when Perfect pretended to die, death notices in Belfast Telegraph, the lot! He stayed hidden for 2 weeks then appeared at his own tribute gig in the Harp - he nearly got lynched! Band split up quite happily when Jackie Forgie from Ruefrex said we were becoming popular, that was never the plan. Perfect was last heard of working as a swimming pool attendant in a police sports centre in the south of England. I did a bit of bass playing with Stage B and myself and Bruce had a bit of success with a band called The Bell."
Helen Caves - "Well, it was a far from glamorous lifestyle, although it felt brilliant to be part of it! Mostly it consisted of practising in freezing rooms, begging lifts, being our own (and other people's) roadies (cos it was kinda communal), being our own (and other people's) public relations people (cos this was the stone age, remember....) and generally spending more money than was ever taken at the door..... frickin awesome!!!
The night John Perfect returned from the grave was hilarious. I think I was wearing a bin bag. He emerged from the Harp loo in complete Hitler uniform. Or that may have been our last gig... or indeed both!!!!
I remember it was an almighty success, at least in our minds."
Batteries, The*
John Perfect (vocals), Dessie Potter (guitar / vocals), Colin Fletcher (bass), Karl Scott (drums).
Formed in Belfast in early 1978. Only ever played one gig which took place at the Glenmachan Hotel on a bill alongside The Androids, Protex Blue and The Idiots. The Batteries set consisted of covers of 3-chord classics such as Wire's 12XU and Sham 69's Ulster. Reviews appeared in the fanzines Alternative Ulster and Private World. The Batteries split soon after with John Perfect going off to join The Basics while Dessie P. and Fletch formed Stage B.
Karl Scott - "I went one night to see the Clash in the Ulster Hall and went back to
the Europa Hotel after for a drink. I had white hair, green zipped trousers and pretended to be Paul Simonon. Got away with it for about 2 hours - free booze alround!"
Formed in Belfast in early 1978. Only ever played one gig which took place at the Glenmachan Hotel on a bill alongside The Androids, Protex Blue and The Idiots. The Batteries set consisted of covers of 3-chord classics such as Wire's 12XU and Sham 69's Ulster. Reviews appeared in the fanzines Alternative Ulster and Private World. The Batteries split soon after with John Perfect going off to join The Basics while Dessie P. and Fletch formed Stage B.
Karl Scott - "I went one night to see the Clash in the Ulster Hall and went back to
the Europa Hotel after for a drink. I had white hair, green zipped trousers and pretended to be Paul Simonon. Got away with it for about 2 hours - free booze alround!"
Big Self*
Bernard Tohill (guitar / vocals), Patmo Sheeran (guitar), Jim Nicholl (bass), Michael Morris (drums).
Another band from the west of the city formed in 1979. This Belfast band had a reggae vibe running through their early material. Made their vinyl debut with the inclusion of Snakes & Ladders on the Good Vibes / Energy Records compilation Room To Move EP in 1980. Went on to sign up with Irish label Reekus Records with whom they released 4 singles and a full length album. They appeared on TV a few times and recieved critical acclaim in the music press. Went through a number of lineup changes (Gordy Blair ex Rudi, Outcasts, etc. joining for a couple of years, for one) before splitting up in 1986.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Big Self video Patmo Sheeran on Myspace
Another band from the west of the city formed in 1979. This Belfast band had a reggae vibe running through their early material. Made their vinyl debut with the inclusion of Snakes & Ladders on the Good Vibes / Energy Records compilation Room To Move EP in 1980. Went on to sign up with Irish label Reekus Records with whom they released 4 singles and a full length album. They appeared on TV a few times and recieved critical acclaim in the music press. Went through a number of lineup changes (Gordy Blair ex Rudi, Outcasts, etc. joining for a couple of years, for one) before splitting up in 1986.
A full biography / discography is featured in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Big Self video Patmo Sheeran on Myspace
Bleeding Rectum*
Roy (vocals), Mickey (lead guitar), Marty (guitar), Dee (bass), Crispo (drums).
Formed in 1990 from the remnants of Pink Turds In Space with the addition of Roy Wallace (ex Toxic Waste) on vocals) and Brian (ex Asylum) on lead guitar. Brian didn't stay long and was repaced by Alan (ex FUAL). In 1991, a split album with Man Is The Bastard, was released. Shortly after the album came out, Alan quit and was replaced by Mickey Death. In 1994, the band recorded Very Unpleasant Indeed(which was released that year as a split album with Fleas and Lice).
Marty Martin - 'to promote it we organised the "Daniel O'Donnell Must Die" tour with us and our friends Jobbykrust. Months later, long after the tour a nutter, who had fallen out with his wife, threatened Daniel O'Donnell and pretended it was from the UDA. A local shit rag paper put 2 and 2 together and came up with 15, by linking us with the death threat and pretending to be paramilitaries which got us in to no end of bother with the "real" hardmen. It all got sorted out in the end but it was touch and go for a while!'
They then did a tour of Europe to promote it but enthusiasm for the band was starting to flag and Bleeding Rectum split soon after. They briefly got together again in '97, with Petesy (Stalag 17/ FUAL) replacing Dee, to tour Europe but after that it was definitely over.
A full Bleeding Rectum biography with photos here
Formed in 1990 from the remnants of Pink Turds In Space with the addition of Roy Wallace (ex Toxic Waste) on vocals) and Brian (ex Asylum) on lead guitar. Brian didn't stay long and was repaced by Alan (ex FUAL). In 1991, a split album with Man Is The Bastard, was released. Shortly after the album came out, Alan quit and was replaced by Mickey Death. In 1994, the band recorded Very Unpleasant Indeed(which was released that year as a split album with Fleas and Lice).
Marty Martin - 'to promote it we organised the "Daniel O'Donnell Must Die" tour with us and our friends Jobbykrust. Months later, long after the tour a nutter, who had fallen out with his wife, threatened Daniel O'Donnell and pretended it was from the UDA. A local shit rag paper put 2 and 2 together and came up with 15, by linking us with the death threat and pretending to be paramilitaries which got us in to no end of bother with the "real" hardmen. It all got sorted out in the end but it was touch and go for a while!'
They then did a tour of Europe to promote it but enthusiasm for the band was starting to flag and Bleeding Rectum split soon after. They briefly got together again in '97, with Petesy (Stalag 17/ FUAL) replacing Dee, to tour Europe but after that it was definitely over.
A full Bleeding Rectum biography with photos here
Bomb City 7
BeeMickSee (MC), Kev Bones (vocals, guitar), Sib (bass / vocals), Michael Dempsey (guitar / vocals), Niall Lawlor (drums).
From Belfast. Formed 2009 /2010? Steering clear of any niche, Bomb City 7 are a unique entity of their own, who seamlessly blend the lyrical fluidity of hip-hop with the bone crushing force of rock. Their performances are explosive and with pop sensibilities they put a modern twist on hip-hop whilst still retaining the no bullshit attitude of punk rock. Within a short period of time Bomb City 7 have already proven themselves to be a new force in the Belfast music scene with an abrasive live experience riddled with adrenaline and social commentary.
BC7 on Facebook BC7 on Bandcamp BC7 on Myspace
From Belfast. Formed 2009 /2010? Steering clear of any niche, Bomb City 7 are a unique entity of their own, who seamlessly blend the lyrical fluidity of hip-hop with the bone crushing force of rock. Their performances are explosive and with pop sensibilities they put a modern twist on hip-hop whilst still retaining the no bullshit attitude of punk rock. Within a short period of time Bomb City 7 have already proven themselves to be a new force in the Belfast music scene with an abrasive live experience riddled with adrenaline and social commentary.
BC7 on Facebook BC7 on Bandcamp BC7 on Myspace
Buck Eejit
Paddy Stephens (vocals), Paddy Taggart (guitar), Ryan Singleton (bass), Alan McMahon (drums).
Punk / Oi / Garage band formed by 4 oul lads from the Lisburn area in 2010. Kicking up a racket at local venues so catch them live while the goings good. Made their live debut supporting Doghouse at Ma Nelsons on 05/03/2011. Original guitarist Paul Magill (who was replaced by Paddy Taggart) was formerly in rockabilly band Built For Speed.
Buck Eejit on Youtube * Buck Eejit on Facebook * Buck Eejit on Bandcamp
Punk / Oi / Garage band formed by 4 oul lads from the Lisburn area in 2010. Kicking up a racket at local venues so catch them live while the goings good. Made their live debut supporting Doghouse at Ma Nelsons on 05/03/2011. Original guitarist Paul Magill (who was replaced by Paddy Taggart) was formerly in rockabilly band Built For Speed.
Buck Eejit on Youtube * Buck Eejit on Facebook * Buck Eejit on Bandcamp
Cadaver Club
Mr. Crowe (Vocals), Dirge (Guitars), Boom Chic Chic (Bass),
Draggle (Drums).
Horror-Punk band from Enniskillen, formed 2012. Affectionately known as the Funeral Band. Released their first single 'Vampires Ain't What They Used To Be' in November 2012.
Cadaver Club on Facebook * Cadaver Club on Bandcamp * Cadaver Club on Youtube
Draggle (Drums).
Horror-Punk band from Enniskillen, formed 2012. Affectionately known as the Funeral Band. Released their first single 'Vampires Ain't What They Used To Be' in November 2012.
Cadaver Club on Facebook * Cadaver Club on Bandcamp * Cadaver Club on Youtube
Collectors AKA*
Jim Flanagan (vocals / guitar), Brian Magorrian (bass / backing vocals), Sam Casement (drums).
Collectors AKA were formed in early 1992 by three best mates from the Ballynahinch area of Co. Down. They were big fans of the Jam, Beatles and Thin lizzy. The sound they were after was a mix of the Jam and Nirvana, and as a three piece themselves, they played fast and energetic gigs. Along with other local bands they played gigs in the Limelight, Errigle, and Penny Farthing, and travelled down to play Dublin quite a lot. One of their favourite gigs was supporting the American band Jawbreaker in Barnstormers, September 1992. In 1993 they played some gigs in England for the first time., including a date in the Cavern Club in Liverpool, June 93, which was a great experience for the three massive Beatles fans. They also supported The Vibrators in the Kings Head, Fulham. After recording some demos (played on local radio and reviewed in the press) in 1994, they decided to move to London. They played regular gigs in the Garage, Powerhaus, The Robey and various other pubs and clubs. In 1995 they released a limited edition single of 500 copies. The songs were No Regrets, No Doubts and Suntanned Racists, showing their leftwing leanings and anti racist views. The summer of 95 saw the Collectors take part in a punk alldayer in the George IV, Brixton. Then after 99 gigs they decided to split before they got old and boring!
Collectors on Youtube(1) * Collectors on Youtube(2) * Collectors on Youtube(3)
Collectors AKA were formed in early 1992 by three best mates from the Ballynahinch area of Co. Down. They were big fans of the Jam, Beatles and Thin lizzy. The sound they were after was a mix of the Jam and Nirvana, and as a three piece themselves, they played fast and energetic gigs. Along with other local bands they played gigs in the Limelight, Errigle, and Penny Farthing, and travelled down to play Dublin quite a lot. One of their favourite gigs was supporting the American band Jawbreaker in Barnstormers, September 1992. In 1993 they played some gigs in England for the first time., including a date in the Cavern Club in Liverpool, June 93, which was a great experience for the three massive Beatles fans. They also supported The Vibrators in the Kings Head, Fulham. After recording some demos (played on local radio and reviewed in the press) in 1994, they decided to move to London. They played regular gigs in the Garage, Powerhaus, The Robey and various other pubs and clubs. In 1995 they released a limited edition single of 500 copies. The songs were No Regrets, No Doubts and Suntanned Racists, showing their leftwing leanings and anti racist views. The summer of 95 saw the Collectors take part in a punk alldayer in the George IV, Brixton. Then after 99 gigs they decided to split before they got old and boring!
Collectors on Youtube(1) * Collectors on Youtube(2) * Collectors on Youtube(3)
Comply Or Die
Michael Smyth (guitar / vocals), Ian Pearce (bass / vocals), Matt Crothers (drums / vocals).
Hardcore punk/rock/noise trio formed in 2008 with a shared love of Black Flag/Stooges/Husker Du. Released 1 album and 2 EP's to date, new album out in summer 2011. Based in Belfast/Bangor. The band members have between them played in numerous bands including - Snakecharmers, Los Cabras, The Dangerfields, Split Red, The KHT, Coda, Gleason, This Kiss Kills, Vorderman and War Iron.
C.O.D official website - C.O.D on Facebook - C.O.D on Myspace - C.O.D video
Hardcore punk/rock/noise trio formed in 2008 with a shared love of Black Flag/Stooges/Husker Du. Released 1 album and 2 EP's to date, new album out in summer 2011. Based in Belfast/Bangor. The band members have between them played in numerous bands including - Snakecharmers, Los Cabras, The Dangerfields, Split Red, The KHT, Coda, Gleason, This Kiss Kills, Vorderman and War Iron.
C.O.D official website - C.O.D on Facebook - C.O.D on Myspace - C.O.D video
Control Zone (1)
Johnnie Grattan (vocals / guitars), Gary Castles (bass / vocals), Alan Clarke (drums & vocals).
Control Zone were originally formed in the Monkstown area of Newtownabbey, just a few miles north of Belfast, as a 4-piece at the height of the punk rock movement in 1977 by drummer Alan Clarke. Primarily the band were playing some of their favourite punk cover songs by bands such as The Ramones, The Clash, The Radiators etc. Various members were in & out of the line-up during a 5-year period. Bass player Gary Castles joined the band in 1979 but left the following year to emigrate to Australia. The band disbanded in 1982. However, Control Zone reformed in 2008 to record some new material and play a few gigs before some members left to form The Organ Grinders. In 2010 the band established a permanent 3-piece line-up when one-time bass player Castles re-joined along with local singer, songwriter & guitarist Johnnie Grattan. In March 2011 the band recorded & released an album titled "The Killing Fields" & have played several gigs in Belfast. Amid gigs & rehearsals, the'yre currently working on new material for a follow up album.
Control Zone on Facebook * Control Zone official website
Control Zone were originally formed in the Monkstown area of Newtownabbey, just a few miles north of Belfast, as a 4-piece at the height of the punk rock movement in 1977 by drummer Alan Clarke. Primarily the band were playing some of their favourite punk cover songs by bands such as The Ramones, The Clash, The Radiators etc. Various members were in & out of the line-up during a 5-year period. Bass player Gary Castles joined the band in 1979 but left the following year to emigrate to Australia. The band disbanded in 1982. However, Control Zone reformed in 2008 to record some new material and play a few gigs before some members left to form The Organ Grinders. In 2010 the band established a permanent 3-piece line-up when one-time bass player Castles re-joined along with local singer, songwriter & guitarist Johnnie Grattan. In March 2011 the band recorded & released an album titled "The Killing Fields" & have played several gigs in Belfast. Amid gigs & rehearsals, the'yre currently working on new material for a follow up album.
Control Zone on Facebook * Control Zone official website
Control Zone (2)*
_Barry Sweeney (guitar / vocals), 'Mush' McGuigan (bass / vocals), Tony McGartland (guitar), Aidy Connolly (drums)
Omagh band formed in 1978. Started out as a three-piece until joined by ex Straitjacket guitarist / vocalist Tony McGartland (aka Ernie Badness). Appeared on the BBC N. Ireland youth programme 'Bout You in a special feature on young bands in the Omagh area. Also appeared on the BBC's Grapevine programme. Recorded a demo tape featuring Left.Right.March. / Johnny Johnny / So Complete / Borstal which was played on Downtown Radio by Davy Sims. In 1980 they were invited by the BBC to record 6 songs, each song to represent one of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland. These included the likes of Green Glens of Antrim and Pretty Little Girl From Omagh. The band contributed 2 tracks, Johnny Johnny and Bloody Bouncers to the United Skins compilation album released on the Boots And Braces label in 1983 only to split up a short time after.
Further info in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Omagh band formed in 1978. Started out as a three-piece until joined by ex Straitjacket guitarist / vocalist Tony McGartland (aka Ernie Badness). Appeared on the BBC N. Ireland youth programme 'Bout You in a special feature on young bands in the Omagh area. Also appeared on the BBC's Grapevine programme. Recorded a demo tape featuring Left.Right.March. / Johnny Johnny / So Complete / Borstal which was played on Downtown Radio by Davy Sims. In 1980 they were invited by the BBC to record 6 songs, each song to represent one of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland. These included the likes of Green Glens of Antrim and Pretty Little Girl From Omagh. The band contributed 2 tracks, Johnny Johnny and Bloody Bouncers to the United Skins compilation album released on the Boots And Braces label in 1983 only to split up a short time after.
Further info in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit!'
Corner Boys, The*
_Ken McLaughlin (vocals), Peter Roddy (guitar), Linus McLaughlin (bass), Ciaran McLaughlin (drums).
Formed in Derry in the summer of 1978. Average age of the band members was 15. Their set consisted pretty much of cover versions - Fan Club (The Damned), Kill That Girl (Ramones), Twist And Shout (The Beatles). July 1979 saw the band on the bill at the now legendary 'Come And Feel The Noise' gig at the Orchard Gallery. The Corner Boys split shortly after this as the band members had to go back to school to study for their O'levels! No recordings were ever made. Ciaran McLaughlin went on in later years to drum and write songs in That Petrol Emotion.
Ciaran McLaughlin on Myspace That Petrol Emotion website
Formed in Derry in the summer of 1978. Average age of the band members was 15. Their set consisted pretty much of cover versions - Fan Club (The Damned), Kill That Girl (Ramones), Twist And Shout (The Beatles). July 1979 saw the band on the bill at the now legendary 'Come And Feel The Noise' gig at the Orchard Gallery. The Corner Boys split shortly after this as the band members had to go back to school to study for their O'levels! No recordings were ever made. Ciaran McLaughlin went on in later years to drum and write songs in That Petrol Emotion.
Ciaran McLaughlin on Myspace That Petrol Emotion website
Crafty Jack*
John Flanagan (vocals), Jim Walker (guitar), John Cassidy (guitar), Chris Doherty (bass), John McKnight (drums).
Formed in Derry, 1978. When Jim Walker and John Cassidy's first band Small Talk broke up they somehow ended up in the band with two friends: John (Snowy) Mc knight on drums and Chris Doherty on bass. They also acquired a singer,a former English soldier called John Flanagan who had previously been singing in a rock covers band called Gentleman Tramp (he decided to cut his hair ,start wearing leather trousers and join a 'new wave band!). Crafty Jack played covers of whatever was classed as new wave,Joe Jackson,Tom Robinson etc. The bands career was a short one, finally brought to and end when the singer spent the band's wages on a ring to get engaged to his ex wife! Walker and Cassidy went on to form The Sect.
Formed in Derry, 1978. When Jim Walker and John Cassidy's first band Small Talk broke up they somehow ended up in the band with two friends: John (Snowy) Mc knight on drums and Chris Doherty on bass. They also acquired a singer,a former English soldier called John Flanagan who had previously been singing in a rock covers band called Gentleman Tramp (he decided to cut his hair ,start wearing leather trousers and join a 'new wave band!). Crafty Jack played covers of whatever was classed as new wave,Joe Jackson,Tom Robinson etc. The bands career was a short one, finally brought to and end when the singer spent the band's wages on a ring to get engaged to his ex wife! Walker and Cassidy went on to form The Sect.
Cramp*
Richard “Toadie” Todd (Vocals) Tim O'Hara (Lead
Guitar) Nigel McComb (Bass) Declan Service (Rhythm Guitar) Colin
McDowell (Drums)
Formed in Portrush in the late 70's. Gigged mostly around the north coast, mainly at Spuds, Portstewart. Released one single 'Suzy Lie Down' / 'She Doesn't Love Me' on Rip-Off Records in 1979. The band split up soon after. Tim and Nigel went on to form Minor Classics who released one single Sign Language before splitting. For more info / interview check out the Sing Sing Records blogspot Cramp at Sing Sing
Formed in Portrush in the late 70's. Gigged mostly around the north coast, mainly at Spuds, Portstewart. Released one single 'Suzy Lie Down' / 'She Doesn't Love Me' on Rip-Off Records in 1979. The band split up soon after. Tim and Nigel went on to form Minor Classics who released one single Sign Language before splitting. For more info / interview check out the Sing Sing Records blogspot Cramp at Sing Sing
Crisis*
photo copyright
Sean Hennessey
_Paul Rowan (guitar / vocals), Ross McClelland (bass), Tom Clyde (keyboards / vocals), Michael Sands (drums).
Belfast band formed in 1978 ex Grosvenor High School friens Tom Clyde and Ross McClelland. Paul Rowan, another ex Grosvenor High pupil was recruited by Tom and Ross as they had heard cassette recordings of Paul and his nephew performing Bowie and Pistols songs. Michael Sands joined after replying to an advert in the Belfast Telegraph. Crisis gigged extensively, playing venues such as the Pound in Belfast, and at Kelly’s in Portrush. July 1979 saw the band embark on a week long tour of the south of Ireland (under the banner 'The Better Than Working Tour') with another Belfast band,Uncle Waldo. P45 were also due to be on the tour but pulled out at the last minute. The tour culminated with a gig at Dandelion Market in Dublin on Sunday 22 July. Crisis split in 1980 when Paul Rowan quit, citing 'musical differences' as the reason for the break up. The remaining members continuing to play under the name Saigon. Crisis left behind a recording of an original song called Since You Been Away - which has never been released. Paul Rowan later formed Lunatic Fringe, and today he fronts Stop Stop Start Again. Michael Sands went on to front The Chevy's.
Belfast band formed in 1978 ex Grosvenor High School friens Tom Clyde and Ross McClelland. Paul Rowan, another ex Grosvenor High pupil was recruited by Tom and Ross as they had heard cassette recordings of Paul and his nephew performing Bowie and Pistols songs. Michael Sands joined after replying to an advert in the Belfast Telegraph. Crisis gigged extensively, playing venues such as the Pound in Belfast, and at Kelly’s in Portrush. July 1979 saw the band embark on a week long tour of the south of Ireland (under the banner 'The Better Than Working Tour') with another Belfast band,Uncle Waldo. P45 were also due to be on the tour but pulled out at the last minute. The tour culminated with a gig at Dandelion Market in Dublin on Sunday 22 July. Crisis split in 1980 when Paul Rowan quit, citing 'musical differences' as the reason for the break up. The remaining members continuing to play under the name Saigon. Crisis left behind a recording of an original song called Since You Been Away - which has never been released. Paul Rowan later formed Lunatic Fringe, and today he fronts Stop Stop Start Again. Michael Sands went on to front The Chevy's.
Cut-Throat
Steve Smyth (guitar / vocals), Ralph Undsworth (bass), Niall Clements (drums).
In 1997 Steve, Ralph, Niall amd Big Colin formed streetpunk / Oi band Runnin' Riot. However, after just one gig and recording the tracks Keep The Faith / Out Of Control / Judge, Jury And Executioner for the Punks, Skins & Herberts compilation LP (Helen Of Oi Records) Steve, Ralph and Niall quit to form the 3-piece punk outfit Cut-Throat. Colin was left to recruit new members to carry on with Runnin' Riot. Influenced by the likes of GBH, Husker Du and Rose Tattoo, Cut-Throat were looking for a more powerful sound than run-of-the-mill Oi and set about writing new songs. They rehearsed solidly for the next year and along the way recorded a 3 track demo (see reviews) at the now defunct Giros. Cut-Throat were offered some UK tour support slots but things just weren't working out and even though there was considerable interest in the band, they decided to call it a day. A few years later Steve moved to America whilst Ralph went on to rejoin Runnin' Riot.
*Fast forward to 2011 - Steve returned home to Northern Ireland and has put together a new lineup of Cut-Throat consisting of Steve (guitar / vocals), Rob (bass), and Jake (drums). At the time of writing (June 2011) Cut-Throat are working on some new material and hope to be out gigging in the next few months.
In 1997 Steve, Ralph, Niall amd Big Colin formed streetpunk / Oi band Runnin' Riot. However, after just one gig and recording the tracks Keep The Faith / Out Of Control / Judge, Jury And Executioner for the Punks, Skins & Herberts compilation LP (Helen Of Oi Records) Steve, Ralph and Niall quit to form the 3-piece punk outfit Cut-Throat. Colin was left to recruit new members to carry on with Runnin' Riot. Influenced by the likes of GBH, Husker Du and Rose Tattoo, Cut-Throat were looking for a more powerful sound than run-of-the-mill Oi and set about writing new songs. They rehearsed solidly for the next year and along the way recorded a 3 track demo (see reviews) at the now defunct Giros. Cut-Throat were offered some UK tour support slots but things just weren't working out and even though there was considerable interest in the band, they decided to call it a day. A few years later Steve moved to America whilst Ralph went on to rejoin Runnin' Riot.
*Fast forward to 2011 - Steve returned home to Northern Ireland and has put together a new lineup of Cut-Throat consisting of Steve (guitar / vocals), Rob (bass), and Jake (drums). At the time of writing (June 2011) Cut-Throat are working on some new material and hope to be out gigging in the next few months.
Dangerfields, The*
Andrew Griswold (vocals / drums), Jake McCullough (guitar), David McLennan (bass).
From Belfast. High speed punk / rock'n'roll band formed in the year 2000 by Andrew Johnston (aka Griswold) veteran of many previous bands including Alumni Feedback. The band has survived countless lineup changes over the years but is now a settled 3 piece. One of the hardest working bands on the planet, they have played nearly 1000 gigs and have supported SLF, The Damned, Dwarves, Supersuckers, Nashville Pussy, Flogging Molly, Less Than Jake and many other well known bands. They have released the Hellride and Born To Rock albums and appeared on a number of compilations.
Dangerfields on Myspace - Dangerfields on Facebook - Dangerfields on LastFM
From Belfast. High speed punk / rock'n'roll band formed in the year 2000 by Andrew Johnston (aka Griswold) veteran of many previous bands including Alumni Feedback. The band has survived countless lineup changes over the years but is now a settled 3 piece. One of the hardest working bands on the planet, they have played nearly 1000 gigs and have supported SLF, The Damned, Dwarves, Supersuckers, Nashville Pussy, Flogging Molly, Less Than Jake and many other well known bands. They have released the Hellride and Born To Rock albums and appeared on a number of compilations.
Dangerfields on Myspace - Dangerfields on Facebook - Dangerfields on LastFM
Decoy 47
Shane 'Scratch' Fearon (bass / vocals), Paul Michael (guitar / vocals), John Donoghue (drums).
Rockabilly & ska tinged punk band originally formed in Lurgan in 1995. Singer Scratch moved to Belfast in 1996 and formed a new band but kept the Decoy 47 moniker. They released a couple of EP's and appeared on the Riot Down The Lane compilations. A great wee band who split up in 2004 without realising their full potential. Reformed around 2009 for a few gigs and recorded the Siren Song EP in 2010 (available as a free download on Myspace).
Decoy 47 on MySpace Scratch on MySpace
Rockabilly & ska tinged punk band originally formed in Lurgan in 1995. Singer Scratch moved to Belfast in 1996 and formed a new band but kept the Decoy 47 moniker. They released a couple of EP's and appeared on the Riot Down The Lane compilations. A great wee band who split up in 2004 without realising their full potential. Reformed around 2009 for a few gigs and recorded the Siren Song EP in 2010 (available as a free download on Myspace).
Decoy 47 on MySpace Scratch on MySpace
Defects, The
Buck (vocals), Dukie (guitar). Gary (bass), Kinky (drums).
Formed in East Belfast in 1978 but came to prominence in the early 80's UK punk scene. Released their debut vinyl Dance Til You Drop EP on their own Casualty label then signed to English label WXYZ who released the seminal Defective Breakdown LP. Toured with label mates Anti-Nowhere League and supported The Clash amongst others before disbanding in 1984. Today, Buck fronts the punk / ska / rock covers band Doghouse. The Defects reformed briefly in 2003 to play the 'It Makes You Want To Spit!' book launch and a Terri Hooley benefit the following year. They reformed again in 2010 for Rebellion festival and are still playing today.
A full Defects biography and discography features in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit' (Reekus 2003)
# The Defects reformed a while ago and have a new album out. Keep an eye out for gigs.
Defects on Myspace * Defects on Facebook * official Defects website
Formed in East Belfast in 1978 but came to prominence in the early 80's UK punk scene. Released their debut vinyl Dance Til You Drop EP on their own Casualty label then signed to English label WXYZ who released the seminal Defective Breakdown LP. Toured with label mates Anti-Nowhere League and supported The Clash amongst others before disbanding in 1984. Today, Buck fronts the punk / ska / rock covers band Doghouse. The Defects reformed briefly in 2003 to play the 'It Makes You Want To Spit!' book launch and a Terri Hooley benefit the following year. They reformed again in 2010 for Rebellion festival and are still playing today.
A full Defects biography and discography features in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit' (Reekus 2003)
# The Defects reformed a while ago and have a new album out. Keep an eye out for gigs.
Defects on Myspace * Defects on Facebook * official Defects website
Deja Vu*
Barbara Greer (vocals), William Maxwell (guitar), Cliff Mason (guitar), Maurice Maxwell (bass), Troy Liddell (drums).
Goth / Punk band from Belfast formed late 78 from the ashes of Anarchy & The 4th Reich. One of the few female fronted bands at the time. Band recorded 2 songs for the Express and Explore album on Blue Rhythm with original singer Barbara Greer. Were on the verge of a deal when Barbara left for Liverpool. Keyboard player Alison Mason then took over the vocal duties. Deja Vu Mark 2 later Alison Mason (keyboards/vocals) Paul Rowan (Drums) Mike Scott (keyboards) Charlene (backing vocalist). Split up around 84. William Maxwell is now playing again with Stop Stop Start Again (along with Paul Rowan). Mike Scott is in The Stiltwalkers.
Time To Be Proud
Goth / Punk band from Belfast formed late 78 from the ashes of Anarchy & The 4th Reich. One of the few female fronted bands at the time. Band recorded 2 songs for the Express and Explore album on Blue Rhythm with original singer Barbara Greer. Were on the verge of a deal when Barbara left for Liverpool. Keyboard player Alison Mason then took over the vocal duties. Deja Vu Mark 2 later Alison Mason (keyboards/vocals) Paul Rowan (Drums) Mike Scott (keyboards) Charlene (backing vocalist). Split up around 84. William Maxwell is now playing again with Stop Stop Start Again (along with Paul Rowan). Mike Scott is in The Stiltwalkers.
Time To Be Proud
Detonators, The*
Howard Ingram (bass/ vocals), Paul McIlwaine (guitar / vocals), Alan Gourley (guitar), Rod Murray (drums).
Formed in Belfast, 1976. Played their first few gigs under the names Roche 4 and Skull. The original bass player was none other than Ali McMordie who was poached by Highway Star (later known as Stiff Little Fingers). Paul McIlwaine replaced McMordie and the band changed their name to The Detonators (mid '77). Signed to Good Vibrations but no releases. Supported the Buzzcocks in 1978 and recorded two tracks for the Belfast Rock comp. LP. Split up in 1978 then McIlwaine and Ingram formed The Tearjerkers.
A full Detonators biography and discography features in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit' (Reekus 2003)
Detonators on Soundclick official Paul McIlwaine website
Formed in Belfast, 1976. Played their first few gigs under the names Roche 4 and Skull. The original bass player was none other than Ali McMordie who was poached by Highway Star (later known as Stiff Little Fingers). Paul McIlwaine replaced McMordie and the band changed their name to The Detonators (mid '77). Signed to Good Vibrations but no releases. Supported the Buzzcocks in 1978 and recorded two tracks for the Belfast Rock comp. LP. Split up in 1978 then McIlwaine and Ingram formed The Tearjerkers.
A full Detonators biography and discography features in the book 'It Makes You Want To Spit' (Reekus 2003)
Detonators on Soundclick official Paul McIlwaine website
Dick Tracy & The Green Disaster*
Domhnall MacDermott (vocals), Willie Doherty (vocals), Gerry McCauley (guitar), Seamus Cassidy (guitar), Tony Vail (bass), John Coyle (drums).
Legendary band formed in Derry / L'Derry, 1977. MacDermott (and his record collection) was a huge influence on key players on the Derry punk scene including members of the Undertones. Over the years there were a number of line up changes that included Domhnall's brother Feargal, Colm McKeever, Tommy Olphert and Ciaran McLaughlin (who went on to drum in That Petrol Emotion) - but the ethos of the band never changed - 'drink, play and have fun doing it.' Some of the band chose to perform under such colourful pseudonyms as Max Factor, Todd Slaughter, and Rape Terror. As well as headlining their own shows (they were the first band to play the Orchard Gallery in Derry), the band did manage to get support slots with The Radiators From Space, and with, of all bands, Horslips. DT&TGD went into semi-retirement in the early 80s - only gigging once in a while. They came out of retirement for the first Children In Need appeal and played to a packed crowd in Derry's Union Hall. They also recorded the (infamous) Kevin Mahon tape (a tribute to the Derry City footballer) which is similar to (but more raucous than) the Skids TV Stars, in 1986. The song was played on Radio Foyle until enough money was pledged to have it taken off! Sadly, this was the band's only recording. The final line up was Domhnall MacDermott, Gerry McCauley, Mickey Griffiths (another legendary Derry punk) and Niall McKeever. They continued to perform sporadically in the late eighties and early nineties until the untimely death of Domhnall MacDermott in September 1994 at the age of thirty five.
A full DT&TGD biography features in the book It Makes You Want To Spit!
Dick Tracy on Punk In Derry * Dick Tracy on the Fanning Sessions
Legendary band formed in Derry / L'Derry, 1977. MacDermott (and his record collection) was a huge influence on key players on the Derry punk scene including members of the Undertones. Over the years there were a number of line up changes that included Domhnall's brother Feargal, Colm McKeever, Tommy Olphert and Ciaran McLaughlin (who went on to drum in That Petrol Emotion) - but the ethos of the band never changed - 'drink, play and have fun doing it.' Some of the band chose to perform under such colourful pseudonyms as Max Factor, Todd Slaughter, and Rape Terror. As well as headlining their own shows (they were the first band to play the Orchard Gallery in Derry), the band did manage to get support slots with The Radiators From Space, and with, of all bands, Horslips. DT&TGD went into semi-retirement in the early 80s - only gigging once in a while. They came out of retirement for the first Children In Need appeal and played to a packed crowd in Derry's Union Hall. They also recorded the (infamous) Kevin Mahon tape (a tribute to the Derry City footballer) which is similar to (but more raucous than) the Skids TV Stars, in 1986. The song was played on Radio Foyle until enough money was pledged to have it taken off! Sadly, this was the band's only recording. The final line up was Domhnall MacDermott, Gerry McCauley, Mickey Griffiths (another legendary Derry punk) and Niall McKeever. They continued to perform sporadically in the late eighties and early nineties until the untimely death of Domhnall MacDermott in September 1994 at the age of thirty five.
A full DT&TGD biography features in the book It Makes You Want To Spit!
Dick Tracy on Punk In Derry * Dick Tracy on the Fanning Sessions
Divisions
Corin Gillespie (Vocals), Matt Lemon (Guitar / Vocals), Chris Dickson (Bass), Matt Harrison (Drums).
Four piece hardcore punk band from Northern Ireland, two come from Belfast and the other two come from starvin Ards. They started playing together in February 2011 as Spit Rhythm but their original bass player Jonty left the band early 2012, so they renamed the band 'Divisions'. So with a new line up they have devolved back to their roots playing fast, loud in your face hardcore! Divisions are playing gigs regularly in and around the Belfast area but are open to travel anywhere they're wanted to play! Released their first CD album 'Burn Everything' at the end of 2012.
Divisions on Facebook
Four piece hardcore punk band from Northern Ireland, two come from Belfast and the other two come from starvin Ards. They started playing together in February 2011 as Spit Rhythm but their original bass player Jonty left the band early 2012, so they renamed the band 'Divisions'. So with a new line up they have devolved back to their roots playing fast, loud in your face hardcore! Divisions are playing gigs regularly in and around the Belfast area but are open to travel anywhere they're wanted to play! Released their first CD album 'Burn Everything' at the end of 2012.
Divisions on Facebook
Doghouse
Buck (vocals), Stevie (guitar), Buster Brown (sax), Gary Murdoch (drums), The Count (keyboards), Ian Bass (bass).
Belfast based Ska / Punk covers band fronted by ex-Defects singer Buck. If you're looking for fun, entertainment and the chance to dance the night away then get yourselves down to a Doghouse gig. It's party time all the way as they belt out all the old classic ska and punk tunes, even throwing in the odd Defects number if you're lucky.
Doghouse on Facebook Doghouse on Myspace
Belfast based Ska / Punk covers band fronted by ex-Defects singer Buck. If you're looking for fun, entertainment and the chance to dance the night away then get yourselves down to a Doghouse gig. It's party time all the way as they belt out all the old classic ska and punk tunes, even throwing in the odd Defects number if you're lucky.
Doghouse on Facebook Doghouse on Myspace
Dogmatic Element*
Alison Gordon (vocals), Brendan Monaghan (guitar, backing vocals), Graham Stannage (bass), Davy Lynas (drums) .
Angular post punk band from the Bangor area, formed in 1980. The band made their live debut at the 'Project Bangor' gig in July 1981, playing to a full house in their hometown. From there they went on to build themselves a reputation second to none in the N. Ireland music scene of the early 80's, both for their energetic live performances and power of their music. Colin Bateman (the novelist) managed the band for a time. It was he who set up the 'Cattle Company' Record label and subsequently released both the band's 7" singles (Just Friends in 82 and False Emotions in 84). Dogmatic Element gigged extensively on the local circuit. As well as their own headlining gigs there were several support slots of note with - Rudi at the Pound, The Outcasts at the Free Rock Carnival, Whiteabbey on 6th August 1983 and Poison Girls at the @ Centre, Belfast. As well as the 2 singles, the band also recorded a couple of Downtown Radio sessions, several cassette Ep's, and also appeared on television when they performed the songs Getting There and White Sin live on BBC N. Ireland's youth programme Channel One, in 1984. Alison Gordon had quit Dogmatic Element in 1982 and by the time of their second single in 1984, Dogmatic Element had been reduced to a trio, consisting of Monaghan, Stannage and Brendan O'Mahony. However, the band did draft in a brass section and various session musicians when the need arose. The band finally split in 1985 after a long residency at The Kiln in Larne. Brendan Monaghan was moving in a different musical direction and the band felt that they had gone as far as they could. Monaghan played with successful alternative country band the Cattle Company and since their split enjoys a successful solo career.
Brendan Monaghan official website * Dogmatic Element on Youtube
Angular post punk band from the Bangor area, formed in 1980. The band made their live debut at the 'Project Bangor' gig in July 1981, playing to a full house in their hometown. From there they went on to build themselves a reputation second to none in the N. Ireland music scene of the early 80's, both for their energetic live performances and power of their music. Colin Bateman (the novelist) managed the band for a time. It was he who set up the 'Cattle Company' Record label and subsequently released both the band's 7" singles (Just Friends in 82 and False Emotions in 84). Dogmatic Element gigged extensively on the local circuit. As well as their own headlining gigs there were several support slots of note with - Rudi at the Pound, The Outcasts at the Free Rock Carnival, Whiteabbey on 6th August 1983 and Poison Girls at the @ Centre, Belfast. As well as the 2 singles, the band also recorded a couple of Downtown Radio sessions, several cassette Ep's, and also appeared on television when they performed the songs Getting There and White Sin live on BBC N. Ireland's youth programme Channel One, in 1984. Alison Gordon had quit Dogmatic Element in 1982 and by the time of their second single in 1984, Dogmatic Element had been reduced to a trio, consisting of Monaghan, Stannage and Brendan O'Mahony. However, the band did draft in a brass section and various session musicians when the need arose. The band finally split in 1985 after a long residency at The Kiln in Larne. Brendan Monaghan was moving in a different musical direction and the band felt that they had gone as far as they could. Monaghan played with successful alternative country band the Cattle Company and since their split enjoys a successful solo career.
Brendan Monaghan official website * Dogmatic Element on Youtube
Dollybyrds, The
Crooksy (Vocals / Guitar) Matty (Drums) Alan (Guitar) and Shane (Bass)
Belfast band The DollyByrds were formed around 2008/2009 by Crooksy who used to be in PBR Streetgang. PBR had modest success back in the late 80's / early 90's and released a couple of singles on the Good Vibrations label. Crooksy is joined in The Dollybyrds by ex PBR bandmates Shane and Alan, with new boy Matty on drums completing the line up. The bands sound is at times reminiscent of early Clash and SLF crossed with a wee bit of Another Fine Mess and Screeching Weasel. Punk Rock with pop sensibilities! They have recorded a couple of songs for the 'Time To Be Proud' compilation CD due out on Immortal Records mid - 2010.
Dollybyrds on Myspace
Belfast band The DollyByrds were formed around 2008/2009 by Crooksy who used to be in PBR Streetgang. PBR had modest success back in the late 80's / early 90's and released a couple of singles on the Good Vibrations label. Crooksy is joined in The Dollybyrds by ex PBR bandmates Shane and Alan, with new boy Matty on drums completing the line up. The bands sound is at times reminiscent of early Clash and SLF crossed with a wee bit of Another Fine Mess and Screeching Weasel. Punk Rock with pop sensibilities! They have recorded a couple of songs for the 'Time To Be Proud' compilation CD due out on Immortal Records mid - 2010.
Dollybyrds on Myspace
Doubt, The*
Hugh Cairns (vocals), Paul Corken (guitar), John Clarke (bass), Steven Clarke (drums).
Formed in Bangor around 1978. Their main inspiration came from an earlier Bangor band called The Standards. After a few months John Clarke was replaced on bass by Robert Scott from recently disbanded Bangor outfit The Ski's. Over the next year The Doubt played as many gigs as they could. Arguably, their best show ever was a charity gig arranged by the band which also featured slots by Fifth Column and Belfast bands Ruefrex and The Androids. For the first (and last) time The Doubt had use of a proper PA and played a storming set to a crowd of several hundred.The Doubt split in October 1979 despite having discussed releasing a single. As the principal songwriters, Corken and Scott decided to go ahead with the release of an EP and roped in Adrian Maddox (Fifth Column’s guitar player) to play drums on the recording while Corken took over vocal duties. The Doubt EP was eventually released on Solo Records in early 1980 after numerous delays and sold a couple of hundred copies locally. It featured the tracks ‘Contrast Disorder’, ‘Time Out’, ’Lookaway’ and ‘Fringes’. In 2002, Rave Up Records in Italy released the Contrast Disorder LP which featured the 4 songs of the EP plus 10 unreleased demo / session tracks. When the Doubt split Steven Clarke and Hugh Cairns went on to play in The Co-Ordinates whilst Scott and Maddox formed Palace Of Variety. Later, Scott would form Carpenter Joe.
A full Doubt biography and discography is featured in the book It Makes You Want To Spit!
The Doubt full biography * The Doubt on Sing Sing blog * You're Listening To Garbage blog
Formed in Bangor around 1978. Their main inspiration came from an earlier Bangor band called The Standards. After a few months John Clarke was replaced on bass by Robert Scott from recently disbanded Bangor outfit The Ski's. Over the next year The Doubt played as many gigs as they could. Arguably, their best show ever was a charity gig arranged by the band which also featured slots by Fifth Column and Belfast bands Ruefrex and The Androids. For the first (and last) time The Doubt had use of a proper PA and played a storming set to a crowd of several hundred.The Doubt split in October 1979 despite having discussed releasing a single. As the principal songwriters, Corken and Scott decided to go ahead with the release of an EP and roped in Adrian Maddox (Fifth Column’s guitar player) to play drums on the recording while Corken took over vocal duties. The Doubt EP was eventually released on Solo Records in early 1980 after numerous delays and sold a couple of hundred copies locally. It featured the tracks ‘Contrast Disorder’, ‘Time Out’, ’Lookaway’ and ‘Fringes’. In 2002, Rave Up Records in Italy released the Contrast Disorder LP which featured the 4 songs of the EP plus 10 unreleased demo / session tracks. When the Doubt split Steven Clarke and Hugh Cairns went on to play in The Co-Ordinates whilst Scott and Maddox formed Palace Of Variety. Later, Scott would form Carpenter Joe.
A full Doubt biography and discography is featured in the book It Makes You Want To Spit!
The Doubt full biography * The Doubt on Sing Sing blog * You're Listening To Garbage blog
Dragged, The*
Phil Carson (vocals), Niall Lawlor (bass), Ruairi McAree (guitar), Mark McAuley (drums).
Noisy wee punks from the North Coast. Formed in January 2006 and split up mid 2007. In such a short space of time The Dragged managed to win a 'battle of the bands' competition in Portstewart, tour Europe, and release the Wasted Nation CD (on Belfast Records). Some of the band went on to form Axis Of...
The Dragged on MySpace
Noisy wee punks from the North Coast. Formed in January 2006 and split up mid 2007. In such a short space of time The Dragged managed to win a 'battle of the bands' competition in Portstewart, tour Europe, and release the Wasted Nation CD (on Belfast Records). Some of the band went on to form Axis Of...
The Dragged on MySpace
Emergency*
_Joe Zero (guitar / vocals) / Wes Graham (bass / vocals) / Aza Middleton (guitar / vocals) / Jeff Beattie (drums).
EMERGENCY - the link between the ANDROIDS and VICTIM - were an excellent, but sadly, short lived band from Belfast. The band lasted only 4 months (July-Oct:1978) and played just 5 gigs- making their live debut at the Cook Street Festival, Belfast in August '78 along with The Lids. They played 3 times at the HARP alongside bands such as Rhesus Negative, The Basics and the Idiots. Their final gig was in Manchester supporting the FALL at the FACTORY. The line-up was-Joe Zero (gtr/vocs.), Wes Graham (bass/vocs.), Aza (gtr/vocs.) and Jeff Beattie (drums). On their return from Manchester Aza quit and Wes, Jeff and Joe reformed VICTIM and continued as such for the next 10 years. Thanks to Joe Zero for his input.
EMERGENCY - the link between the ANDROIDS and VICTIM - were an excellent, but sadly, short lived band from Belfast. The band lasted only 4 months (July-Oct:1978) and played just 5 gigs- making their live debut at the Cook Street Festival, Belfast in August '78 along with The Lids. They played 3 times at the HARP alongside bands such as Rhesus Negative, The Basics and the Idiots. Their final gig was in Manchester supporting the FALL at the FACTORY. The line-up was-Joe Zero (gtr/vocs.), Wes Graham (bass/vocs.), Aza (gtr/vocs.) and Jeff Beattie (drums). On their return from Manchester Aza quit and Wes, Jeff and Joe reformed VICTIM and continued as such for the next 10 years. Thanks to Joe Zero for his input.
Empires, The
Danny Smartt (guitar / drums / vocals), Andrew Armstrong (bass), Daniel Busby (drums / guitar / vocals).
Grunge / punk / alternative rock band from Holywood formed in the summer of 2012 when Danny Smartt (guitar/vocals) met Daniel ‘Busby’ Busby (drums) through mutual friends. Having both played in bands before that they hadn’t been happy with, they decided to start a new one, first playing songs by Foo Fighters, The Kinks and Nirvana. As a two piece, they recorded a demo CD, that contained some of the tracks that would make it onto the debut album, and also played a few gigs. Then the duo met Andrew Armstrong (bass) through the same mutual friends as before. He joined the band, borrowed a bass, and learned to play every song within a matter of weeks. And so the final line-up of The Empires was born. The debut album 'Total' was recorded in 2013 at The Pit Recording Studio with producer Josh Robinson and influences include Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Queens of the Stoneage, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Nirvana, Green Day, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Turbowolf and Pulled Apart by Horses.
Official website * The Empires on Facebook *
Grunge / punk / alternative rock band from Holywood formed in the summer of 2012 when Danny Smartt (guitar/vocals) met Daniel ‘Busby’ Busby (drums) through mutual friends. Having both played in bands before that they hadn’t been happy with, they decided to start a new one, first playing songs by Foo Fighters, The Kinks and Nirvana. As a two piece, they recorded a demo CD, that contained some of the tracks that would make it onto the debut album, and also played a few gigs. Then the duo met Andrew Armstrong (bass) through the same mutual friends as before. He joined the band, borrowed a bass, and learned to play every song within a matter of weeks. And so the final line-up of The Empires was born. The debut album 'Total' was recorded in 2013 at The Pit Recording Studio with producer Josh Robinson and influences include Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Queens of the Stoneage, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Nirvana, Green Day, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Turbowolf and Pulled Apart by Horses.
Official website * The Empires on Facebook *
Empty Lungs
Kev Jones (vocals / guitar), Ryan Holmes (bass / vocals), Matty Killen (drums / vocals).
Melodic punk 3 piece formed in December 2010 with members of Bomb City 7/Lobotomies/Silence Convicts and Snitch. The Belfast band made their live debut in May 2011. Empty Lungs play passionate, angry and catchy music that draws influence from punk, post-hardcore, folk, pop-punk etc and bands such as Jawbreaker, Hot Water Music, Leather Face, and Alkaline Trio. Their debut single ''Identity Lost'' was mixed by Rocky O' Reilly and officially released on 20th September 2011.
Official website * Empty Lungs on Facebook * Empty Lungs on Youtube
Melodic punk 3 piece formed in December 2010 with members of Bomb City 7/Lobotomies/Silence Convicts and Snitch. The Belfast band made their live debut in May 2011. Empty Lungs play passionate, angry and catchy music that draws influence from punk, post-hardcore, folk, pop-punk etc and bands such as Jawbreaker, Hot Water Music, Leather Face, and Alkaline Trio. Their debut single ''Identity Lost'' was mixed by Rocky O' Reilly and officially released on 20th September 2011.
Official website * Empty Lungs on Facebook * Empty Lungs on Youtube
Escalators, The*
Carmel Lovell (vocals), Eddie McDaid (vocals), John Heinz (guitar), Peter Doherty (bass), Mickey Griffiths (drums).
Formed in Derry / L'Derry in 1978.The Escalators were based in the Waterside area of the city, where they also rehearsed. They played their debut gig at the Rialto in Derry supporting the Undertones and went on to play a number of school dances. Highlight of their brief career was coming second in a Country ‘n’ Western talent contest held at Oscars, under the alias Magic Roundabout! In 1979, Carmel left, Joe Campbell replaced Doherty on bass, and the new line-up changed the bands name to Idol Threats.
Punk in Derry
Formed in Derry / L'Derry in 1978.The Escalators were based in the Waterside area of the city, where they also rehearsed. They played their debut gig at the Rialto in Derry supporting the Undertones and went on to play a number of school dances. Highlight of their brief career was coming second in a Country ‘n’ Western talent contest held at Oscars, under the alias Magic Roundabout! In 1979, Carmel left, Joe Campbell replaced Doherty on bass, and the new line-up changed the bands name to Idol Threats.
Punk in Derry
Evicted, The*
Phillip Doherty (vocals), TB Chapman (guitar), Baffer Eagle (bass), Gerard McVeigh (drums).
Belfast anti-nazi Oi!/Skunk (skinhead punk) band the Evicted were started by Doc (Philip Doherty) - vocals & Chapy (TB Chapman) - guitar, in early '82. The line up was completed by Baffer Eagle on bass & Gerardy McVeigh on drums. Baffer left before any gigs were played. Taz McCoy was enlisted on bass. Then McVeigh left & Gerard Pauley joined on drums. Chapy left to concentrate on his punkabilly garage band The Badvibes Reaction and a period (lifetime) of total obscurity. This line up only played 2 gigs, in Artillery Youth Club & Carrick Hill community centre, albeit to crowds of a couple of hundred skinheads, a smattering of punks & a few curious, bemused local youth. Their setlists comprised of originals written by Chapy (Crucified Skinhead, Today's Youth) Doc & Chapy (ACAB, Evicted) & covers of Harry May (The Business) & Mutant Rock (The Meteors). After Chapy left Doc teamed up with members of Re'bel and continued as Evicted. Gerard Pauley takes up the story - Re'bel was coming to the end of the line at this time as well (bout late 83) BmcR our singer had left by then so Doc and us teamed up so we could keep playing any type of music punk /skin/oi. So it was Doc, me, Marty Lenane on guitar and Fergal Keenan on bass. We played Rodney Com Centre. We knew punks from Newry who actually got us a gig playing on the roof of Newry townhall. No health n safety in them days! Trouble seemed to follow us around though. The cops were at most of the gigs. The hired bus that took the fans to Newry to support us got trashed on the way home and it became such a hassle to have more cops than fans at our gigs so Evicted eventually folded, but we parted on good terms with Doc.
Fast forward to 2013 / 14 and Chapy can be found strutting his stuff with garage punks The Groundlings and Misfits tribute Astro Hombres. Gerard Pauley is back banging the drums for the reformed Re'bel.
Belfast anti-nazi Oi!/Skunk (skinhead punk) band the Evicted were started by Doc (Philip Doherty) - vocals & Chapy (TB Chapman) - guitar, in early '82. The line up was completed by Baffer Eagle on bass & Gerardy McVeigh on drums. Baffer left before any gigs were played. Taz McCoy was enlisted on bass. Then McVeigh left & Gerard Pauley joined on drums. Chapy left to concentrate on his punkabilly garage band The Badvibes Reaction and a period (lifetime) of total obscurity. This line up only played 2 gigs, in Artillery Youth Club & Carrick Hill community centre, albeit to crowds of a couple of hundred skinheads, a smattering of punks & a few curious, bemused local youth. Their setlists comprised of originals written by Chapy (Crucified Skinhead, Today's Youth) Doc & Chapy (ACAB, Evicted) & covers of Harry May (The Business) & Mutant Rock (The Meteors). After Chapy left Doc teamed up with members of Re'bel and continued as Evicted. Gerard Pauley takes up the story - Re'bel was coming to the end of the line at this time as well (bout late 83) BmcR our singer had left by then so Doc and us teamed up so we could keep playing any type of music punk /skin/oi. So it was Doc, me, Marty Lenane on guitar and Fergal Keenan on bass. We played Rodney Com Centre. We knew punks from Newry who actually got us a gig playing on the roof of Newry townhall. No health n safety in them days! Trouble seemed to follow us around though. The cops were at most of the gigs. The hired bus that took the fans to Newry to support us got trashed on the way home and it became such a hassle to have more cops than fans at our gigs so Evicted eventually folded, but we parted on good terms with Doc.
Fast forward to 2013 / 14 and Chapy can be found strutting his stuff with garage punks The Groundlings and Misfits tribute Astro Hombres. Gerard Pauley is back banging the drums for the reformed Re'bel.
Ex Producers *
Henry Savage (vocals), Tom Condon (guitar), Dee Moore (bass), John Cullen (drums).
In early 1978 John Cullen and schoolmate Joe Donnelly formed a punk band called Blitz. When that band folded later the same year Cullen and Donnelly formed a new band - The Producers (named after the Mel Brookes movie of the same title). When Joe Donnelly and then Brendy McGarrigle left in 1979, Dee Moore was brought in on bass and the more stable four piece carried on as the Ex Producers. This four piece lineup (Savage, Condon, Moore, Cullen) recorded 4 tracks for a Downtown Radio session in October '79. They were also filmed performing their classic punk anthem Newer Wave '79 live at the Harp Bar which was subsequently screened on January 1980 on the Belfast edition of the BBC youth programme Something Else. Savage then quit the band due to 'musical differences' which resulted in drummer Cullen taking on vocal duties and the Ex Producers continuing as a trio. It was the new three-piece lineup that recorded the tracks The System Is Here and Behind The Door which were included on the Shock Rock labels 1980 compilation album Belfast. Despite the bands popularity and ability to regularly pack out venues in their native Belfast, things just didn't work out for them and they split in 1982. John Cullen went on to have stints with Good Vibrations signing 10 Past 7 and then Hi-Rise (a new wave / reggae band). Today, Cullen is better known as Johnny Hero - successful radio presenter, DJ, newspaper columnist and member of Glam Rock tribute band Glam Slam (who once counted Henry Cluney, ex SLF as one of their members).
A full Ex Producers biography / discography features in the book It Makes You Want To Spit! (Reekus 2003).
Glam Slam on Myspace * Johnny Hero on Facebook * Johnny Hero on U105
In early 1978 John Cullen and schoolmate Joe Donnelly formed a punk band called Blitz. When that band folded later the same year Cullen and Donnelly formed a new band - The Producers (named after the Mel Brookes movie of the same title). When Joe Donnelly and then Brendy McGarrigle left in 1979, Dee Moore was brought in on bass and the more stable four piece carried on as the Ex Producers. This four piece lineup (Savage, Condon, Moore, Cullen) recorded 4 tracks for a Downtown Radio session in October '79. They were also filmed performing their classic punk anthem Newer Wave '79 live at the Harp Bar which was subsequently screened on January 1980 on the Belfast edition of the BBC youth programme Something Else. Savage then quit the band due to 'musical differences' which resulted in drummer Cullen taking on vocal duties and the Ex Producers continuing as a trio. It was the new three-piece lineup that recorded the tracks The System Is Here and Behind The Door which were included on the Shock Rock labels 1980 compilation album Belfast. Despite the bands popularity and ability to regularly pack out venues in their native Belfast, things just didn't work out for them and they split in 1982. John Cullen went on to have stints with Good Vibrations signing 10 Past 7 and then Hi-Rise (a new wave / reggae band). Today, Cullen is better known as Johnny Hero - successful radio presenter, DJ, newspaper columnist and member of Glam Rock tribute band Glam Slam (who once counted Henry Cluney, ex SLF as one of their members).
A full Ex Producers biography / discography features in the book It Makes You Want To Spit! (Reekus 2003).
Glam Slam on Myspace * Johnny Hero on Facebook * Johnny Hero on U105
Faders, The*
Paul Dickson (vocals), Hugh McIlfatrick (guitar/vocals), Chris Tweed (guitar/vocals), John Henry (bass),
Willis Beckett (drums).
Pub Rock / New Wave band from Ballymoney active in the late 70's. They played regularly at Spuds in Portstewart, as well as other venues in Coleraine and Portrush as part of the 'Golden Triangle' scene with other bands like Cramp and Xdreamysts. They also played once at the infamous Harp Bar in Belfast supported by The Idiots. In attendance at the gig was film maker John T Davis who was scouting for bands for his film 'Shellshock Rock', though Davis thought The Faders to be 'too middle class' and 'not punk enough'. The band's only single Cheatin c/w Library Book surfaced on George Doherty's Rip Off label in June 1979. Both tracks were produced by Doherty at his Hyde Park Studios in Templepatrick. Five or six tracks were later recorded for a album (including In It For The Kicks which recently surfaced on the 'Rip Off' compilation LP on Sing Sing Records), followed by a further three with new drummer Joe Flegg. The album was never released as the band split up when Chris Tweed left to go to university. The others continued briefly as The Persuaders with the addition of guitarist Micky McCauley.
Chris Tweed on Myspace The Faders on Worthless Trash
Pub Rock / New Wave band from Ballymoney active in the late 70's. They played regularly at Spuds in Portstewart, as well as other venues in Coleraine and Portrush as part of the 'Golden Triangle' scene with other bands like Cramp and Xdreamysts. They also played once at the infamous Harp Bar in Belfast supported by The Idiots. In attendance at the gig was film maker John T Davis who was scouting for bands for his film 'Shellshock Rock', though Davis thought The Faders to be 'too middle class' and 'not punk enough'. The band's only single Cheatin c/w Library Book surfaced on George Doherty's Rip Off label in June 1979. Both tracks were produced by Doherty at his Hyde Park Studios in Templepatrick. Five or six tracks were later recorded for a album (including In It For The Kicks which recently surfaced on the 'Rip Off' compilation LP on Sing Sing Records), followed by a further three with new drummer Joe Flegg. The album was never released as the band split up when Chris Tweed left to go to university. The others continued briefly as The Persuaders with the addition of guitarist Micky McCauley.
Chris Tweed on Myspace The Faders on Worthless Trash
Family Of Noise*
Alison Gibney (vocals), Dee Wilson (guitar), Alan Giddings (bass ), Ian Hanna (drums).
Dee Wilson (ex Idiots) formed The Family of Noise with Ian Hanna and Alan Giddings (both ex Acme Music) and well-known punkette Alison Gibney (aka Gibby). They recorded a single Harry's Game c/w Dream Girl for Good Vibrations in 1982, but unfortunately the single was never released due to Good Vibes going bust (for the first time of many). The Family of Noise replaced Gid with Stuart Bailie (also ex Acme), employed a second guitarist , Eamon Stewart, for a brief spell, and shortly after Gibby was replaced by Linda Henry. When Linda left they carried on for a while as a trio, changing their name to The Troubleshooters. Dee Wilson left The Troubleshooters while the band were competing in the Battle of the Bands and recording in the studio. Stuart Bailie and Ian Hanna found a new guitarist and went on to release a single called 'Slave to the Rhythm' in the mid 80's. Dee Wilson moved to Italy were he reformed the Family of Noise and continued playing for a few more years.
Stuart Bailie's blog Dee Wilson's website
Dee Wilson (ex Idiots) formed The Family of Noise with Ian Hanna and Alan Giddings (both ex Acme Music) and well-known punkette Alison Gibney (aka Gibby). They recorded a single Harry's Game c/w Dream Girl for Good Vibrations in 1982, but unfortunately the single was never released due to Good Vibes going bust (for the first time of many). The Family of Noise replaced Gid with Stuart Bailie (also ex Acme), employed a second guitarist , Eamon Stewart, for a brief spell, and shortly after Gibby was replaced by Linda Henry. When Linda left they carried on for a while as a trio, changing their name to The Troubleshooters. Dee Wilson left The Troubleshooters while the band were competing in the Battle of the Bands and recording in the studio. Stuart Bailie and Ian Hanna found a new guitarist and went on to release a single called 'Slave to the Rhythm' in the mid 80's. Dee Wilson moved to Italy were he reformed the Family of Noise and continued playing for a few more years.
Stuart Bailie's blog Dee Wilson's website
Five Boys*
Davy McLarnon (guitar / vocals), Jimi Pig (bass / vocals), Phillip Flood (keyboards), Chris Burrell (guitar / keyboards), Bill Reid (drums).
Formed by Davy Treatment and Jimi Pig shortly after the break up of Shock Treatment around 1983. Jimi had been playing bass with some of North Belfast finest acts including PIG and Guilty Achievements. These two were the main players in a band that played with various line ups. Others who won caps were Philip Flood ( keys), Bill Reid ( drums) and Chris Burrell ( keys and guitar) and there were ocasional outings from other local musicians over the years. Active mainly in the mid eighties the Five Boys played most of the top local music venues and were central to a thriving club scene based in and around the Art College. Famous for changing their set on a gig by gig basis and also for Treatment's propensity to ad lib lyrics as the fancy took him. The band will be most fondly remembered for their set of original soul numbers.Towards the end of the decade Five Boys morphed seemlessly into the electro funk act known as Big Electric plc and their track American Man was released as part of the First Things First compilation on Keith McCormick's One by One Records. As the ninties arrived Pig had moved into a new universe releasing drum and bass works under a range of different act names. Treatment became Dave Frog when he joined Peacefrog and he enjoyed considerable local success with that band before leaving in 1995 to concentrate on being a Daddy.
After many years of separation Treatment and Pig are back working together again and several of the Five Boys back catalogue have been re-recorded. Treatment has also put together a live band with Brian Moffet ( Xdreamysts), Keith McVeigh ( Sample and Hold) and John Rossi and will be back on the road in a few months time.
Five Boys on Myspace
Formed by Davy Treatment and Jimi Pig shortly after the break up of Shock Treatment around 1983. Jimi had been playing bass with some of North Belfast finest acts including PIG and Guilty Achievements. These two were the main players in a band that played with various line ups. Others who won caps were Philip Flood ( keys), Bill Reid ( drums) and Chris Burrell ( keys and guitar) and there were ocasional outings from other local musicians over the years. Active mainly in the mid eighties the Five Boys played most of the top local music venues and were central to a thriving club scene based in and around the Art College. Famous for changing their set on a gig by gig basis and also for Treatment's propensity to ad lib lyrics as the fancy took him. The band will be most fondly remembered for their set of original soul numbers.Towards the end of the decade Five Boys morphed seemlessly into the electro funk act known as Big Electric plc and their track American Man was released as part of the First Things First compilation on Keith McCormick's One by One Records. As the ninties arrived Pig had moved into a new universe releasing drum and bass works under a range of different act names. Treatment became Dave Frog when he joined Peacefrog and he enjoyed considerable local success with that band before leaving in 1995 to concentrate on being a Daddy.
After many years of separation Treatment and Pig are back working together again and several of the Five Boys back catalogue have been re-recorded. Treatment has also put together a live band with Brian Moffet ( Xdreamysts), Keith McVeigh ( Sample and Hold) and John Rossi and will be back on the road in a few months time.
Five Boys on Myspace
Four Idle Hands*
Davy McMahon (guitar / vocals), Tommy McMahon (bass / vocals), Stephen Rooney (keyboards / vocals), Paul Burke (drums).
Indie / guitar band formed in the mid 80’s in Rathcoole/Belfast by the McMahon brothers, Tommy and Davy who were previously in the punk bands Pure Mania and Tarot XIII. They released two singles on Good Vibrations Records, the acclaimed 99 Streets (1990) and Four Idle Hands (aka the Blind) EP (1991), and featured alongside U2 on “Breaking sound barriers” compilation album that was released in the U.S. The band gigged extensively throughout the U.K. and Ireland and received positive reviews from the British music press for their "Intense" live performances and their "Poignant and admirably unfashionable" sound.
Four Idle Hands on Facebook
Indie / guitar band formed in the mid 80’s in Rathcoole/Belfast by the McMahon brothers, Tommy and Davy who were previously in the punk bands Pure Mania and Tarot XIII. They released two singles on Good Vibrations Records, the acclaimed 99 Streets (1990) and Four Idle Hands (aka the Blind) EP (1991), and featured alongside U2 on “Breaking sound barriers” compilation album that was released in the U.S. The band gigged extensively throughout the U.K. and Ireland and received positive reviews from the British music press for their "Intense" live performances and their "Poignant and admirably unfashionable" sound.
Four Idle Hands on Facebook
Fresh Meat
Lee James (Vocals/Lyrics), Adam Stewart (Guitars/Backing Vocals), Elliot Russell (Bass)
Fresh Meat started in May of 2011 and within three weeks started gigging. With influences spanning punk, hardcore, psychobilly and also electronic music we opted to use programmed drums instead of a live drummer. This gives the music a cardiac inducing pounding rhythm which will either make you dance or vomit down your favourite Exploited t-shirt. Or both, hopefully. It also means we have to pay one less person. Our vocalist, Lee, is better known as Roysta and has been terrorising Belfast with his Dirtcore punk rap onslaught for ten years. Adam the guitarist is formerly from Portadown’s favourite goth superstars The Dead End Sluts and possibly has the nicest hair in the entire Northern Irish metal community. Elliot the bassist served his time in B.O.Y. (now called abandcalledboy) and Warcrux before committing to a life of harden alcohol abuse, Fresh Meat and destroying the very instrument he loves in fits of nihilistic misanthropy.
This has been written by Fresh Meat in the third person. Fresh Meat is a living and breathing entity.
A free 5 track demo is available as a download from here - http://freshmeat.bandcamp.com/album/boys
Fresh Meat on Facebook
Fresh Meat started in May of 2011 and within three weeks started gigging. With influences spanning punk, hardcore, psychobilly and also electronic music we opted to use programmed drums instead of a live drummer. This gives the music a cardiac inducing pounding rhythm which will either make you dance or vomit down your favourite Exploited t-shirt. Or both, hopefully. It also means we have to pay one less person. Our vocalist, Lee, is better known as Roysta and has been terrorising Belfast with his Dirtcore punk rap onslaught for ten years. Adam the guitarist is formerly from Portadown’s favourite goth superstars The Dead End Sluts and possibly has the nicest hair in the entire Northern Irish metal community. Elliot the bassist served his time in B.O.Y. (now called abandcalledboy) and Warcrux before committing to a life of harden alcohol abuse, Fresh Meat and destroying the very instrument he loves in fits of nihilistic misanthropy.
This has been written by Fresh Meat in the third person. Fresh Meat is a living and breathing entity.
A free 5 track demo is available as a download from here - http://freshmeat.bandcamp.com/album/boys
Fresh Meat on Facebook
F.U.A.L*
Louanne Martin (vocals), Brian McCann (guitar), Mark "Crispo" Christie (drums), Petesy Burns (bass/vocals).
Anarcho-punk band from Belfast formed around 1987. The band was made up of people closely associated with the Warzone project and the Centre. A natural progression from the politically-charged music of Stalag 17 and Toxic Waste, from whom some of the original members sourced, FUAL ratcheted up the ante with an uncompromising critique of the accepted norms of life in Northern Ireland. They released the Veganic Wind demo in 1988 with a lineup of Brian McCann (Guitar), Mark "Crispo" Christie (drums), Louanne Martin (vocals) and Petesy Burns (bass/vocals). The members of the band who were not on the recording are listed as Joe Carey, Dee Kyle, Sheena Bleakney and Roy Wallace. In 1989 the band released the Fuck Up And Live album on Meantime Records, although it featured Alan on guitar.The later lineup also had Alistair, Kate, Louisa and Grant (who didn't feature on the album). FUAL gigged tirelessly through the late 80s and early nineties, until other projects drew them in other directions, not least the demands of Warzone on their individual energies. In 2009, the Boss Tuneage label reissued Veganic Wind and F.U.A.L. together on one CD.
F.U.A.L on Boss Tuneage * F.U.A.L on Direct Hit * F.U.A.L on Youtube
Anarcho-punk band from Belfast formed around 1987. The band was made up of people closely associated with the Warzone project and the Centre. A natural progression from the politically-charged music of Stalag 17 and Toxic Waste, from whom some of the original members sourced, FUAL ratcheted up the ante with an uncompromising critique of the accepted norms of life in Northern Ireland. They released the Veganic Wind demo in 1988 with a lineup of Brian McCann (Guitar), Mark "Crispo" Christie (drums), Louanne Martin (vocals) and Petesy Burns (bass/vocals). The members of the band who were not on the recording are listed as Joe Carey, Dee Kyle, Sheena Bleakney and Roy Wallace. In 1989 the band released the Fuck Up And Live album on Meantime Records, although it featured Alan on guitar.The later lineup also had Alistair, Kate, Louisa and Grant (who didn't feature on the album). FUAL gigged tirelessly through the late 80s and early nineties, until other projects drew them in other directions, not least the demands of Warzone on their individual energies. In 2009, the Boss Tuneage label reissued Veganic Wind and F.U.A.L. together on one CD.
F.U.A.L on Boss Tuneage * F.U.A.L on Direct Hit * F.U.A.L on Youtube
Fubar
Davy G (guitar / lead vocals), Rab L (guitar / backing vocals), Dave S (bass), Badger (drums)
FUBAR are a punk rock covers band formed in East Belfast in late 2011. The four piece play classic tracks from the glory days of punk by bands such as The Clash, The Damned, The Ramones, Stiff Little Fingers and many more. Dave S is a former member of both The Hubris and Smokin Aces whilst Davy G and Badger previously strutted their stuff with Rockaholics and blues band Crossroads.
Fubar on Facebook
FUBAR are a punk rock covers band formed in East Belfast in late 2011. The four piece play classic tracks from the glory days of punk by bands such as The Clash, The Damned, The Ramones, Stiff Little Fingers and many more. Dave S is a former member of both The Hubris and Smokin Aces whilst Davy G and Badger previously strutted their stuff with Rockaholics and blues band Crossroads.
Fubar on Facebook