Galway Bay FM News Archives
Bloodless Coup at Festival Big Top as Bell X1 headline show
Date Published: 08-Jun-2011
BY EAMONN McLOUGHLIN
Indie band Bell X1 who are currently touring the US and Canada to mark the release of their new album, Bloodless Coup, are looking forward returning to the Big Top on July 16 for their Galway Arts Festival show.
“It’s always great to play in the Arts Festival” explains vocalist Paul Noonan from his Toronto hotel room. “We had an amazing gig when we played the Big Top before.”
Known for their entertaining live performances, Bell X1 will be joined in Galway by Duke Special and New Zealander Liam Finn.
Liam, the son of the famous Neil Finn of Crowed House, has already established himself in his own right having opened elsewhere for acts such as Eddie Vedder and Wilco. This will be his first time sharing a stage with Bell X1 and Paul is looking forward to bringing Liam Finn to Galway.
“I’m a massive fan of his father, Neil Finn,” he explains
Belfast based Duke Special, recognised for his distinctive style and theatrical performances has supported Bell X1 the past and Paul feels his addition to the Big Top line up will create a night to remember. “The Duke is wonderful live as well; he really connects with the audience.”
Bell X1 will finish the first leg of their current tour in Galway, and Paul is excited about the visit. “They always seems to bring out something special in Galway, it’s amazing being in the Big Top with 10,000 people singing along with your songs. You feed off it, food for the soul.”
While the Big Top offers a great buzz, Paul also enjoys some of the smaller, intimate venues which the band are known to play, describing them as “a different animal”.
The Kildare band will showcase material from their fifth album, Bloodless Coup when visiting Galway.
“We chose the name as a reference to the romantic notion that change can be driven by collective will of the people,” explains Paul. “Ireland is in a state of flux at the moment and there’s lots of frothy searching, who we are and why are we in such a mess. We all need to step up and play a part and within the artistic and wider community there is a desire to do so.”
The past few years have seen Bell X1 making major artistic and career strides but the group has been honing its sound since its formation in 1999, and its members have been making music together since the early ‘90s. Having met at school in Kildare, Paul Noonan, Dave Geraghty, Dominic Phillips and Brian Crosby first recorded as members of Juniper, whose lead singer was Damien Rice. After Damien departed to launch his solo career, Paul Noonan (vocals) Dave (guitar), Dominic (bass) and Brian (guitar and keyboards), regrouped and renamed themselves Bell X1, borrowing the name of the first plane to break the sound barrier.
Their debut album, Neither Am I in 2000 was followed by Music in Mouth (2003) and Flock (2005). In 2008, Brian Crosby decided to leave and the following album, Blue Lights on the Runway was the first release without him.
For Bloodless Coup, Paul, Dave and Dominic brought two new people into the studio fold – Rory Doyle on drums and Marc Aubele on keys and guitar.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
Date Published: 09-May-2013
Tuam is now awaiting a third import of hay from the UK as overnight rainfall has increased pressure on farmers struggling to source fodder.
A total of ten loads are expected at Connacht Gold stores throughout the West with a load expected at the Airglooney outlet this evening or tomorrow.
Farmers throughout the county have been struggling to cope with the animal feed shortage and a below than normal grass growth due to unseasonal weather conditions.
Overnight rainfall in the Galway area has also added to the problem making ground conditions in many areas are quite poor.
Joe Waldron, Agricultual Advisor with Connacht Gold says farmers in short supply can contact the Airglooney outlet on 093 – 24101.
Date Published: 12-May-2013
The Transport Minister is urging drivers at Bus Éireann to engage in talks with management, in an effort to bring their strike action to an end.
There were no Bus Éireann services operating out of Galway today as a result of nationwide strike action by staff affiliated with the national bus and rail union.
Up to 20 Bus Éireann drivers are continuing to picket outside the bus depot at the docks in the city this evening.
Drivers from other unions have decided not to cross the picket line and go into work today – causing the disruption to be even worse.
Bus drivers are protesting against five million euro worth of cuts to their overtime and premium pay – cuts which Bus Eireann says are vital to ensure the future viability of the company.
The majority of services nationwide are disrupted, and the union say strike action will continue until management are willing to go back into negotiations.
However, it’s not expected to affect school services next week.
Galway bay fm news understands that around 70 percent, or over 100 Galway bus Eireann drivers are affiliated with the NBRU.
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Irish Water and Galway City Council crews successfully repair major burst watermain in Galway City
1,392 new cases of COVID-19 nationally
Three areas in Galway have Covid-19 incidence rate above national average
Landmark Oasis nightclub in Salthill demolished
Up to 500 construction jobs to be created in new ‘City North’
Galway City Council knocks new wall – so they can build it again!
Revellers leave City Council with repair bill for Eyre Square
Win a fantastic seven-night Mediterranean cruise in this week’s Connacht Tribune
