17 Comments
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Peter Slevin's avatar

I think you should turn this into a book..

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Paul Page's avatar

Not sure there would be enough interest in it Peter but thank you :)

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Peter Slevin's avatar

You could call it When We Were Young and make it the story of Whipping Boy against the background of the vibrant Irish music scene that was around at that time....a kind of anthology of the time. It would be a fascinating read..

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Andrew Arnold's avatar

There's a lot of meat on the bone to be fair. But it is a lot of work.

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John McDonagh's avatar

Live hearing the stories. Submarine is an absolutely amazing record. Still hoping for vinyl reissue. 😀 Buffalo was always a stormer, and loved the delicate of sushi but it was the title track that I listen to constantly. (And Valentine 69 )

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Paul Page's avatar

Thanks John - I don’t share their view but quite a few fans of the band prefer ‘Submarine’ to ‘Heartworm’. I suppose if you discovered the band around that time, ‘Submarine’ probably has a more nostalgic appeal.

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John McDonagh's avatar

And I think the submarine songs are great! 😀

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John McDonagh's avatar

That’s probably part of my thing. First saw you guys in TCD, earl grattan, white horse etc. from 1990. I love the songs on heartworm though I think I preferred the raw versions I saw live. Eg project arts center. The polished sound was definitely more accessible. Songs are great. Definitely still like noisier stuff. Definitely more mature than submarine. Thanks for responding.

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Tony Finegan's avatar

Thanks Paul!

I think with the new flow of shoegaze happening & my bloody valentine selling out their Dublin gig in minutes, it’s the perfect time to rerelease Submarine ! You would have the backing of all those bands like Fontaines and of course Bohs !!!

Here’s hoping !!! The perfect pair Heartworm & Submarine !!!

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Paul Page's avatar

Thanks Tony 👍

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Tony Finegan's avatar

Submarine is my favorite WHIPPING BOY album! Yes you can hear the influences but that is why we followed you to so many gigs in Dublin .Blonde Redhead were the same but both of you made the noise we wanted more of !!! Like The Velvets you inspired many new bands !!! 93 in the Baggot was legendary with Moe Tucker & Sterling Morrison.It was one to remember!!!

I’ve still got Colms drum stick signed by Moe !!! Any chance of seeing a reissue of Submarine soon!!! ???

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Paul Page's avatar

Thanks Tony - appreciate the kind words. Remember that gig with Moe and Sterling with great fondness …they were both lovely to us. Submarine reissue….i am not sure. We did a lot of work on it, but it has lost a bit of momentum now. Hope it will come out but cannot be sure now.

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Una Morris's avatar

Anytime I hear Whipping Boy or a few other other Irish bands from the 80's it brings me back to a happy time. I was young and I had my adult life in front of me. Such an exciting time for us all.

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Paul Page's avatar

That’s one of music’s most magical powers Una - to drop us right back to a time & place…so you almost feel how it felt back then. So many fond memories of that time. I would lying if I denied there are times when I wish I could go back, and live it all again.

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Una Morris's avatar

It really is like magic - good description.

I was at a play about 2 years ago. The venue was playing Whipping Boy as we were queuing up to be seated. I was so excited as was the guy showing us to our seats over the music choice 💜

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Tony E's avatar

Those early days of being in a band and making your first album are probably amongst the best memories. Once the ‘business’ kicks in it’s never really the same. Glad you experienced that heady rush and delivered such amazing art to the world.

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Paul Page's avatar

You are right Tony - the early days are the ones I recall most fondly. The excitement and thrill of doing something you had dreamed of growing up.

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