2017 – A Year in Books

So after completing 27 books in 2016 with a target of 52 I set myself a more realistic target of a book a fortnight for 2017.

The first book I got through was one we published ourselves.  It was a joy to read In Concert as we prepared for its launch at the end of January.

I tend to read mainly non-fiction but liked the look of a man called ove.  What a delightful read, the story of a grumpy old man that believes people should fix things and that todays society just goes too fast.  Ove is a cross between my father and myself so it was a lovely poignant read.

The story of Jihad John was fascinating.  It was the real life tale of a boy growing into a man in West london and how he ended up as an executioner.  Many questions are asked in the quest to try and figure out what makes a terrorist do such things

 

1.  In Concert – Niall McGuirk + Michael Murphy (Hope Publications)
2. Jihadi John, the making of a terrorist – Robert Kerniak (One World Publications)
3. A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman (Schuster and Schuster)

Ireland’s Most Expensive Fanzine: Riot 77 Issue 19

 

Two of my absolute favourite publications are the Irish fanzines, Loserdom and Riot 77. They could hardly be more different in style. Loserdom had a hand-crafted ‘zine that draws from the anarcho-punk side of things, and it feels like a personal art-project full of personal stories, hand-drawn cartoons, politics, campaigns as well as music. Sometimes the covers are even individually screen-printed. For me it is unmissable, a dispatch from the counter-culture and funny and clever too.

 

Riot 77, on the other hand is slick, and I mean that as a compliment. The paper is glossy and it is the same size as the major music magazines, just with more of the type of music I love reading about. The new issue is 48 pages and features interviews with bands who would have graced the cover of the NME during the glory days of 1977-1981. Even better, for people who care about the music scene in Ireland, each act is generally asked at least a question or two about their Irish experiences. And that can be very revealing. This issue, which I picked up in Freebird, might be the best issue yet. It includes major interviews with Richie Ramone, the absolutely brilliant Ruts DC, Walter Lure from New York’s legendary Heartbreakers, Johnny Moped who were on the Chiswick label, as well as a lengthy and insightful conversation with the proto-punk Flamin’ Grooves. In addition, the book, album, DVD and live reviews are all really to the point, and helpful in deciding what to watch, listen to, read or regret not going to.

 

The Ruts, the Clash and the Adverts are the bands that I listen to most from the class 1977, and the Ruts DC are my favourite live act now. So naturally I quickly read their piece first. It had a few unexpected nuggets that surprised me, and that makes me appreciate Riot 77. The interviews are always well researched, which is why they often contain nuggets of information that you don’t find in the average artist interview. Here, for instance I learned that Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott co-wrote a song with the Ruts’ singer Malcolm Owen. This was more evidence of just how Lynott viewed the up-and-coming punks as comrades instead of competition. Given that Sid Vicious used to hang out in Lynott’s London flat it is poignant to think that Lynott, Owen and Vicious all died prematurely from apparent drug-related deaths.

 

The other interesting thing I learned, is that that the Ruts outstanding drummer, Dave Ruffy (who later played with the Waterboys and Aztec Camera) had an Irish grandfather. Yet another example of prominent members of the early punk/new wave community with Irish ancestry.

 

Equally interesting and insightful is the interview with Richie Ramone, once again there is an unexpected, at least to me, Irish link. The Ramones’ drummer was in Ireland five years ago to record with a Boston band, the Gobshites. It’s a recording that hasn’t seen the light of day yet, but it sounds worth keeping an eye out for. There’s also an Irish connection with Johnny Moped. I must confess they’re a band whose name I knew, but I couldn’t name any of their tunes. Riot 77 rate their debut album alongside the first LPs from Stiff Little Fingers and the Adverts. That’s pretty high praise. The Irish connection: Johnny Moped were on the mighty Chiswick record label, home of the Radiators From Space as well as the Damned.

 

The interviews with Walter Lure from the Heartbreakers and the one with the Flamin’ Groovies are also well worth checking out. I certainly learned a lot about these two bands who were part of the scene that nourished and nurtured the early punk movement.

 

And while the actual zine is great value at €3, the book, DVD and album reviews have prompted me to go out and buy yet more music product. So thanks to Riot 77 I’m going to by some more music I love and books that inspire me. It’s a hard life, isn’t it?

 

The book, Punk Rock Entrepreneur, from Microcosm publishing, sounds particularly interesting. Riot 77 loves that the DIY movement, without the pursuit of profits that drives most commercial labels, has created so many brilliant, creative and meaningful pieces of art. It is important to remember that most industries benefit from innovation, and the punk/DIY movement has been the source of lots of that. Other interesting books and DVS reviewed include a new book by the last-surviving Ramone, Marky, a cool sounding book called Making Stuff and Doing Things: D.I.Y. Guides to Just About Everything and a history of the Rockford, Illinois music scene. Lots to read.

 

On the music front, the Outcasts’ live album, recorded in 1983, seems to include really good history, press-clipping and reminiscences. That’s a must-buy for me, as they were one of the Northern Irish bands that brought so much colour and inspiration to me growing up. Another band outstanding from the North, Rudi, have a new piece of vinyl that compiles some of my favourite tracks from them. Tigerland is a song that showcases their power-pop skill. A song that could have/should have been a hit. But that’s not how the music industry works….it needs hits, and it needs them fast. And that’s why fanzines like Riot 77 are vital. From a personal point of view they connect me not just with my youth, but with a creative, even entrepreneurial, DIY spirit. To me that’s really important.

 

 

 

Riot 77 also recommend the new Nirvana and Damned DVDs, so there’s another €30-plus I need to spend…and the DVD about the early US hardcore stalwarts, the Dicks, who Mick McCaughan introduced to me in about 1984, sounds damn good too. And there’s a new Hard Skin single….

 

 

 

I could go on, but hopefully you haven’t made it this far in my lengthy review because you are on your way to Freebird to but Riot 77.

 

Michael M Murphy

 

A thought for the year

Since when

Since when

Has financial cost usurped human dignity?

Has the market dictates what we do for our people?

Is it ok to ignore human suffering?

Has our walk through life blinded us to the streets?

So let’s

Talk

Belong

Communication is vital to our sense of belonging

If you see a business you like

Buy something from it

If you see a business you don’t

Don’t

Remember that it’s ok not to feel ok

It’s ok to be worried

It’s ok to wish for change

If you want to see change

Seek that change

Be that change

Dream of a world where those who inhabit it seek to make it a better place for all

Where compassion overcomes profit

*****************

Having a dog gives one a great opportunity to get out in your local community. In my land of suburbia I imagine more people know my dog Strummer than they know of his namesake. My guess is more know him than me. Which is fine I travel incognito with my headphones for company many evenings as Strummer reacquaints himself with many garden pillars and trees. The smell of the city to him is a wondrous adventure. Over the past 6 weeks as he stopped every 10 yards I looked around in amazement at the homes and lights that enveloped them. My concern for global warming slightly waned as this led light wonderland brought a smile to my face. Christmas brings out that good feeling.

Of course there are many who don’t share that as the challenge of Christmas worries them it is a time when charity comes to the fore and people have a bit more time for others. I love it, I stick on it’s a wonderful life and smile. But now as the trees get shredded and the decorations are put away to gather dust for the next 11 months sadness does set in. A new year brings new challenges as we continue to try to make sense of our surroundings. It gives us a chance to take stock.

We have a chance to see what type of society we want to see. The Type of business we want to see stay open are the ones we should shop in. The life we want to see for our kids or our friends kids is the in we can lead. We have it in our grasp, it’s what I need so I can see those decorations come down.

Happy 2017

niallhope

Well, did I do it?

It was during my Christmas break in 2015 that I set myself a challenge – Read 52 Books in a year.  1 a week – should be easy?

It all started with Steven Gerrard – a christmas present

The road to wigan pier followed closely.  George Orwells tale of how we can show a brighter future

As it was the centenary of 1916 Easter Rising there were plenty of books relating to that theme

Jimmy Wren’s The GPO Garrisson was one such story of all the people in the GPO that week

Kieran Glennon’s From Pogrom TO Civil War took in a slightly later time in Irelands Nationalist history

Roger Casement is not only a figure in Irish Nationalist History, prior to (and during)his involvement in Ireland culminating in his trial where he stated “Ireland has wronged no man, that has injured no land, that has sought no dominion over others – Ireland is treated today among the nations of the world as if she was a convicted criminal” he was a British Foreign diplomat.  His most notable work was exposing the slave trade in Congo and the  horrendous slaughter of Peruvian Indians.  The Devil and Misteer casement tells the story of Peru whole King Leopolds Ghost spoke of Congo

Russian troubadors Pussy Riot have had a lot written about them Words Will Break Cement is one of those

Kim Gordon has spoken a lot about how Pussy Riot are strong Women in a band and her Girl In  A Band book tells of her time in Sonic Youth and beyond

Chasing The Scream challenged my perception on the so-called War On Drugs and has really made me think about its relevance

As part of the challenge I asked my kids what book they would like me to read – Pele was my youngest ones choice.  A strange book about a character who exists in a world of stardom and almost seems like an alter ego of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. Luca Caioli asked is Messi More Than A Superstar and the answer is very much yes in his mind, interesting that humility is his biggest trait after being a superstar ball player

During Easter Week I decided to take a 360 turn and see how many Ross O’Carroll Kelly books I could cram in this year.  Ross is the obnoxious, sexist beast known to so many Dubliners. The teenage Dirt-Bag years is one of the early ones, his formative college years, a J1 American Visa and the theft of a statue from UCD all get the O’Carroll gloss.

One of the hardest books to read was The Wrath of Cochise, not for the level of detail of the blood feud between the Chiracuau Indians and the US Army but just the level of detail.  Terry Mort has a way with words, and it’s a long way. It was enlightening to read about the ‘White men’ being willing to loose lives in wars and use that as a tactic or about the Irish Bounty hunter James Kirker.  it is interesting that this small island has produced many people who travelled for different reasons and had an impact around the world. Kirker was a hugely successful bounty hunter, willing to work, and kill, for the highest bidder.  There were many Irish recruits into the US Army in the 1850’s – over 30% of those enlisted were Irish hunger having forced them from their homes. Then there were those being sold into slavery, a tale of woe that still continues.

I re-introduced myself to the world of pop punk and Lookout records through Larry Livermores two book and the story of Lookout. Interesting that a label with no initial aspirations other than to release records and get bands heard ended up as a multi million dollar business and the tale of how those millions made people want more. Another label I re-introduced my self to was K Records. Love Rock Revolution, the story of K was published a few years ago but I missed out on it then. It tells the story of Calvin Johnson and K, much like Lookout, a label that saw huge increases in sales when Nirvana got signed but thankfully unlike lookout K is still going.  Sarah records was another label I listened to many bands from and Pop Kiss tells its story with a glorious jangle.

The Lost Women Of Rock Music – Female Musicians of the punk era by Helen Reddington is still altogether too true as it tells the battle females have just to be recognised in rock.. Punk promised to breakthrough  as more and more females joined bands but the establishment re-established its hold and MTV had a different story to tell. It drove it underground

NOFX were a band whose antics when they were in ireland I had blocked out of memory. I knew there was a story around a fireplace and an inscription but the tides of time held no grudges. it was sad to read stories of how fireplaces in other cities, belonging to other peoples parents, were treated with similar disdain. Like spoilt children the drug fuelled lifestyle of nofx left casualties in their wake. We had to run other gigs after they left town, we had to mend a lot of bridges. This book is not surprising in its tome. Pity I like their music so much.

Jack Doyle’s autobiography slowed me down and made me realise I wouldn’t meet my target.  Instead of 1 book a week I went for one a fortnight.  It halved the overall number but still was hopeful and realistic.

This was bropught to fruitiion with somw time over Christmas allowing me to complete my final two.  How Champions Thnk gives some snippets into the mind of sucessful people and it finashed in style with the Aesthetic of Our Anger – a critique of anarcho punk, politics and music.  Although this book is aimed more at an academic audience it is an excellent reflection on the influence of Crass throughout popular culture.

So next year I will try and better this, wish me luck

This years List

1. King Leopolds Ghost

2. The Devil and Me

3. Steve Gerard – My Story

4. Jimmy Wren – The Gpo Garrisson

5. Kieran Glennon – From Pogrom to Civil War

6. Paul Howard – Ross O Carroll Kelly, the teenage Dirtbag years

7. George Orwell – The Road to wigan pier

8. Johan Hari – Chasing the scream

9. Pele – the autobiography

10. Kim Gordon – Girl In  A Band

11. Masha Gessen – Words Will Break Cement

12. The Wrath of Cochise – The Blood Feud That Sparked the Apache Wars

13. Larry Livermore – Spy Rock Memories

14. Larry Livermore – How to Ru(i)n a record label

15. Jeff Alullis – NOFX The Hepatitis Bathtub and other Stories

16. Kevin Prested – Punk USA – The Rise and Fall of Lookout Records –

17. Mark Baumgarten – Love Rock Revolution – The Story of K Records

18. Luca Caioli – Messi: More Than a Superstar

19. Michael White – Pop Kiss – the life and afterlife of sarah records

20 Helen Reddington  – The lost Women of Rock Musc

21.Dave Dictor – MDC

22. The Defects – Nervous Breakdown

23  Michael Taub -Jack Doyle The gorgeous God

24  Adrian Chiles – We Don’t Know What We’re Doing

25 William Macaskill -Doing Good Better

26  Bob Rotella – How Champions Think

27  Mike dines and Matthew Worley – The Aesthetic of our anger

Contributors to ‘In Concert’

When seeing images from war torn Syria or hearing stories of a people ravaged by war we were moved to try and dom something so we reached out to the music community. I put some of these into Hope *2 fanzine earlier this year but we thought it’d be nice to chronicle the Irish submissions, a secret history of the musicians influencing the bands that influenced us

FROM THE IRISH RED CROSS

5 years on and the plight of Syrians continues. The figures make for shocking reading. In a country with an estimated population of 22.2 million the situation is worsening almost on a daily basis. The number of people in need has increased from 1 million in 2012 to 13.5 million in 2016.

For those that can remain in Syria, regular access to basic needs such as food, water and medical assistance continues to be a challenge. Three in four are currently living in poverty and 5.7 million people are in need of adequate shelter.
Whole neighbourhoods have been destroyed, forcing families to flee in search of safe shelter, but there is little available. When they left their homes, many did so with only the clothes they were wearing. They have nothing else. More than half of those affected are children.
People continue to flee fighting within Syria underlining yet again the dire situation families in Syria are facing. It is vital that they are able to seek protection and support as conflict continues to rage. There are an estimated 6.6 million internally displaced inside the country.
Others are unable to flee and remain under siege as war rages around them. At the start of this year the Red Cross Red Crescent eventually gained access to towns such as Madaya, Foua and Kefraya. The blockade on life saving supplies lasted for months with ordinary Syrian families paying the price.
On entering Madaya our colleague Marianne Gasser, described the situation:
”I was taken to what was euphemistically called the “health centre”. It was, in fact, one room in the basement of a house. Ushered into the semi-darkness, I was met by the sight of limp bodies lying on blue blankets on the floor: elderly people, weak from hunger and illness. There were several children, hollow-faced. I noticed the needle marks on their arms where drips had been administered to try to give them the sustenance they needed to survive.”
The Red Cross Red Crescent is committed to bringing aid to the millions of people affected by this crisis inside Syria. In addition, we are reaching the millions who have fled over the country’s border into the wider region and now wait in refugee camps, uncertain of what their future holds.
https://www.redcross.ie/latest-appeals/syria-appeal/

List of Acts
1 TED CARROLL (promoter, manager, record shop owner and owner of Chiswick Records)
ROCK AND ROLL IN IRELAND AND BEYOND

2 JOE WEADICK (Red Seven/Columbia Showband)
RED SEVEN, LONDON, 1963

3 MARCUS CONNAUGHTON (broadcaster, author)
FLEETWOOD MAC, DUBLIN, 1969

4 BRIAN O’KEALLAIGH (The Gorehounds)
GOOSE LAKE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL, MICHIGAN, 1970

5 FERDIA MACANNA (Rocky de Valera, The Rhythm Kings, author)
THIN LIZZY, DUBLIN, 1971

6 GERRY MCAVOY (Rory Gallagher band, author)
RORY GALLAGHER, BELFAST, 1971

7 JOHN MCKENNA (broadcaster)
LEONARD COHEN, DUBLIN, 1972

8 PETE HOLIDAI (The Radiators, Trouble Pilgrims)
ALICE COOPER/ROXY MUSIC, LONDON, 1972

9 CIARAN MCLAUGHLIN (The Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, Everlasting Yeah)
PLANXTY, DERRY, 1973

10 NEIL MCCORMICK (author, journalist, musician)
U2, DUBLIN, 1976

11 DAVE SWEENEY (the Max Quad Band, Rocky de Valera and the Gravediggers, the Fat Lady Sings)
DR FEELGOOD, DUBLIN, 1976

12 TONY CLAYTON-LEA (author, journalist, DJ)
IGGY POP, 1977

13 DAMIAN O’NEILL (The Undertones, That Petrol Emotion, Everlasting Yeah)
SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES/THE HEARTBREAKERS, MANCHESTER, 1977

14 JUDE CARR (Heat fanzine)
THE RADIATORS FROM SPACE, DUBLIN, 1977

15 AIDAN O’ROURKE (The Sinners)
THE CLASH, DUBLIN, 1977

16 JAKE REILLY (The Blades)
THE CLASH, DUBLIN, 1977

17 JOHN FISHER (The Dandelion Market)
THE CLASH, DUBLIN, 1977

18 ELVERA BUTLER (promoter, head of Reekus Records)
FROM THE WHO TO THE STRANGLERS

19 BRIAN SEALES (DC Nien, Tokyo Olympics)
THE STRANGLERS, DUBLIN, 1978

20 BARRY COOKE (Dead Fridge in the Road)
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, DUBLIN, 1978

21 PAUL CHARLES (booking agent, author)
SIGNING THE UNDERTONES, BELFAST, 1978

22 GERRY SMYTH (author)
THE BOOMTOWN RATS, 1978

23 PAT O’DONNELL (The Fountainhead, producer)
IAN DURY, DUBLIN, 1978

24 RAYMOND GORMAN (That Petrol Emotion, Everlasting Yeah)
DEXY’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS, COLERAINE, 1979

25 DAVID LINEHAN (Aidan Walsh and the Screaming Eagles, Hooligan)
R0CKY DE VALERA, DUBLIN, 1979 + OTHERS

26 RORY STOKES (The Sussed, the Spiders From Kimmage)
U2/THE SUSSED, DUBLIN, 1979

27 FRANK RYNNE (Those Handsome Devils, the Babysnakes)
THE RAMONES, DUBLIN, 1980

28 BILLY MCGRATH (UCD Ents Officer 1975-1976, manager of The Atrix and Stagalee,
TV producer, documentary maker)
U2, LONDON, 1980

29 SÉAN O’CONNOR (The Lookalikes)
THIN LIZZY/THE LOOKALIKES, DUBLIN, 1980

30 PETER DEVLIN (The Devlins, producer, broadcaster)
THE SPECIALS/THE BEAT, THE STARDUST, DUBLIN, 1981

31 PAUL BYRNE (In Tua Nua, producer)
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, DUBLIN, 1981

32 ANDREW BASS (Reveille, producer, studio owner)
U2/REVEILLE, GALWAY, 1981.

33 CÁIT O’RIORDAN (The Pogues, Radiators, PreNup)
U2, LONDON, 1981

34 STANO (artist, musician, composer)
TOM WAITS, DUBLIN, 1981

35 CATHAL O’REILLY (The Shade, Luggage)
KID CREOLE AND THE COCONUTS, DUBLIN, 1981

36 DEKLAN DACHAU (Paranoid Visions)
THEATRE OF HATE, DUBLIN, 1981

37 CION O’CALLAGHAN (freelance Drummer – Paddy Casey, Shane McGowan)
ROCKY DE VALERA, DUBLIN, 1982

38 COLM O’DWYER (TCD Ents Officer 1991-1992)
U2, 1982

39 PETER JONES (Paranoid Visions)
POISON GIRLS, DUBLIN, 1983

40 DARAGH MCCARTHY (musician, filmmaker: The Stars are Underground)
VIRGIN PRUNES, DUBLIN, 1983

41 WILL WALSH (The Pleasure Cell, The John Wayne Memorial Dancing Lizardmen)
THE SMITHS, 1983

42 ROY WALLACE (Toxic Waste, documentary maker)
TOXIC WASTE, BREMEN, 1984

43 PAT CLAFFERTY (Mexican Pets)
THE CLASH, DUBLIN, 1984

44 KIERAN GLENNON (DJ Dr Night Dub)
THE JOHN WAYNE MEMORIAL LIZARDMEN, DUBLIN, 1985

45 HUGO FITZGERALD (Kill Devil Hill)
THE MEMBRANES/THE PLEASURE CELL/KILL DEVIL HILL, DUBLIN, 1985

46 COLM WALSH (manager Intoxicating Rhythm Section, Sultans of Ping)
THE GOLDEN HORDE/THE GOREHOUNDS/BONESHAKERS/PARANOID VISIONS,
DUBLIN, 1985

47 PAUL PAGE (The Whipping Boy)
ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN, DUBLIN, 1985

48 MICK HEANEY (journalist, DJ)
THE CRAMPS, BOSTON, 1986

49 GARETH MURPHY (author, Cowboys and Indies)
U2, LONDON, 1987

50 REG GORDON (photographer, The Hope Collective)
SO MANY SUNDAYS, DUBLIN, LATE 80’S EARLY 90’S

51 JIM DAVIS (TCD Ents Officer 1990-1991),
PHIL CHEVRON, DUBLIN, 1990

52 PHILIP O’CONNOR (author, journalist, musician, The Banished),
FUGAZI / THERAPY?, DUBLIN, 1990

53 DAVE O’GRADY (promoter, publicist, Gilded ALM),
THERAPY?, DUBLIN, EARLY 90’S

54 SMILEY BOLGER (DJ, promoter Morans, McGonagles, the New Inn)
THAT PETROL EMOTION, DUBLIN, 1990

55 NEIL DOWLING (promoter, Event Ease)
STONES ROSES, BELFAST, 1990/BOLT THROWER, DUBLIN, 1990

56 EDWINA FORKIN (film producer, TCD Ents Officer 1989-1990)
SONIC YOUTH/NIRVANA 1991

57 JILL FORTYCOATS (Mexican Pets)
THE EX/DOG FACED HERMANS, DUBLIN, 1991

58 FINBAR MCLOUGHLIN (Gearhead Nation)
THE EX/DOG FACED HERMANS, DUBLIN, 1991

59 CANICE KENEALY, (Engine Alley)
PRIMAL SCREAM, DUBLIN, 1992

60 SEAN CAMPBELL, (author)
U2, KANSAS CITY, 1992

61 KEVIN MARTIN (promoter, fanzine editor)
MOBY/ORBITAL/APHEX TWIN, CHICAGO 1993

62 JOHNNY BOYLE (Lir, Pugwash, Picturehouse, Marianne Faithfull, The Frames)
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DUBLIN, 1993

63 BARRY MCCORMACK (Jubilee All-Stars, solo artist)
SWERVEDRIVER, DUBLIN, 1993

64 PHIL UDELL (journalist, State ie, Word-Up Collective)
BACK TO THE PLANET, DUBLIN, 1993

65 EILEEN HOGAN (author, lecturer)
THERAPY?, LIMERICK, 1994

66 PETESY BURNS (Toxic Waste, FUAL, The Outcasts, member of Warzone Collective)
VICTIMS FAMILY/GROTUS, DUBLIN, 1994

67 TOM POLLARD (The Pyrex Babies)
ROLLINS BAND, DUBLIN, 1994

68 KIERAN KENNEDY (The Black Velvet Band)
THE BLACK VELVET BAND, SWITZERLAND, 1994

69 MICHELLE MCCARTHY (marketing manager, Madison Square Garden)
GARTH BROOKS, DUBLIN, 1995

70 WAYNE P SHEEHY (producer/studio owner, drummer with Ron Wood)
RON WOOD, TORONTO, 1990s

71 PAUL McDERMOTT (DJ, zine editor, lecturer)
CATHAL COUGHLAN & NINE WASSIES FROM BAINNE, CORK, 1997

72 IAN PEARCE (Split Red/Los Cabras/The Dangerfields/Comply Or Die)
ABHINANDA, BELFAST, 1998

73 EMM GRYNER (David Bowie/The Cardigans/The Cake Sale/solo artist)
DAVID BOWIE, DUBLIN, 1999

74 COLM O’CALLAGHAN (journalist, broadcaster)
ELVIS COSTELLO, DUBLIN, 1999

75 FRANCES ROE (Jam Jar Jail)
ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, DUBLIN, 2001

76 EMMET GREENE (Bandicoot Promotions),
BOBBY CONN, CORK, 2002

77 KIERAN CUNNINGHAM (sports editor, The Star)
CATHAL COUGHLAN, CORK, 2005

78 ROISIN NIC GHEARAILT (M(h)aol)
FLAMING LIPS, 2005/DEADMAUS, 2009

79 EOIN DEVEREUX (author, lecturer)
MORRISSEY, OSTIA, 2006

80 JIM ROGERS (author, lecturer)
CHRISTY MOORE, DUBLIN, 2007

81 CONSTANCE KEANE (M(h)aol)
INCUBUS, DUBLIN, 2007

82 THE LATE DAVID TURPIN (artist)
LAURIE ANDERSON OLYMPIA THEATRE, 2007)

83 PETE MURPHY (publicist)
TOM WAITS, DUBLIN, 2008

84 DES O’BYRNE (The Golden Horde, NYC DJ),
GÉTATCHÈW MÈKURYA AND THE EX, NEW YORK, 2008

85 VONA GROARKE (author, Spindrift),
RICHARD HAWLEY, DERBYSHIRE, 2009

86 ROB FLYNN (The Winter Passing),
HAVE HEART, DUBLIN, 2009

87 ROBBIE ROBINSON (film director, An Irish Exorcism and member of the
Intoxicating Rhythm Section Captain Tripps),
KINGS X, LONDON, 2009

88 AIDAN WALSH (musician, rehearsal room proprietor)
AIDAN WALSH AND THE SCREAMING EAGLES, DUBLIN, 2010

89 DAVE LONG (Into Paradise),
THERAPY?, DUBLIN, 2010

90 BRIAN CROSBY (musician, Bell X1, The Cake Sale, producer)
SUFJAN STEVENS, BERLIN, 2011

91 ELLIE & LOUISE MACNAMARA (Heathers)
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS, BLOOMINGTON, IN., 2011

92 MICHELLE DOYLE (Sissy)
THE RAINCOATS, SEATTLE, 2012

93 JUSTIN MCDAID (freelance journalist, Golden Plec)
ENABLERS, DUBLIN, 2013

94 JIM CARROLL (journalist, broadcaster)
THE GLOAMING 2014

95 COLIN COULTER (author, co-editor Ireland Under Austerity)
RUEFREX, 2014

96 SUZANNE RHATIGAN (singer, promoter)
GRACE JONES, COUNTY LAOIS, 2015

97 HENRY CLUNEY (Stiff Little Fingers, X-SLF)
SOLO, BLACKPOOL, 2015

98 JOHN O’FLYNN (author)
MAPPING POPULAR MUSIC, DUBLIN, 2015

99 CLODAGH SPUD (fanzine editor)
RUDE PRIDE/THE SULTANS/TAKERS AND USERS/THE DIVILS
DUBLIN/BELFAST, 2015

100 PAUL PURCELL (DJ, founder of Glacial Sounds record label),
SWING TING, MANCHESTER, 2015

101 MICHAEL McCAUGHAN (TCD Ents Officer 1984-1985, author; The Price of Our Souls: Gas, Shell & Ireland),
JELLO BIAFRA, DUBLIN, 2015

102 GARRY O’NEILL (cultural historian, author)
VARIOUS

103 TERRY O’NEILL (manager of Thin Lizzy and others, promoter and publicist)
VARIOUS

104 ANTO DILLON (editor, Loserdom fanzine)
VARIOUS

105 JAMES HENDICOOT (freelance journalist, NME, Dublin Gazette)
TALKING WITH THE DROPKICK MURPHYS, 2013

The book was compiled, funded and published by two veterans of the Dublin DIY (do-it-yourself) music scene, Niall McGuirk and Michael Murphy.
They came up with a simple idea to raise funds for the Irish Red Cross Syria Appeal. Ask people in Ireland’s music community to write about their favourite gigs.
People love talking about gigs. People love hearing about great gigs.
So they asked some of their favourite musicians, writers and behind-the-scenes characters to remember some outstanding gigs. Then they asked friends of friends who asked friends of friends.
This book is a compilation of over one hundred of the best of those gig memories. It includes recollections of gigs that were legendary and influential (Fleetwood, the Clash, Leonard Cohen, the Smiths), as well as gigs that were quickly forgotten. From immaculately presented stadium gigs to ramshackle events in sketchy halls; from showbands to punk, death metal and dance it documents some of the inspiring, brilliant and bizarre events witnessed by Ireland’s music community far and wide.

Quotes from Niall and Michael:
It is a brilliant book. We are proud of it. Look at the brilliant writing. These people weren’t just members of Ireland’s music community, they weren’t just witnesses to spectacular, sometimes life-changing, gigs: they are also outstanding writers.
We thought that it was particularly important to include some of the ‘forgotten heroes’ of the Irish music community. To hear the voices of the people who were ‘there’ who were a major part of the scene but are never included in the history.

Supporting Syrian Refugees

It’s been over 12 months in the making but we have finally released In Concert, Favourite Gigs of Ireland’s Music Community.

When we first saw the heartbreaking pictures from Aleppo we reached out to those people we know best, our friends in the music community.  Six months ago Hope *2 came out and this featured those in the punk community in an effort to raise money for pikpa lesvos centre.  We held back on many contributions from the Irish music scene as we felt it would be nice for this group to extend their support. The results are In Concert and whilst there are many more who could and deserve to be included we feel this can help form part of a ‘secret history’ of the irish music scene. People like Ted Carroll who founded Chiswick Records, Pete Holidai from Radiators, Cáit O’Riordan from the Pogues, Pat Clafferty of Mexican Pets, Deko Dachau from Paranoid Visions to more recent luminaries like Constance Keane from M(h)aol or Rob Flynn from Winter Passing.  105 contributors altogether speaking of showbands, leonard cohen, the clash, theatre of hate, golden horde, therapy? and so many more including U2.

The book is a benefit for Irish Red Cross specifically in their efforts to assist people forced to flee their homes in Syria

This can be your Christmas Song

Joe Solo has done it again.  One of the main agitators behind the we shall overcome movement Joe has got together with the Hatfield Brigade

‘Merry Christmas From Hatfield Main’ by Joe Solo & The Hatfield Brigade was recorded on location at Central Club in Stainforth on October 30th 2016 as miners and their families from up and down the UK gathered to join a choir like no other in the spirit of community and solidarity.

The single is available to download from all major outlets from Monday November 28th and all funds raised will go to those struggling to make ends meet in Food Bank Britain.

There is a VERY limited number of CD copies available which are simply a printed disc in a clear plastic sleeve with just the one song on. Only 200 copies were made and promos have been taken from this, so this is a very rare little piece of history.

 

The Winter Passing + Life Goals + Me and My Dog + Niburu. The hangar, Dublin

The winter passing + Life Goals + Me and My Dog + Nibiru + The Winter Passing

The Hangar

September 30

Back to that feeling of solitude once more. I had a backpack full of fliers and posters but couldn’t muster the enthusiasm or courage to pass them round. I’m in that rut and many sure if I can move on, my feeling these days is to leave it to someone who doesn’t have grey hair. Am I wrong?

First band up tonight were life goals from Belfast. They reminded me of  drive when they played with mega city four in 1988, here we go again the age thing :). There’s a smattering of pixies into the melodic pop punk songs. They keep under the city centre speed limit but pack a good punch with those songs.

The songs in between certainly left a lot to be desired. The wrong sort of pop entirely but the venue is a strange abode. You walk in to a bar and some seats but through the double doors literally is a small hangar. Feels like a small car park but with low roof tonight it does have excellent sound.

Mayos Me and my dog were up next. The day before the all ireland final replay between me an my dogs home county and the county hosting this gig and not one mention of football!. My guess is it doesn’t fly high on me and my dogs radar. Lo-fi slacker rock is what they were billed as and that’s is as accurate as can be. 2 guitars, bass and drums. The 2nd guitar acting as lead bringing it from the lofi level. I had a vegan burrito in toltecca before the gig. It had soya mince, tons of topping and sauces but wasn’t quite the burrito I was hoping for. I wanted it to blow my mind but instead it was a good memory. Something like me and my dog, maybe if they only had one guitar. Sometimes the best bands only use the one.

Niburu come on to dry ice. This all male band from Dublin have a sound as heavy as that dry ice as we novel slowly through the set. Sure it gets my head bopping but sound garden or rage against the machine do the same and I never go out of my way to listen to them. It’s all too male of you get my drift

I’m here tonight to see the winter passing. Their record is one of the best Irish releases in the past decade. Full of tunes and hooks and intensity. I admire them for their attitude and energy. Always positive, this was their last gig before heading stateside to do some recording and gigs. How often can we say that of an independent band from ireland. Time got the better of them on the night as the hangar needed to return to its natural night club haunt, lights wer switched on, winter passing got to screech out more song of their set of 5, but it was enough for us all o wish the band the very best in their travels

niallhope

Rats on Rafts + M(h)aol – Whelans Review

Rats on Rafts + M(h)aol

Whelans

September 28

It’s kind of strange living a private life publicly at times. I was never one for putting my picture on things and always refer to things I’m involved in as a collective we even if that numbers just me.

It’s also kind of strange that after gong to gigs for over 30 years I end up standing on my own at many offerings. And i’m happy with that, happy to talk or not. I guess I’m used to my own company even though as a family man with a great partner and three wonderful kids that solitary existence is rare, bar when I go to gigs.

It’s getting greater now as I become more age conscious as years go by. The youthful exuberance has given way to self doubt and contemplation. And so I can get lost when m(h)aol play. They don’t care what I think or anyone else by the sound of it on stage. It is a chaotic cathartic noise and is deadly. We can get lost together in a brashness that reminds me of bikini kill with a sound less rooted in melody but more annoyance.

Rats on rafts, like me say nothing between songs. I guess they don’t have to. Their sound brings them everywhere with a psycadehlic pop beginning to a hardcore no age ending. This was a great noise to get your toe tapping. Of course I would like some between song banter but the band are from Rotterdam, maybe their English isn’t so good. Maybe the music does the talking, I couldn’t understand a work being sung but it was some noise alright

niallhope

A celebration of DIY -Dublin October 8+9

Hope Collective are proud to be part of the Dublin DIY Festival taking place next month.   Having come together last year for a night of punk rock and hip-hop, The Hope Collective have once more joined forces with State Magazine and are proud to present an all ages day long event in Dublin Workman’s Club, supporting Oxjam Ireland’s work for female rights and the Dublin Simon Community.  This festival falls under the Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative and provides a chance to highlight the great work going on around Dublins Underground music community.

The previous night Hope are joining with FOAD Musick to announce the launch of Steve Ignorant with Paranoid Visions new album “Now and Then…!” in the Hangar

Profits from this gig will go to Inner City Helping Homelessness 

Saturday October 8 – The Hangar 

Steve Ignorant with Paranoid Visions
plus
the Gakk
Steven VX and the Art Rats

Now and Then…! is the highly anticipated follow up to 2013’s “When…?” album from the collaboration of Dublin art terrorists Paranoid Visions and Crass frontman Steve Ignorant.
Over the past 2 years the band have played major festivals in the UK, Holland, America and Canada and garbered a significant following that surpassed the expectations of the original project. This is the collaborations only Irish appearance.

Sunday October 9 – The Workmans Club

Bill Blood – as part of Flexihead, Jackbeast and Redneck Manifesto, Niall Byrne has graced many DIY stages in the country and beyond. Bill Blood is his latest musical incarnation.

Carol Hodge – described as “Shakespeares Sister fighting Amanda Palmer and Tori Amos in a dimly lit Victorian pub”, Carol is a seven fingered pianist best for her singing work with Steve Ignorant (co-founder of punk legends CRASS) on his Last Supper world tour.

Ed Wenn – first visiting Ireland with the band Sink in 1992, Ed made his name with The Stupids, where his Ed Shred persona blasted out some early UK skatecore riffs. He has also been the main songwriter behind Bad Dress Sense, Big Ray, K-Line and more.

Mhaol – having made their live debut at last year’s WSO, M(h)aol have established themselves as one of the most fiercly political bands in Ireland today, with music to match.

Not Monsters – the meeting of deliciously experimental melodies and in your face power, Not Monsters are firmly in the DIY tradition – springing from a network of shared gigs, spaces and ideas.

Simon Wells – one of the founding members of UK Hardcore legends Snuff, Simon has continued to play and tour throughout the world with Your Mum, Southport and many others.

the objectorZ – sitting somewhere between hard rock n’ roll and punk, the Dublin band flter in a power pop influence.

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What Is We Shall Overcome?

We Shall Overcome is a movement of musicians, artists and community organisers who are angry about the human costs of austerity policies but who want to do something practical to help those affected. For one week from 3-9 October we’re encouraging people to organise gigs and events that will –
1. Get direct help to those in our local communities who have been adversely affected by austerity policies.
2. Raise awareness, show solidarity or apply pressure to those who have political power
We operate under the tagline ‘A RAISED FIST & A HELPING HAND’