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
The Sussed Interview
One of the bright sparks in the Dublin underground music scene were The Sussed with their punk DIY swagger.
Thursday Tunes. Twenty of Another Kind 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2octOKgJn3I In 1979 the Polydor record label released a compilation album, Twenty of Another Kind, Part 2. In addition to some of the better know acts on Polydor at the time, The Jam, The Cure, Sham 69 and Gary Numan's Tubeway Army, it contained tracks from some of the most interesting acts of Ireland's punk/new … Continue reading Thursday Tunes. Twenty of Another Kind 2
Protex Interview
Protex were one of the great pop-punk bands from Northern Ireland during the first rush of punk/new wave. To me they were just as exciting as the Undertones, SLF, the Outcasts and the brilliant Rudi. Don't get me wrong,I loved those bands, but I loved Protex just as much. I remember my brother buying me … Continue reading Protex Interview
Russ Bestley Interview. The Art of Punk
Russ Bestley has established a reputation as one of the great historians of popular music. His specific area is punk, post-punk and DIY music. The 2015 book, The Art of Punk which he co-authored with Alex Ogg is one of the best books ever written about popular music. It includes many of the most original … Continue reading Russ Bestley Interview. The Art of Punk
Steve Mack Interview. Stag, That Petrol Emotion and the US punk scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x75EdTZi_5E This was a particularly exciting interview for me. That Petrol Emotion were one of the greatest live acts of all time, and their records captured their musicality, originality, fun, ambition, enthusiasm and ability to construct amazing unique songs. When I mentioned to one of the stalwarts of Ireland’s independent rock … Continue reading Steve Mack Interview. Stag, That Petrol Emotion and the US punk scene.
Thursday’s Tunes…in memory of Grant Hart
Husker Du Don’t Want To Know If You’re Lonely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoKeH7JYE48 This week’s Thursday’s Tunes are posted with a deep sense of loss. Apparently Grant Hart from Husker Du has died. I’m so sad. I never met the man, yet his music touched me in so many ways at different times of my life. Husker … Continue reading Thursday’s Tunes…in memory of Grant Hart
Thursday’s Tunes: Songs of Inspiration
Petrol Girls Touch Me Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8TZsBGgoMc Summer's almost over, sometimes we need a bit of a boost, a bit of inspiration to propel us into the colder months. This week’s playlist is a reminder of just how diverse and creative the music influenced and inspired by punk was, and is. There are some old classics … Continue reading Thursday’s Tunes: Songs of Inspiration
The Future of Punk: Heavy Drapes Interview
Has punk lost its energy and direction after 40 years? Has it become a formula? Can you combine influences as diverse as Crass, the Damned, Hanoi Rocks and Morrissey? The new Scottish rockers, Heavy Drapes, combine a punky energy and style with a brash attitude and songs that pack a mighty punch. Live, as I … Continue reading The Future of Punk: Heavy Drapes Interview
Interrobang‽ Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI_Mljg8DGg How do you follow up on the most unlikely global hit pop song ever? A song, perhaps best known for the infectious chorus, ‘I get knocked down, but I get up again’, scorched across the global pop charts some years ago. Its title was Tubthumbping and the collective responsible for it were Chumbawamba … Continue reading Interrobang‽ Interview