The Hooks were born in a Church Hall in Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, Ireland by the two Mulligan brothers (Nigel & Keith). Ronan muscled his way in later on while Nigel slipped out the side door.
The Hooks recorded a 4 song demo at JAM Studios which led to a session on Irish National radio, 2FM, for Ireland's version of John Peel, Dave Fanning.
Shane MacGowan got wind of 'The Hooks' and in his own eloquent way asked them to join him for two separate Irish tours.
In search of new experiences, The Hooks left for San Francisco, where we find them today.
Gigs with many musical luminaries include: The Pogues, X, The Stiff Little Fingers, The Bravery, Flogging Molly,The Corona's, The Filthy Thieving Bastards, Me First & The Gimme Gimmes.
Vacillating between the agit-driven punk rock they are famous for interspersed with galloping Irish trad(played fast loud,and sometimes Gaelic)with a twist.
The Hooks recorded two EP's (10,000 Feet EP & Irish Punk Rock Anthems) at NOFX's Motor Studio's with Jamie McMann. The album tracks are in the can, it's just a matter of mixing and mastering.
The Hooks just recently returned from great success at SXSW playing The Mohawk in Austin and winning celebrity fans such as Tricky and Drew Barrymore (lovely lady).
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
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The Guardian: "The Popes' excellent Outlaw Heaven album is what The Waterboys would have sounded like had Mike Scott sipped from the streams of whiskey."
Q Review: "Rouses like only the very best of Irish Folk can.."
Uncut: "It’s a chaotic, red-blooded mix of punk, rockabilly, Celtic and country, surging to ferocious peaks"
Clash Magazine - 8/10: "Watch the fireworks start flying again. This isn’t just an Irish party album with fire in its belly, it’s also the most warm, celebratory and downright mortal LP you’re likely to hear in 2009." 8/10
Daily Mirror: "The indestructible Shane MacGowan assists Paul McGuinness' crew on an album which is a rowdy blend of crude metal and broken-bottle folk rock"
The Guardian: "The Popes' excellent Outlaw Heaven album is what The Waterboys would have sounded like had Mike Scott sipped from the streams of whiskey."
Q Review: "Rouses like only the very best of Irish Folk can.."
Uncut: "It’s a chaotic, red-blooded mix of punk, rockabilly, Celtic and country, surging to ferocious peaks"
Clash Magazine - 8/10: "Watch the fireworks start flying again. This isn’t just an Irish party album with fire in its belly, it’s also the most warm, celebratory and downright mortal LP you’re likely to hear in 2009." 8/10
Daily Mirror: "The indestructible Shane MacGowan assists Paul McGuinness' crew on an album which is a rowdy blend of crude metal and broken-bottle folk rock"
Just dropped by to tell you that Brain from Dark Oz will be on Pirate Cat Radio this Friday between 4 and 6. If you're in the Bay area, you can tune in at 87.9 FM. Otherwise, there will be a live podcast and streaming video at:
http://www.piratecatradio.com/
Thanks for tuning in and checking out.
How's everything going? I hope that your summer is going great. Mine has been fantastic so far. My song "State of Shock", which is a tribute to Michael Jackson, is finally on KIISFM's website. Call up KIISFM and request it on the radio. 1(800)520-1027
You can also hear it when you click on the link below.
Hey, Our Debut album – Aliquot strings is out now! It’s available in Irish record stores and online (click below). You can get a Free download of ‘Garavogue’ on www.tucanmusic.com Our launch nights are on Sat 6th June in The Clarence – Sligo and Sat 20th June in Crawdaddy – Dublin. Hope you like it! Cheers - Donal and Pearse
