Tag Archives: Belfast

So hard to beat – back in touch with Billy Doherty, celebrating 45 years of overseas Undertones adventures

The Undertones are on the road again, 45 years after their first shows outside Ireland on the back of iconic debut EP, ‘Teenage Kicks’, with the second of three weekend jaunts this month coming up. An initial three-dayer last weekend … Continue reading

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Going back to my roots – talking an crann and more with The Undertones’ Damian O’Neill

Getting on for 45 years since The Undertones recorded debut single ‘Teenage Kicks’ at Belfast’s Wizard Studios, there’s still plenty of love out there for the band and its members, as seen in recent acclaim from critics and fans alike … Continue reading

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Celebrating Shellshock Rock, four decades down the line

Seeing as our TV sets were seemingly full of depressing images from the aftermath of bomb damage and troops patrolling streets at the time, it’s good to have a celluloid reminder of something more positive going on in late-1970s Northern … Continue reading

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Intergalactic Sonic Trio: the Further Adventures of Ash – in conversation with Rick McMurray

Rick McMurray was at home in Edinburgh when I called, all set for the next run of live appearances with Ash, the following fortnight alone including outdoor festivals in Devon, Lancashire, Hampshire and Warwickshire, and club dates in Reading and … Continue reading

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The healing power of music – talking Trouble Songs with Stuart Bailie

Stuart Bailie was chasing invoices when I called him in Belfast, facing up to one of the less glamorous facets of life as a freelance writer, yet part of the job he reckons takes up most of his time. And … Continue reading

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Spirit of ’77 – All Around the World with Russell Hastings and From The Jam

It was a cheap shot, but when I called Russell Hastings back seven hours after rescheduling our initial 10am date due to a dodgy signal, I couldn’t help but ask him, ‘So, Just Who is the Five o’clock Hero?’ “Ha! I … Continue reading

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A jaunting we will go, with The Undertones – the Mickey Bradley interview

I tend to find books on bands traditionally take the formulaic approach, rather predictably following artistes from rags to showbiz riches, preferably with plenty of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll clichés en route. In many cases, and somewhat inevitably, acts lose a … Continue reading

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Dances with Wolves, Belfast and Wigan – Introducing The Nouvelles

It seems odd that a band that recently recorded a song for the Northern Ireland football team’s Euro 2016 campaign should be based in Wigan. What’s more, this happening indie outfit are fronted by a singer who played a key … Continue reading

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Walsh reaches Turning Point in stellar career

This week former Starsailor front-man James Walsh returns to his native North-West, showcasing songs from his new album in Liverpool and Manchester. The talented singer/songwriter will be at The Kazimier, Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, on Monday, December 2, then the following … Continue reading

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