Phil Solem The Rembrandts
1-2 Whatever the first one was, that was it.
3 My answers will be pretty boring, coz I've not really listened specifically to them, or almost anyone, as my mind is always on creating. I don't want to be influenced, though it can't be helped, but I'm not really a 'fan' of anyone enohgh to have a favorite. I think they're a great band, and they created a sound that is now the template for church-based rock.
4 See above!
5The time that they've existed is my favorite
6They invented relevance, coz their sound is inescapable
7 In 1980, Danny and I went to a small party at our publisher, Lionel Conway's house. There were a few people mulling about, and Lionel showed me where the catering was on his back porch. As I was picking out food, I saw someone climbing over the fence and fall into the yard. I didn't know how to react, so I kept doing my thing. The homeless looking guy shook himself off and came up next to me a grabbed a plate. He pointed out something, and said 'you've gotta try these, they're great'. So I did, and we took our plates and drinks and headed for the door, where Lionel was standing. He said, 'oh, I see you've met Joe.' And I hadn't really met him, I was worried he was a party crasher. But it turns out, no, he was Joe Cocker, and he lived next door. So now I'd met him.
We headed in to where the party was picking up speed, everybody getting high and drinking. There was a new band about to go on their first big tour, and they looked like they'd been having a lot of fun, getting a buzz. We all talked about whatever you talk about at parties, and a while later, their bassist tipped over on the floor where he'd been sitting. The other band guys decided to take ingredients from a deli tray, and recreate his face, like this wasn't the first time. Everyone laughed and laughed. When the night was wrapping up, their singer told us to all gather around in a circle. I was next to him. We all put our arms around each other, and he gave a beautiful speech about how special the day was.
The band was U2
Fergal Lawler. Drummer The Cranberries
1 With or Without You
2 I Will Follow
3 I Will Follow. Tomorrow. October. New Year’s Day. Sunday Bloody Sunday. Wire. Pride. With or Without You. Exit. Bullet the Blue Sky. All I Want is You. Silver and Gold. One. Love is Blindness. Lemon. Discotheque. Please. Elevation.
4 Achtung Baby
5 80’s -90’s
6 Their honesty, empathy and ability to perform incredible live shows.
7 U2 in “Pairc Ui Chaomh” Co. Cork in 1987 was the first big outdoor concert I ever saw. I was sixteen at the time and a bunch of us got the train from Limerick to Cork to see them play. It blew my mind and I got a drumkit the following Christmas.
