Energy Orchard
Energy Orchard were an Irish guitar-based rock band of the late 1980s and early 1990s, from Belfast. Fronted by Bap Kennedy (brother of Irish singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy), their style drew heavily on the influence of Van Morrison and other classic RnB, but incorporated traditional elements of Irish folk music to create a unique sound. The band emerged from the remnants of two other Belfast punk/new wave bands namely The Bank Robbers and 10 Past 7.
Following much hype of the bands early live gigs at the New Pegasus the band were signed to MCA on the personal recommendation of Steve Earle.
The band consisted of:
- Bap Kennedy (lead vocals)
- Paul Toner (lead guitar)
- David Toner (percussion)
- Spade McQuaid (rhythm guitar)
- Joby Fox (bass guitar)
- Kevin Breslin (keyboards)
Whilst the majority of the songs were written by Bap Kennedy, it was Joby Fox that wrote their biggest hit "Belfast," However, following personal problems Joby left to be replaced for a short time by Steve Lawrence.
Following another re-jig Spade McQuaid switched to bass in what would become the final line up until the band parted in 1997.
As stated earlier the first single, Belfast, which was their most successful song reaching 45 in the UK chart and even featured on Eastenders was written by Joby Fox and was released in 1990 on MCA records, followed up with Sailortown. The first album, Energy Orchard, was released to some critical appreciation, but with some reservations about it being overproduced (producer was Mick Glossop of Van Morrison fame), somewhat diluting the band's raw live sound. Subsequent albums compensated for this, the 1992 release Stop the Machine, 1993's Shinola (released on Essential Records), Pain Killer (1995) and the 1996 live album Orchardville.
Despite extensive touring, the breakthrough to mainstream success eluded them. The band having completed their contract with Castle Communications in 1996 disbanded. The split up saw Bap Kennedy go on to launch a successful solo career (his first album saw a renewed partnership with Steve Earle), whilst Spade McQuade and Kevin Breslin relocated to Jacksonville Florida. Whilst there they played together in local band Celtic Soul, prior to Spade launching his own group Spade McQuade and the Allstars.
Both Paul and David Toner left the music industry with Paul reading Law and Queens University Belfast and David for a time moving to Sweden to teach English.
I am currently writing this from Majorca but will complete upon my return to England.....Alan
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