Rock on: 10 Northside bands that blew our musical minds

The Northside of Dublin has produced more than its fair share of musical talent. Here are 10 notable bands that made their mark on the scene. Apologies if we haven’t included your own personal favourites.

1 The Frames: Glen Hansard’s merry band made some brilliant albums in between his starring role as ‘Outspan’ in ‘The Commitments’ and his ‘Once’ Oscar glory. Personally, we liked him better when he was a struggling musician.

2 U2: An obvious choice, perhaps, but it would be remiss of us to ignore the humble origins of these former Mount Temple students.

3 Aslan: The Finglas lads have experienced many highs and lows – from Christy Dignam’s well-publicised drug addiction, band splits, reunions, health problems and even a plane crash in Sligo – but have lived to tell the tale.

4 Cactus World News: They played a cracking set at Self Aid in 1986, an incredible 30 years ago! Their debut album, ‘Urban Beaches’, was well received on its release. Founding member Frank Kearns now runs a successful rock school in Sutton.

5 In Tua Nua: Featuring the lovely Leslie Dowdall on vocals, these giants of the ‘80s also included such luminaries as Angela de Burca, Jack Dublin and Steve Wickham. They supported U2 in Croke Park in 1985 if memory serves us right.

6 Lir: Once Northside People’s favourite band, their ‘70s-influenced sound made for a blistering live set, yet they somehow failed to fulfil their potential on the album ‘Magico, Magico’. Their bass player, Rob Malone, hailed from Donaghmede and went on to work with Welsh superstar David Gray.

7 An Emotional Fish: Their debut album opened with the anthemic ‘Celebrate’ and was far better than anything Jerry Fish ever did after that. In our humble opinion, of course.

8 Kodaline: They featured in Northside People when they were a fledgling band from Swords but, goodness me, how they’ve grown.

9 Shaine: Founded by brothers Karl and Barry Doyle, the Finglas lads are best known for their 1991 single ‘Dreamtown’. Drummer Karl used to work in Northside People which is why we felt obliged to put them on this list. Just joking, lads.

10 Rocky De Valera and the Gravediggers: Formed in Howth in 1977, the punk/rock ‘n’ roll inspired band was fronted by Ferdia MacAnna.