Beginnings

This site is all about an enterprising group of youngsters that had the balls to get up and do something for themselves. This page will highlight some of the early do it yourself Punk concerts that got the ball rolling in Ireland. Finding venues that would let the bands play was a major problem. Most city centre venues were closed to punk and New Wave bands. I need your help! Were you involved with the this explosion of youth music, in Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Drogheda, Sligo, Dundalk or anywhere else outside of Dublin. Did you start your own local Fanzine? If so please get in touch.

Moran’s Hotel

Most of the new punk bands got their chance to play live at Dublin’s Moran’s Hotel. Smiley Bolger ran a series of gigs under the banner of “Much More Music”. You could see the likes of the Boomtown Rats, Radiators, Revolver, KamiKazi Kids, The Vipers & Fabulous Fabrics. At the time this was Dublin’s premier live music venue. By mid 1978 under the leadership of Terry O’Niell, McGonagle’s had taken on this mantel. Most of the early gigs by bands took place in school & church halls or community centres.

Belfields Burning

https://ucdhiddenhistory.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/4-belfield-punk-festival-1977/ Belfields Burning at University College Dublin. A concert put together by the Radiators From Space. It featured what would become the cream of Dublin’s punk bands, The Radiators from Space, Revolver & The Vipers. Like the Radiators, The Vipers would later tour the UK as Thin Lizzy’s support band. Phil Lynott was always very supportive to fellow up and coming Irish bands.

Baggot Inn

The Radiators From Space headline concert at the Baggot Inn. They begin to experiment with imagery. I believe this concert is the first time they use they lighting bolt logo. Unlike the normal fair dished up in Ireland. The Radiators would challenge their audience. Jumping around and even leaving the stage.

St Anthony’s Hall

St Anthony’s Punk Festival organised by George Purdy. It has become one of those legendry moments. Between 600 – 800 fans were there. But ask about town now & about 10,000 will claim to have been there. Featuring a host of young punk bands. Some of the playing their first gig. The festival was headlined by Berlin. Berlin were older than the other bands and had already been playing together for more than year. U2 & Strange Movements were both on the bill, but neither played for various reasons. Follow the link for more details. Bono did sing backing vocals on a roarcus version of “God Save The Queen” with the Citizens.

Fanzines

Punk fanzines were the ultimate expression of the punk do it yourself attitude. Raw Power the first punk fanzine had come & gone. Heat was now on the streets. Run by Jude & Pete. It had everything you could want in a fanzine. Good content, humour, great graphics & loads of information on your favorite bands.