Citizens The

The Citizens From; Finglas Active; 1978 – 1979
Style; Punk
Vocals & Bass; Emmett O’Reilly
Guitar; Denis Rusk
Guitar; Martin Greene
Guitar; Sean D’Angelo
Drums; David Herlihy

Known for their 3 guitar “Wall of Sound”, the now famous St Anthony’s “Punk” festival in November ’78 was the first gig played by the Citizens. On the night their set included a Sex Pistols like version of “My Way”. With Bono (U2) sharing lead vocals with Emmett, from behind the stage curtains. The majority of the gigs the band played were youth clubs & church halls in north Dublin.

U2 and the Magnet Bar

They also played the Magnet Bar, on one occasion, Jamming with Larry & The Edge from U2. George seems to recall The Edge playing the bass guitar that night. The band were managed by St Anthony’s promoter George Purdy.

After The Citizens

Martin & Denis would both go on to join New Career. Denis was also in Cuba Dares, Venetian Blonde, Paul Angle & The Strougers. Emmett went on to form Montage. For quite a few years he wrote the “Local Motions” section in Hot Press. Emmett and Denis are currently working together on a recording project. Spoiler alert, what I have herd is very good.

All photo’s on this page were taken and supplied by Patrick Brocklebank. These photo’s and many more can be found in Patrick’s excellent book “Where The Streets Have two Names”. If you have an interest in U2 and Dublin of that time, I recommend you get a copy.