One Deaf Ear

• Michael Madden: Vocals, Guitar
• Brian O'Cuinn: Bass Guitar, Synthesizers
• Sean Quinn: Synthesizers, Vocals, Sampler
• Gerard 'Soupey' Campbell - Drums, Electronic Percussion

Bio:

Thanks to JJ for the following entry:

Formed in Belfast Art College in 1984. The original line-up had Madden on drums & electronics student Matt Maguire on lead vocals. An early line-up included Noel Burke (St. Vitus Dance / Echo & The Bunnymen) on vocals & Haydn Boyle (St. Vitus Dance) on synthesizer. This was however very short-lived & never gigged.

The original band made their debut on Downtown Radio's Nothin' Better show with a slice of electro-pop called "Shelter". In September 1885 the re-vamped line-up made their proper live debut opening for the Pogues at Queen's Uni. It was the "Rum, Sodomy & The Lash" tour & the Deafs wiped the stage with the headliners. This news even turned up in some local newspapers the next day. As the band's live reputation spread it also became a bit of an albatross as other bigger bands became wary of having ODE open for them. In fact, in some cases the band's sound was deliberately sabotaged by nervous headline acts who had watched the soundcheck! (the band's Dublin debut was at the Ivy Rooms in 1985 at a Local Motions organised gig).

They made their TV debut in January '86 on "Channel One" performing a re-made "Shelter". Their second TV appearance was on RTE's "Visual Eyes" performing "True Colours" (before the Cyndi Lauper record of the same name). The band also had their video for "True Colours" (which they were never happy with) shown on Channel 4's "The Tube" in '87.

ODE were known for their intense, brooding live shows, socio-political lyrics & use of electronics in live performance notably the drummer with drum machine & sequencer combo. They were also one of the first bands to use software instruments – a good ten years before they became standard issue.
Contrary to popular belief; they were never influenced by Simple Minds. They really did sound unlike any other band. They knew the power of the hook-laden 3 1/2 minute single & the electronics always worked over a fluid groove from the rhythm section.
You could dance to ODE.

In 1986 the record deal offers began to come in. The band famously turned down a huge advance from Elektra in the UK because "They were only looking for an Irish band to add to their roster as everyone else had one and they didn't". Elektra subsequently signed The Adventures in their place.

Moved to London early '87 to sign a record & publishing deal but the differences between the personalities became obvious when they were all living together under one roof – minutes after a huge row Stuart Bailie turned up to interview the band at their flat for Record Mirror & nobody spoke a word!

After a bizarre kitchen accident involving a hastily opened tin of Plumrose Chopped Ham (With Pork) at a South London art college party and a disastrous St. Paddy's Day gig at the Rock Garden in London with THIRTEEN major label A&R men & various journos in attendance. Campbell had to return to Belfast for micro-surgery on his hand which resulted in him being unceremoniously replaced as the band were being courted by Phonogram Records & Virgin Publishing and were keen to sign ASAP. This total lack of loyalty was the final straw for main songwriter Quinn who quit the band the same day as Campbell was sacked and went on to form Dubh Chapter three months later. ODE split round about the same time.

ODE were unique among Irish bands as they were one of the first to use synthesizers, drum machines & guitar treatments. Also the aforementioned computerised instruments & software sequencers blended with a wide range of influences from Eno, Bowie, Kraftwerk, Killing Joke to anything with a funky groove. Had they held it together for another year they would have been at the cutting edge of the whole indie-dance revolution.

There's only one thing worse than being behind the times and that's being ahead of the times... -- JJ

track: True Colours

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.