It is important for irish punk to be championed with all the other anniversaries this year. It is 40 years since the release of Ireland’s first punk record, on chiswick records, tv tube heart, The radiators from space were our trailblazers back then. Chiswick imprint Ace records has just re-released that debut album so I sent guitarist Pete Holidai a few questions. Pete is now in Trouble Pilgrims who will have a new album out soon.
You went to school in London? When did you come to ireland and how did you get over all the bodies heading in the other direction? How did you all meet and form the Radiators?
I was born in dublin a stone’s throw from Santry where Philip Chevron was born and raised, my family moved to London when I was four years old. I remained there throughout the 60s until the family returned to ireland in 1972. Not long after I returned I met Steve who work in a record shop in liffey street, he approached me when i went into the shop and he asked me if i wanted to be in a band…a few years later in ’75 [ i had returned to london on my own for a few years] we got serious about forming a high energy band and after we met philip, jimmy and mark the band got up and running
The band moved to London after a couple of years, what was the motivation behind that?
Eamon carr and Jackie Hayden paid for some demoes that were pitched to chiswick records in london, they came over and saw us live and offered us a singles deal with the option of and album which they proceeded with. We went to London to promote the release of tv tube heart [tv screen and enemies had already been released in the uk] we stayed there for five years!!!
How did the first reunion come about? I was at that Hawkins House gig and it was a special event. Do you remember much about it ?
We were approached by gha [gay health action] an aids awareness group and were asked to reform for one night only to raise awareness and funds for the group. the supporting cast included the Real Wild West and Gavin Friday, it was a sold out event. A ltd edition cassette (Dollar for your dreams) was also released by Comet Records
Had you any idea how important and relevant to many people under Clery’s clock was? Or was it just a great song for you?
I think I quickly realised how personal the song was to Philip, so it was a rare occasion he was willing reveal deeper feelings to the public, I always thought of it as a most beautiful love song that just happened to be about same sex relationships. It is a timeless masterpiece [as are most of our songs lol]
So 40 years ago what would young pete holidai make of a band rereleasing an album from 1937?
No problems with that if the content has retained some relevance, in fact I’m a big fan of the great writers from that era such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin et al, plus being turned on to Brecht and Weill by phil.
How did it all come about? Any chance of a radiators gig to celebrate its release?
Roger armstrong [who produced tvth] is a director at ace, who evolved from chiswick in the eighties, decided he would like to release an expanded 40th ed of the album, steve and i contributed in terms of the artwork and final selection of the additional tracks. There is no chance of a radiators gig without philip [or steve or me]
What’s happening with Trouble Pilgrims? Gig wise and releases?
Trouble pilgrims have just finished recording their debut album “dark shadows and rust” we are currently discussing and negotiating a worldwide manufacturing and distribution deal
After the electric picnic we will be looking towards a high profile launch gig -watch this space-
What’s happening with Loom records? What’s the plan for it?
I will be producing a series of releases over the next few months featuring emerging talent, the plan is to record and album in a day unplugged and solo!!!
You still talk about music daily, play it and are involved. What gives you that inspiration?
It’s such an integral part of my life and I feel I still have things to say and do, I’m writing the best songs of my life at the moment…I’m driven by the world around me life produces a huge range of emotions that fuels inspiration
You can organise your own talk at electric picnic what 5 people would you ask and why?
Paul McGuinness, Roddy Doyle, Eamon Carr, Abner Brown AND Steve Rapid
SUBJECT: DIGITAL WAS THE DEATH OF REAL MUSIC DISCUSS
niallhope
I love the Radiators. More people should know about them. Pete is the perfect ambassador for the band, and for all Irish musicians.
The Radiator’s Ghostown is by far the best Irish album ever released.
Nothing else comes close.
I was at the Hawkins gig too 🙂
Great interview from a very important Irish musician and songwriter. The Radiators were so influential at the time it’s hard to express. Pete continues to create and inspire, remarkable after all this time.