Ground Zero

Ground Zero From; Ireland 1984 – tbc
Style; Rock
Line up;
Vocals; Bree Harris
Guitar; John O’Brien & Vocals
Guitar; Eric Sharpe
Bass; Neil Whiffin
Drums; Wally McConville & vocals

Ground Zero were formed when John O’Brien & Wally McConville both ex Bagatelle decided to form a new band. Bree had formerly worked with John & Wally back in the early 70’s in the Boulder Band. Eric Sharpe had formerly been in many bands from Drogheda including The Trish Rodgers Band, Gentry, Neil had formerly been with the Radiators. According to the Irish press the band made their debut supporting the Moody Blues in November ’84 at the RDS in Dublin. I have found adverts for the band playing dates at the Abbey Inn in Tralee which pre date the Moody Blues concert.
In 1985 Ground Zero took part in the RTE programme “Screen Test”, 546 bands were auditioned, this was whittled down to 42 for the TV programme. Each week 6 bands would battle it out in a live “Screen Test” with the winner form each week going to the final. The winning band would collect an award and a £1,500 cash prize.
They release a single in 1985 written by Bree called “Till The Dawn Comes”. The band split up in 1985 when John & Wally left to reform Bagatelle.
After the band split up Bree formed The Bree Harris band who were soon singed by Aidan Cavey owner of Ocean Records. The Bree Harris band were Bree on vocals, James Delaney on Keyboards, Niall McSweeney on guitar, Paul Fairclough on drums, and Liam Grant on Bass. They released at least one single on Ocean Records, the Bob Dylan song “Tonight I Will Stay Here With You”.