From Cork, Hidden Fears were Neasa De Bearoid (vocals/keyboards), Philip O’Connell (bass) [ex Nun Attax], Ber Tobin (guitar) and Jim Casey (drums). Other members included Roly and Jody. They performed on the Late Late Show and released a Jim Lockhart (Horslips, Dave Fanning producer) single ‘Mirage‘ on Shift Records in 1986. There was also a 1985 Fanning session which we have yet to track down. Thanks to Pat Galvin and ghostown1976 for the photo.
The Girl (Demo)
From Derry, The Carrellines were Paul McLoone (vocals & guitar), Aidan Breslin (guitar, keyboards), Damien Duffy (bass, keyboards) and Billy Doherty (drums). Carling/Hot Press Band Of The Year in 1990 they recorded a 5 track session for Dave Fanning in 1991. The Carrellines played for the first time in 30 years in Sandinos Derry on December 29th 2022. Paul McLoone currently fronts a rejuvenated The Undertones (with Billy Doherty) who are embarking on an extensive 50th Anniversary Tour in 2026. Tape cassettes willing we hope to add the remaining 3 tracks in the not too distant future.
Gospel Girl (1991)
Years Go By (1991)
From Monkstown in Dublin, Sarah Merrigan recorded a session for Dave Fanning in 1991. She subsequently released a single ‘We’re All Stars’ (1998) and an album ‘Emotion Free’ (2004). Thanks to irishmusicdb for the details and photo.
Masquerade
How To Play The Blues
Angel Angel
 | Fanning Sessions on The Elite (1989 Session) |
 | Paul Cray on The Elite (1989 Session) |
 | Paul on Live at the Underground (… |
 | Siobhan Bardsley on Hidden Fears (1985 Demo) |
| Fanning Sessions on Sarah Merrigan (1991 Sess… |
In the absence of an official RTE Fanning Session archive consider this blog a humble starting point. Any musical submissions would be gratefully accepted as are any corrections or recollections... click on the pic to send an email or even better comment on the post in question. We are interested in anything recorded from irish radio or TV in the 1980s and 90s.
The Fanning Sessions Archive 