Mexican Pets were formed by Pat Clafferty and Jill Hahn in 1990 inspired by American bands such as Husker Du and Dinosaur Jnr. The two soon drafted Derrick Dalton in on bass whos distinct and accomplished style was an invaluable contribution to the bands sound. The band never featured a permanent drummer and a string of players graced the stool. Having made several demo recordings and playing extensive gigs around the country, they had their first break up. Each of its members pursued other musical interests until the spring of 1994 when they reformed. In that same year they found a permanent drummer in Fin OLeary. Jill Hahn then left in the spring to return to her native San Francisco, replaced by Brian Gough on other guitar and organ. They recorded their first album Nobodys Working Title on Independent Records that summer and continued to play across the country.
It was then that Andy Cairns from northern rockers Therapy? Released four singles on his label Blunt. Two of these singles featured the songs off the bands first record and 6 brand new songs were quickly penned for the final two.
In 1995, Derrick Dalton left and was replaced by John Duff. The band began to play their first gigs in London, frequenting the infamous venues in Camden town and it wasnt long before they came to the attention of the legendary Seymour Stein who funded further recordings. 1996 saw The Pets play in Germany and Holland and several return visits to London. In August of that year they recorded their second and final album Humbucker which featured a tougher guitar driven sound. The record was again funded by Cairns who had become an invaluable patron of the band.
Having promoted the record with a series of gigs and a brief tour of England the band called it a day in May of 1997.
This year, following discussions between Clafferty, OLeary and Gough, the band was kick started once more. Derrick Dalton, now playing in the band Crumb, was asked if he would pick up his Bass once more. Thankfully he agreed.
The Stars Are Underground screening as part of Darklight Film Festival Weekend. 27 June 2008 @ Filmbase, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Ongoing exhibition screenings as part of Art piece "Underground" in association with ROAD RECORDS and DARKLIGHT Film festival 2008 Friday 27 June - Sunday 6 July 2008. STREET PARTY LAUNCH @ Road Records, 27 June, 6. 30pm
FINALLY . " The Stars Are Underground" the legendary low budget documentary film concerning alternative, hardcore and independent music way back in Celtic Kitten 90's Dublin is up and embedded on it's page in three easily digested parts. Come take a look if you get a chance.
you will also notice clips for Mexican Pets and Jubilee Allstars among others .
Hey Guys, Amazing songs! "inspired by American bands such as Husker Du and Dinosaur Jnr."- Perfect! We fucking love Husker Du. Hurry up and play more gigs! Conor
Heya,
Hope you can come to this. It's the 2nd in our series of gigs and all the bands will be doing a cover of one of the other bands songs, putting their own spin on it. 3 great bands and really worth checking out live. For fans of Explosions in the Sky, Death Cab for Cutie, Low, Pedro the Lion AND MORE. Check out their pages on our top 8.
Thanks so much for the addage!
Ive been a pets fan for many years..I even played you on my old radio show in Ottawa! Glad to hear that you're playing again...maybe I'l get to see you live sometime in the near future...thinking about going back to Ireland in Aug....we'll see!
Take care,
~ Lea
yeah, we picked it up yesterday (although Whelans was closed all day for some reason?)
thanks a million for having us Friday.
such an honour!
yiz were amazing, and thanks for the song dedications!
best gig i've seen in ages.
so many great, great songs.
For me, this has got to be the gig of the year if not longer. The Pets are one of my all time favourite bands. I was very dissapointed when they broke up. Cant wait for this gig. Any chance of a likely set list?
How about:
Scarper
Hill of Beans
Makeral Sky High
Used being used
So I have been surreptitiously spreading the good word about the gig on the 12th, generating a buzz around the water-cooler, getting the streets awhispein'.