Dublin Rock’s Gentleman Drummer: Johnny Bonnie Interview. Part 1

Now with the excellent Trouble Pilgrims, Johnny Bonnie had never played drums until he got together with Dick Purdy, Paul Woodful and what became the Skank Mooks. Since then he has drummed with over thirty Dublin bands, which surely is some kind of record. He is also one of the genuine good guys in the local scene, … Continue reading Dublin Rock’s Gentleman Drummer: Johnny Bonnie Interview. Part 1

Punk for Life: The Incredible story of Dick Purdy and the Dublin punk/DIY/new wave scene.

Dick Purdy was a member of one of the most legendary of Dublin bands, the Skank Mooks. They didn't last long but they made a mark on the local music scene with their punk attitude of 'why can't we do it?' They played in the very legendary gig at Anthony's Hall in November 1978. A … Continue reading Punk for Life: The Incredible story of Dick Purdy and the Dublin punk/DIY/new wave scene.

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

2015 Gigs of the Year: Heathers

Gigs of the Year Heathers Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology 15 September 2015 In mid-September, the sounds of both the veteran and new upstarts of punk rock were still fresh in my ears. The annual Blackpool Rebellion summer festival is a parade of punks that would be spectacular anywhere. Yet it is … Continue reading 2015 Gigs of the Year: Heathers