Blue Russia

Blue Russia from; Dublin Active 1982 – 1986
Style; New Wave
Line up;
Vocals; Pete Delaney
Lead Guitar; Frank Kearns
Bass; Tony St Ledger
Drums & Vocals; Noel McMurray

Before Blue Russia

Both Tony & Frank were very active on the Dublin music scene before forming Blue Russia. Tony had previously been in Vatikan III, The Deep & The Myster Men. While Frank had played with Frankie Corpse & The Undertakers, The Fast & Myster Men.

Myster Men

The line up above was the final line up of the Myster Men 1980-82. I don’t know why they changed their name to Blue Russia.
Their lone single “Russian Around was recorded in Hamburg, Germany. I think when they were still the Myster Men. Although not listed on the record sleeve Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy fame, mixed the record.

Vixen Records

Russian Around was released on Vixen records in April 1983 the flip side was “She Never Came” both tracks were written by the entire band. Originally planned to be released on the Scoff label DT025, it was moved to the sister label Vixen FM008.

On May 05 1983 the video for Russian Around featured on RTE 1’s “Irelands Eye.

During 1983 the band the open air festival on Dun Laoghaire pier with Auto Da Fe, 9 Out Of 10 Cats, Visitors, Out Door Minors. They have a Friday night residency at The Magnet Bar & residencies at the Lawrence Hotel, Howth, & Belvedere Hotel Dublin.

Returning To Dublin

Blue Russia relocated to London, but failed to make any real breakthrough. Frank left the band to return to Dublin in 1985 to form Catus World News. Frank was replaced by Jim Miller who stayed with the band until the finally broke up in 1986.

Bono

Tony St Ledger told me a heart warming story about Bono, (yes he of U2). While the band was living in London. They had all their equipment stollen. After a quick phone called to Bono asking if he could help. A van full of equipment arrived at in time for Blue Russia to play the appointed gig.

Many thanks to Frank & Tony for their help with this page.