About Kerbdog
Kerbdog
was an Alternative rock band from Kilkenny, Ireland who formed in 1991. Following
two albums released on Mercury Records, the band split up in 1998. Between
2005 and 2008 the band reformed for a series of one-off performances in Ireland
and England. Although the bands' career was short, it's legacy and almost
cult-like popularity has ensured the band are still widely regarded today.
Originally named 'Rollercoaster', Kerbdog was formed in 1991 by Cormac Battle (vocals/guitar), Colin Fennelly (bass guitar) and Darragh Butler (drums). Billy Dalton joined the band in March 1992 as a second guitarist and his fondness for heavy metal acts Metallica and Slayer complimented Battle's fascination with the British and New York underground.
After
only three gigs at the New Park Inn (since demolished) in Kilkenny, their
fanbase grew rapidly within Ireland. The foursome, now called Kerbdog, recorded
their first demo in Dublin that Summer (two songs of which later appeared
as b-sides on their debut Vertigo Records single Earthworks). A second demo
was recorded in December and yielded the version of Earthworks that became
the aforementioned single.
Debut Album (1993-1995)
In
early 1993, Kerbdog signed with Mercury Records subsidiary Vertigo Records.
That summer, Kerbdog recorded their self-titled debut album at Rockfield Studios
in Wales. The album was produced by Jack Endino. 1994 saw a run of gigs, including
a support slot with fellow Irish rockers Therapy?. The debut album was released
that year to great acclaim, and two further singles were released, namely
Dry Riser and Dummy Crusher. The latter charted in the UK top 40.
Second Album and split (1996-1998)
In
early 1996, the Mercury Music Group was bought over by PolyGram Records, and
Kerbdog shifted to Fontana Records, Vertigo's sister label at PolyGram. That
Spring, the band returned to the recording studio to work on their second
album. Produced by GGGarth Richardson, On The Turn was recorded in Los Angeles.
Billy left Kerbdog a few months after the band returned from Los Angeles after
the album had been completed.
Music magazines such as Kerrang and Metal Hammer where full of praise for both of Kerbdog's albums and featured them frequently, Kerrang's editor even spent a weekend out with the band in Kilkenny. They quickly gained a reputation for being up for a good time and generally good fun to be around.
Unfortunately, the album was repeatedly delayed before finally being released in the UK on March 31, 1997. It never sold in great enough quantities to satisfy the record label. Kerbdog were dropped, and their back catalog was deleted in 1997. The band soldiered on without a record label for about a year but eventually disbanded and played their final gig at the Mean Fiddler in Temple Bar, Dublin on March 7, 1998. The venue sold out well before the day, and Cormac joked whilst on stage that had they sold out the Mean Fiddler on more occasions in the past they might have not split.
Reformation (2005-2008)
Kerbdog
reformed in 2005. They played several gigs in Ireland that year, most notably
two sell-out concerts in February at the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin,
followed by a set at the Oxegen music festival in July. They have since stated
that due to the great changes in their lives they have no plans to record
any new material. Kerbdog have continued to play occasional one-off shows,
such as at the Camden Barfly in London on August 16, 2008 as part of the Kerrang
'Week of Rock'. Kerbdog also played at the Pumpalooza in Kilkenny, on August
23, 2008 in aid of the Susie Long Hospice Foundation. Billy Dalton joined
them on stage for 7 songs during the Pumpalooza gig, marking the first time
since 1996 that the four piece have played together.
Discography
Albums
* Kerbdog - (1994)
* On The Turn - (1997)
Singles
* Earthworks - (1993)
* End of Green - (1993)
* Dry Riser - (1994)
* Dummy Crusher - (1994)
* JJ's Song - (1996)
* Sally - (1996)
* Mexican Wave - (1997)
The majority of this page was taken from wikipedia. Credit to those who have contributed.
