document 3 – 6 ; a mini tour

Day 1 Event 1 – document 3

Whelan’s

This was a tough one. A night to remember Dave Moloney. Original drummer for the boomtown rats and then the Vipers drummer amongst many other, Dave passed away recently after an illness, leaving a tight family behind who wanted to pay honour to him amongst his music family. The Vipers are one band we wanted to explore through our panel discussions so remembering Dave was a lovely way to dip our toes into the bands story.

What we are trying to do with our panel nights is to document certain events or times in our independent music culture. While tonight’s panel were there for Dave the people speaking had all served their time as creators, curators and consumers of the early punk scene in Dublin. Dave’s nephew Pete had a video interview with his uncle which set the scene Dave’s brother Robert put in huge work to stream the event and spoke of growing up with Dave. Ross Fitzsimons and Ian Wilson spoke of Trinity ents and gigs they were involved in including many with The Vipers. Phil Byrne, of revolver fame, spoke eloquently and emotionally of his friend and Karl Tsigdinos talked of Hot Press reviews and how the Dublin punk scene was arguably just as good as London or New York. It took us on a different road but through it all the love people had for Dave and the emptiness that exists now he’s gone made us happy this event took place. Stories are documented so his memory lives on and if people need some info on the Vipers or the scene they were in they have another reference point here.

Day 2 Event 2 document 4

So myself and Michael headed off on the road trip met up with Danièle in Cork. We were there for the first of three events we are doing in Munster over 2 days, launching our Punks Listen zine and Michael’s new book. We were still buzzing from the previous night in Whelan’s. So car packed we headed off but had to make a stop along the way in the quaycoop for some food first. Every time I’m in Cork I visit this vegetarian mainstay and it always seems to look a bit different. Promoting a healthy cooperative way of living it gives me joy that this place exists.

Full we could then make our way to UCC where Martin took great care of us. 2 panels on the night and it was lovely to hear brief stories of music in Cork. Speakers on the night were, Cormac Donovan O’Neill (Pebbledash, Therapy Horse, DJ), Danièle Tort (DJ, Researcher, Podcaster), Jesper Pedersen (Founder & Director Upstart Festival), Jim O’Mahony (DJ / Broadcaster / Jim X Comet), John Byrne (DJ, Music Archivist and writer), Julie Landers (I dreamed I dream), Michelle Rumley (Promoter, Tinnitus Promotions), Niall McGuirk (Hope Collective / Publisher), and Stevie G (DJ, Broadcaster, Youth Worker). One theme that kept reappearing was the lack of an existing social arts space in Cork and most cities that can put on all ages gigs. There was talk of all the mental health benefits music can bring as we’ll discuss the well being of the country but the arts can get left behind in that conversation. It was fascinating to hear the grass roots activists talk of such a thing. 2 hours later we ended up eating tofu on the street somewhere getting our plans ready for the next day.

Day 3 Event 3 – document 5

The third day kick-starts with a wander down Central Park Road and the Marina market. Plenty of comfy seats and a lovely atmosphere in this market. Lots of food stalls but I got a phone call and 45 minutes later needed to leave to meet my old friend Emmet Greene. One of the earliest chats I remember having with with Emmet was when the Village Idiots from Cork came up to play Dublin in the early 90’s. Our paths cross every so often and we chat like old times.

Breakfast and lunch in the Quay Co-op prepared us for the afternoon’s entertainment. Jack joined us to discuss archiving and then A panel of 5 people spoke of the intersection and tension between the arts and business. I knew I was in trouble when I was nominated to go last after excellent presentations from the gang of four before me Brian O’ Domhnaill (Director, Lavit Gallery & Artist), Deirdre Fitzgerald (Fashion Designer), Eibhlín Gleeson (CEO, Cork Opera House) and Michael Murphy (IADT, Dept. of Humanities & Arts Management).

I had no slide deck but I had three chords and the truth I guess. I plagarised one of Michaels slides – a picture of Joe Strummer and told the audience “IF jose said anyone can be in a band well then anyone can give a presentation” It was a long 10 minutes for sure We then spoke together as a group and while there were no answers there were plenty of good chats.

Day 3 Event 4 – document 6

We managed to get out of UCC in time to get caught up in Corks evening traffic rush hour. We nailed along wondering would we make it to Limerick in time for our event in the Record Room. It reminded me of the stories we were telling about Fugazi missing the ferry and how Gorilla Biscuits were the only band not to make a scheduled gig as they were late for their ferry from France to Cork. I was hoping we’d be more like DC than NYC tonight but as the car edged its way out of UCC I was worrying. Of course there was no need as once we reached the open fields we were fine. Even had time to stop off and pick up a couple of Hurleys on the way.

The record room is this lovely little venue on Catherine street. Ray Burke did a great job in promoting it and put together 2 really interesting panels. I love doing these events as you find out so much about peoples scenes and their willingness to just make things happen. Limerick has a thriving DIY culture. Whether that was making films or records or putting on gigs via AMC, or DIYLK or Feile na greine or Siege of Limerick. These are all people looking to promote culture and wanting things to happen in their town. The financial end of it wasn’t the driving force. We got to hear from Bar None, SASP and Out On A Limb record labels

The AMC was a theme that kept reoccurring. their story needs to be told and hopefully a film from that time will get out there. All in all a great evening and every person to a person was so sound and supportive. As we hopped back into the car and reflected on the past couple of days we were blown away by peoples support, enthusiasm and encouragement. Keep being creative and keep finding the spaces.

We headed home feeling invigorated after a few days conversations documenting events that happened as we look forward to continuing to find out and hear stories from people around our scene.

niallhope