Thursday Tunes. Guest DJ: Paddy McPoland

Thursday’s Tunes Guest DJ: Paddy McPoland You want some folk with your punk, punk? When Paddy McPoland was asked to list his five favourite Irish singles, naturally he delivered a list of 15! We like rulebreakers here at the Hope fanzine, so here is Paddy’s list in full. What is interesting is how it spans … Continue reading Thursday Tunes. Guest DJ: Paddy McPoland

Paddy McPoland from Carlow RTC Ents Officer to World Tours

In the 1980s Paddy McPoland made an impression on the Irish music scene. He brought bands including Something Happens!, Aslan, A House and Light A Big Fire to Carlow for some of their first gigs outside Dublin. As such, we has responsible for giving opportunities for these Dublin bands to develop a national audience. Later … Continue reading Paddy McPoland from Carlow RTC Ents Officer to World Tours

Making Ireland rock in the 1980s: Pat O’Mahony

The 1980s were a particularly vibrant time in Ireland’s music scene. New bands sprang up, and many local bands secured international deals with major labels. One of the major reasons for this success was the behind-the-scenes activity, in particular, by the young entrepreneurs I call the ‘Ents Entrepreneurs’. These were young music-loving students, and providing … Continue reading Making Ireland rock in the 1980s: Pat O’Mahony

My New Favourite Band…why did no one tell me that some of That Petrol Emotion had made an incredible album???

It’s a Guitar Thing. You Wouldn’t Understand Everlasting Yeah: 'Anima Rising' Sometimes these days new bands just pass me by. I don’t keep up to date, and maybe that suits me fine. But, almost by chance, (and what a fine thing chance is), I happened across new music from some of the fantastically creative people … Continue reading My New Favourite Band…why did no one tell me that some of That Petrol Emotion had made an incredible album???