1980s
The 1980s saw the rise to stardom of the most successful Irish rock band, U2. Since the release of their album Boy in 1980, U2 has grown to become one of the biggest rock bands in the world. In fact, Rolling Stone claims this band to be “the biggest band in the world.” Band members Bono (Paul Hewson), The Edge (David Evans), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr have brought international attention to this unique genre. Within four years of starting the band, they were signed onto Island Records. Their 1987 album, Joshua Tree sent them over the top. Now, in the third decade of their career, they continue to achieve enormous commercial and critical success. Throughout their career U2 have kept their base firmly planted in their home town, Dublin, although they avoid paying taxes in Ireland. The band, especially frontman Bono, are also well known for their social conscience and their involvement in various international causes. Along with the 1980s came Donegal group Clannad who were, at the time, innovators in bridging the gap between pop rock music and traditional Irish music.
Following the disbandment of The Undertones in 1983, Lead vocalist Feargal Sharkey pursued a solo career while the other band members formed That Petrol Emotion along with an American vocalist, Steve Mack.
In 1986 The Saw Doctors from Tuam in County Galway formed however the band would have to wait until the nineties and noughties for major success. Baroque pop band The Divine Comedy from Enniskillen also formed in the eighties.
In the 1980s The Pogues became very successful with their radical new take on the fusion of traditional Irish music with punk rock attitude. This style of 'punked-up traditional Irish music' has also taken off outside of Ireland and the UK, especially in the United States. Other Irish artists to gain fame in the 1980s were Sinéad O'Connor and the heavy metal group Mama's Boys. Former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore achieved success in his 1980s solo career but returned to his blues rock roots in the '90s. The 1980's witnessed a lot of interest from foreign shores Cactus World News were one of the bands which managed to garner success outside of Ireland (USA,UK Germany) without become hugely successful they charted continually internationally.
The 1980s also saw the birth of Rock band Aslan from Finglas & Ballymun in North Dublin, the 3rd biggest selling Irish act in Ireland.
In 1981 the Slane Concert at Slane Castle in County Meath began which is still held most years.
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