1976: 40 Years Ago
Just imagine: you're a bunch of spotty teenagers in strife-torn Derry, you're in a band, and you have a few half-decent punk/pop songs in your school bag. The name of your band is The Undertones. You have no idea whatsoever about how a punk/pop band should look, which is why you wear parka jackets over jumpers that are tucked into bovver-boot jeans. What you do have a talent for is writing songs that reference classic pop music. One of your better songs is called Teenage Kicks. You really hope people will get to hear it someday.
Also in 1976: The Bothy Band release Old Hag You Have Killed Me, Thin Lizzy release Jailbreak, and Horslips release The Book of Invasions – A Celtic Symphony.
1981: 35 Years Ago
In August 1981, Slane Castle hosted its first open-air rock concert. The line-up included Thin Lizzy, U2, Hazel O'Connor – all familiar names to Irish audiences – and an obscure Aussie rock outfit by the name of Rose Tattoo. Less than 20,000 people attended, and getting to and from the venue was relatively easy. So began an (almost) annual day out for music fans. This year? Who knows, but 35 years ago U2 played their first Slane gig. Just saying. Happy anniversary?
Also in 1981: Paul Brady releases Hard Station and Moving Hearts release their self-titled debut album.
1986: 30 Years Ago
On January 4, 1986, at the age of 36, one of Ireland's most fondly recalled rock stars died of pneumonia and heart failure (due to septicaemia).
Phil Lynott left behind a variable back catalogue of Thin Lizzy and solo material, but the songs that have lasted – and which are still played on radio, and appear on numerous advertisements and movies soundtracks – are the kind that always bring a smile to the face. From Lizzy's The Boys Are Back in Town to Lynott's Old Town, there's little not to like and sing along to.
Also in 1986: Aslan release This Is and The Stars of Heaven release Sacred Heart Hotel.
1991: 25 Years Ago
The Golden Horde had hung around the cooler, edgier fringes of the Irish music scene from 1983, but it was their self- titled album, released on the U2-owned Mother label, that brought the band much wider attention. Fronted by Simon Carmody (one of the best ever rock band frontmen to never again stalk the stage), The Golden Horde on a good night were essential and peerless. The album, meanwhile, is one punchy pop/punk nugget after another – and who doesn't love the video for the Maria McKee- assisted Friends in Time?
Also in 1991: U2 release Achtung Baby, My Bloody Valentine release Loveless, and A House release I Am the Greatest.
1996: 20 Years Ago
With their debut album, Afro Celt Sound System mugged the trad/world/rock/techno/fusion body and took all of the cash out of its trouser pockets. The pioneering, multicultural seed- sowing Volume 1: Sound Magic also introduced to the public at large (or, at least, those interested enough to listen) the majestic and mysterious voice of Iarla Ó Lionáird (who, as we know, went on to co-found The Gloaming). If you haven't heard this one, dig it out and soak it up.
Also in 1996: The Dublin Gospel Choir is founded and The Divine Comedy release Casanova.
2001: 15 Years Ago
For the first time (and, to date, the last), two Slane Castle gigs in the same year took place a week apart (August 25th and September 1st) and were both headlined by the same band: U2. Such an unprecedented display of largesse to their fans was matched by two of the best performances the band ever delivered on home turf. As if the shows weren't enough of a first, the second concert featured a live satellite link of the soccer match between the Republic of Ireland and Holland. Which is, of course, exactly what was needed to plug the 90-minute break between Nelly Furtado and Ash.
Also in 2001: Ash release Free All Angels and David Kitt releases The Big Romance.
2006: 10 Years Ago
You know, let's hear it for KnockanStockan, the very modest Irish music festival that began life in July 2006. Over the past 10 years, the festival the Blessington, Co Wicklow festival has nabbed awards for its line-ups, its compact size, and its ambience of family-friendliness and socially responsible. This year's event (July 22nd-24th) reverts to its original three-day schedule and promises to continue to do what it has done since the beginning: highlight the diverse range of talent within the Irish music community in a beautiful setting. Simple as.
Also in 2006: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova release The Swell Season and Snow Patrol release Chasing Cars.
2011: Five Years Ago
Sorry, but nothing of any worth or importance took place in 2011. Oh . . . hold on, what's this? 101 Irish Records You Must Hear Before You Die was published by Liberties Press. Written by some music writer bloke with a poncy double-barrel surname? Well, I never! Crikey! Doesn't time fly?
Also in 2011: No, nothing else. Seriously. Not a sausage.
Phil Lynott: 30 Years After his Death - exclusive coverage in Weekend, only in tomorrow’s Irish Times
