Rocky De Valera and the Gravediggers started life behind a stall at the Gaiety Green (known as The Dandelion Market or The Dando) in Dublin, 1977, where young Dubliners Ferdia Mac Anna and Dave Sweeney took part-time jobs selling punk badges. They decided to form a band. It was Dublins summer of punk and it seemed that everyone was either in a band or busy forming one. Some of the big names on the Dublin scene included Fit Kilkenny and the Remoulds, The Vipers, Free Booze, The Radiators From Space, The Sinners, The Fabulous Fabrics, Damien Leper & the Open Sores, and Irelands (or at least Dublins) first all-girl punk combo, The Boyscoutz, all seeking valiantly to follow in the footsteps of local heroes, The Boomtown Rats led by Bob Geldof.
The idea behind Rocky De Valera and the Gravediggers was to play high-energy short sharp rock and roll and rhythm and blues roots songs infused with the energy and attitude of punk.
Among the songs in the bands first ever set-list were the Pirates classics Shakin All Over and Peter Gunn and Dr Feelgoods Shes a Wind-up as well as Vince Taylors immortal Brand New Cadillac, later covered by the Clash on London Calling. These songs still feature in the set today along with original songs. Beyonce, Diceman and Sinne Fianna Fail Blues.
The band played gigs in The infamous Magnet bar of Pearse Street and McGonigles of South Anne Street, a place where people swore the carpet had a life of its own, particularly after drink got spilt.
The original band lasted from 1977 to December 1979. They recorded several demos as well as an EP for Good Vibrations, which was never released. A track from the Good Vibes EP, The Lady Loves to Rock and Roll appeared on Just for Kicks, the legendary sampler of Irish New Wave bands that included U2, The Atrix, Zebra and DC Nien.
Rocky De Valera and The Lizard went on to tour Ireland with The Rhythm Kings (1980-83) while Jack Dublin was a founder member of 80s rockers In Tua Nua, which also included drummer Paul Byrne who has metamorphosed into Pall Bearer, drummer and backing vocalist with the newly reformed Rocky De Valera and the Gravediggers.
Rock on.
Rocky de Valera and The Gravediggers's Friend Space (Top 4)
Rocky de Valera and The Gravediggers has 317 friends.
Welcome! Thanks for your support and friendship. Visit our site: www.sanguedacidade.com.br This is our video from original movie soundtrack "Elite Squad":
Would luv to hear new cover versions of my songs . Fancy a go. Do a video as well (if u like) and if they're okay I'll put it on my Myspace, Youtube, Metacafe , IAMRADIO , Jango etc,etc,etc. Songs range from Pop,Folk,Rock,Country...etc!
Check me out on my Widget....Songs,Videos,Info,blogs,Store with downloads etc....All in one WIDGET!
Thanks for being a friend -- you ROCK! I hope you enjoy my music and will remember me for all your songwriter needs (any genre). Please invite one of your other MySpace friends to check me out -- I'd be happy to do the same for you!
Rocky de Valera and The Gravediggers Xmas Bash - The Summit Inn, Howth. Sat 19th Dec 9pm -1am. Special guest 'Joey Barry'. http://www.summitsessions.ie
Salut à tous, voici notre premier clip, de notre nouveau single "sur tes pas"! votre avis compte beaucoup, alors n'hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire!
howdy, .......i caught wind of a possible new t.v. program called 'WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR 10.000 EURO'?.....the things is; you have to think up your own dare......and send off your suggestion in an entry form - i have the entry form ......and if i could come up with a strong, extertaining idea which could be filmed and not get me thrown in prision or killed, i might be in with the running............this has to be fit for t.v. - and that's where i'm getting stumped with the whole thing - what's over the top - but not so much so, that the producers would simply bin the idea on reading it?........
self endurance?.......public humiliation?......facing a fear/many fears?.....doing something WAY out of character?..........i'd expect they're looking for something that no one in their right mind would try.......and they'll more than likely get a bunch of 'oh, i'd streak down a main street of dublin' and shit like that........i need this idea to be completely original and entertaining.........there's only about 10 days left to get the entry form in, so speedy responses to this email would be just swell........each entry picked to be shot, receive 1000 euro and then go into a public vote for the 10k........so throw as many suggestions my way as possible and maybe i'll meld a handful of them together.........................cheers, el browno the magnificent.
Hi everybody, just here to say our new RORY GALLAGHER HAWK BOOSTER is ready for shipping. Have a listen if you get a chance, All the best, Stevie Flynn.
hi paul thanks for the add and its great to be friends :D we actually saw you guys on podge and rodge show you guys rocked. we hope this musical world is treating you well and looking forward to seeing you guys live in 09 :D:D take care and talk soon ger and lou
Rocky and the Gravediggers have added 2 new tracks from a live album 'Sunflower Nights' recorded live at the Sportsmans Inn, Dublin in aid of The Irish Hospice Foundation.
Hey all fans of Rocky de Valera and the Gravediggers!! They are being featured on this week's SoupyGato Show #140 playing now!
There are several ways to listen to the SoupyGato Show – the easiest is to visit our website: www. soupygato. com – or subscribe to the show by visiting http://www. gcast. com/u/soupygato/main -- and it will download to your Itunes, Ipod, etc.
The SoupyGato Show #140
Ian McGlynn -- Carnivalism Autodefe -- When The War Is Over Woody Lissauer -- Rose The Chief Whips -- In Love With Yourself
Rocky De Valera and the Gravediggers -- Diceman Jack Schell -- March Bliss Pama International featuring Michie One -- Highrise Band of Annuals -- Blood On My Shirt
the Ex-men -- A Life of Love Blake Havard -- Wanted to Believe Punched Out -- Can't Stop Thinking About Her A.D.D. -- Can't Breathe
Matt Riley -- Standing On The Outside The Lost Sea -- Flannel Beth Gold -- Delta Blues Paul Carney -- Miss You
If you have enjoyed the show and would like to request more of your favorite independent music to be played, please vote/comment at: http://www. podcastalley. com/one_vote2. php?pod_id=21268 -- You can also hear the show by clicking on my profile -- and find out how to submit your own music as well!
![john[gonzo]](http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/126/s_e1cb84bc3fa515547df1dbe425d091bb.jpg)
