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Bio:
Deaf Actor were originally known as Sounds Unreel, formed in Howth in 1977 by
Conor Brady, Conor Kelly, John McGlue (ex Modulators),
Declan O'Sullivan and Paul Byrne.
Byrne, then just 15, had previously been in a band called Mercury who played the Peace
Concert at the Pheonix Park in 1976 organised by Ubi Dwyer, the Legalise
Cannabis campaigner. He'd been sitting in with
The Modulators, Neil and Ivan
McCormick's band, who lacked a permanent drummer and he took McGlue with him
when he left. Sounds Unreel played regular support gigs in Howth Community
Centre for U2 and Rocky De Valera & The Gravediggers.
They became Deaf Actor in 1978 (though the Sounds Unreel name pops up
in the live listings in early 1980)
When the Gravediggers split in December 1979, Jack Dublin joined Deaf Actor
on bass (he also appeared on Spies single released in 1980).
Declan O'Sullivan played keyboards with both incarnations of the band for a period (exact details
unknown).
Deaf Actor went on
to become one of the leading lights in the early eighties post punk movement.
They recorded several Fanning sessions (details needed please) and
were the subject of an RTE documentary filmed by Avril McGrory as part of a
series called On A Wave for the European Broadcasting Union. This was shot at
various locations around Howth and included rehearsals and gigs at The Summit.
If it's anything like other early 80s "youth TV" shows, it's a must see! Lets
hope someone out there has a video...?
Conor Kelly left in 1981 to form Max
Conor Brady left in 198? and did solo gigs and later joined
Paul Cleary's Partisans and
the Rocking Chairs.
Deaf Actor split in 1983.
Colin O'Farrell went to London while Paul Byrne and later Jack Dublin joined the
embryonic In Tua Nua.
Deaf Actor recorded at least one demo tape at Alto Studios (with Dave Freely?),
mixed by Noel Story and faviourably reviewed by Bill Graham in Hot Press.
Dave Fanning was a big fan too. More details please...
We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can use, or spare copies of any releases, then please get in touch.