Autobop

Autobop from; Dublin Active; 1979 – 1984?
Line up; (1) 1979 -1980
Vocals & Guitar; Damien Callaghan
Guitar & Vocals; Mick Casey (R.I.P.)
Bass; Paul Murtagh
Drums; Dermot Jeffares
Line up; (2) 1980 – 1981
Vocals & Guitar; Damien Callaghan
Guitar & Vocals; Mick Casey (R.I.P.)
Bass; John (George) Byrne Bass (R.I.P.)
Dermot Jeffares Drums
Line up; (3) 1981 -1984?
Vocals & Guitar; Damien Callaghan
Guitar & Vocals; Mick Casey (R.I.P.)
Bass; John (George) Byrne Bass (R.I.P.)
Sean Brennan Drums
The original line up of Autobop, won a 1980 “Dublin City International Battle of the bands” competition held at the RDS in Dublin. They played only a few gigs, mainly out in Greystones. They only started to play gigs in Dublin when John (George) Byrne joined the band.
Mick Casey sadly died in a car crash in 1990.
The band recorded a 6 track demo in 1982, tracks included Bedroom Mirrors & Bathroom Smiles, Holiday In Mexico. They also released a 7″ single on CBS Records A2919, Secrets/Advertising (1983).

I first met Richie in the early 1980’s when his outfit, The Rhythm Kings, and the band I was in, Autobop, were sharing a dressing room in RTE for a programme called Non-Stop Pop. They were a no-nonsense lot and I recall sitting around a monitor, cracking up with Richie and lead singer Ferdia MacAnna, having a good laugh at the Virgin Prunes, who were most definitely not of a no-nonsense stripe.

World Service

Sometime during 1984 Autobop changed their name to World Service. This was to reflect the wider rang of music they were now playing. There was also a line up change. Damien left to be replaced by Terry Finnegan on vocals. Gerry Flemming also joined on guitar.

Gig Guide 25/04/1980 Jonahs, Leopardstown with Stiltz
During 1980 Autobop had residencies at the Baggot Inn, Mississippi Rooms, The Stables, Parliament Inn.