The Radiators From Space

“Ireland’s first punk band” accoording to George Byrne, The Radiators From Space released their debut single ‘Television Screen‘ in early 1977 inspiring a host of young Irish bands to follow suit. Formed in 1975, The Radiators were Steve Rapid (vocals), Phil Chevron (guitar & vocals), Pete Holidai (guitar & vocals), Mark Megaray (bass) and Jimmy Crashe (drums). The current lineup is Philip Chevron (vocals & guitar), Pete Holidai (lead guitar & Vocals), Steve Rapid (synth noises & Vocals), Johnny Bonnie (drums and vocals) and Enda Wyatt (bass and vocals).

Dave Fanning recently spoke to Philip Chevron and Steve Averill of The Radiators From Space about the Irish Beat Scene and the bands who inspired them. The band has just released ‘Sound City Beat‘ an 18-track collection where they “reinvent” the music of their Irish rock predecessors Eire Apparent, Bluesville, The Blue Aces, Thin Lizzy, The Movement, Skid Row, Horslips, Taste, Them, Andwella, The Next in Line, The Creatures and Orange Machine. The record has been described as an Irish version of Lenny Kaye’s ‘Nuggets’. Many of these names yours truly first heard on the now defunct Dave Heffernan ‘Guaranteed Irish‘ show on 4FM.

The Radiators From Space play a one off gig at Dublin’s Academy on Saturday 8th September. Guests on the night, in an inspired piece of programming, are an up-and-coming beat combo from Cavan The Strypes.

Philip Chevron and Steve Averill (7th July 2012)