Young rock finds a space and a conscience in Charleville

cork | arts and media | news report Friday November 07, 2003 01:30 by Jack Palance - Rathgoggin Liberation Army shenanigans at langerhead dot com Hell 666999

Last Halloween night, the adolescents of Charleville and surrounding areas got an outlet for self-expression and a chance to exhibit their musical talent. This was all made possible thanks to the completely voluntary efforts of the enthusiastic members of the Charleville Rock Movement with the assistance of Gearalt MacGiobuin.

The venue for Underground Sounds was the Schoolyard Theatre and tickets costing a mere 5 euro, were sold out well in advance of gig night.
The gig started at 7pm and ended at 11.30pm offering four and a half hours of entertainment, great value for money although no break was provided for in between.
The venue was packed right from the start and the athmosphere was electric. The turnout was unusual and varied, ranging from all-out goths to bubbly teenagers, from band members’ parents to locals out for a laugh. However all were surely impressed by the amazing talent on display. The foyer of the theatre was buzzing with excitement and there was plenty of socialising going on. The band Purgatory had their CD Mantra on sale (a very reasonable 3.50 euro) and Voices 2, a collection of local music and writings was also available.
To start the night off, the voice of an anonymous young local woman was heard, giving a thought-provoking monologue on the material values and other dangers in today’s society, which hinder our course to true happiness. All the lights were dimmed for the duration of the piece, which was well received by the cosmopolitan audience. All was silent but for the mystical voice echoing around the auditorium.

The M.C. for the night was John Murphy who won over the audience with his hilarious antics and roguish smile. He did a great job of warming up the audience and avidly introduced the first band of the night, ‘Chemical Addiction’.
Composed of brothers Dean and Aron Herlihy, David Sheehan, Daniel O’Sullivan and Conor Lawlor, the band delivered a very energetic performace considering it was their first gig together.
They were full of confidence and won over the audience in the way they belted out the famous « Queen of the Rodeo » and « Whiskey in the Jar ».

The second band Dichotimus Key was made up of Gavin Denihan, Ritchie Sheehy, and brothers Trevor and Jamie Mee, all from Ballyorgan, Kilfinane. Overcoming an initial technical difficulty, the band gave a real taste of what they were capable of for the rest of their set of original songs(‘No War in Ballyorgan’ ! !) and covers (featuring a flawless rendition of Metallica’s ‘Sanitation’). Drummer Ritchie Sheehy played especially well on the night.

A change in tone and tempo was introduced by the well-seasoned acoustic guitarist Padraig O'Suileabhain. His barefoot escapades displayed his obvious innate talents as an entertainer. He was very comfortable on stage and made the crowd feel comfortable too. His act consisted of both original compositions and popular folk and rock music. A highly-skilled guitar player, Pat wooed the crowd with his rythmic and melodic playing.

Things were really toned down then by an enlightening and informative short film. It dealt with the alleged involvement of The Coca-Cola Company in the deaths of Trade Unionists in Colombia, and the current international boycott of its products, recently in the headlines in Ireland where it was voted for by students of U.C.D.. The effect of the video was such that after the concert there was talk of starting a local boycott in schools and other venues.

Finally, after another edition of ‘M.C. John The Jester Entertains The Court’, the much awaited Purgatory stormed the stage. Their vocalist Denis O’Gorman leaped around the stage in frenzied outbursts of passion for his music. Bass Guitarist Frank O’Connell demonstrated good rhythm and played a key role in the well-oiled machine that is ‘Purgatory’. The drummer Stephen Rea also showed great ability and a keen sense of rhythm. Enda Buckley stole the show with his audacious guitar solos and even excelled as a singer in the Metallica songs which he sung : ‘Enter Sandman’ and ‘Fade to Black’. Purgatory really roused the crowd and truly deserved to headline the event.
At the end of the night, organiser Gearalt Mac Giobuin congratulated the performers and thanked the trustees of The Schoolyard Theatre for the use of the venue. He said it was an example of what young people could do when the community allowed them the space to create and socialise together. He also said he hoped that the local community would address the lack of facilities of a non-sporting nature for young people in the town, and help make it possible for other such events to take place.

With 16 or 17 being the average age of both audience and band members, rock is alive and well and finding its soul in Charleville Co. Cork ! ! ! ! ! !

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