The Cyclones

The Cyclones were formed by Paul Deering (original drummer) in 1960 and were one of the first Beat Groups to hit the Irish music scene. They started playing the Tennis and Rugby Club circuit and subsequently enjoyed great success in the developing Dublin club scene in venues such as Zhivago, Club Arthur, Sloopys, Five Club etc.

The original band members were; Liam Brady (lead guitar), Al Brady (rhythm guitar), Don Byrne (Bass), Paul Deering ( Drums), Ray Rothery (Sax) and Brian Whelan (Lead Singer). The played the very popular Saturday Landsdowne RFC gig for many years.

The Group disbanded in 1970 and reformed as Spice with Chris Hynes on drums, Jack Lawlor (RIP) on lead guitar, Jimmy Mullen (Larry’s uncle) on Sax and Flute, joining Don Byrne and Brian Whelan. Spice released their only single, on Polydor in 1972 – “Looking My Way” (composers Jackie Hayden & Bren Cullen) with “Last Year” (composers Barry Flynn & Joe McGuinness). The individual members worked as session musicians under Producer John Dardis in the legendary Trend Studios throughout the '70s and are featured on several successful albums by well-known Irish artists.

A hastily cobbled together Cyclones played at Bono’s wedding on 21st August 1982 (see Shay Healy’s memoir “On the Road”). The Cyclones reformed for a one-off 25th anniversary reunion gig at Jury’s Hotel in 1985 and did it all again for the 40th anniversary in Templeogue LTC. Both gigs were for charity and sold out. There are scary rumours about a final anniversary gig in 2010

Al Brady, Chris Hynes and Brian Whelan are still independently actively involved in music.

Brian Whelan; June 2007

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© francis kennedy 2004-2007