CARLOW

2009 -

OVERVIEW Carlow native, Joe Cleere had been performing as a solo artist for most part of the 2000s. During this time, he won the National IT Song Contest [2005] and the 2FM National Song Contest [2006]. He also released a single entitled 'Queue' in 2008. Around this time, he decided to get a band together which became Cleere. While the membership has been fluid, Mike Hayden [Drums] and Martin Townsend [Bass Guitar] have been mainstays. Others who have played with Cleere include Blain O'Neill, Ben Dooze, Tony Kuckovsky, Aaron Nolan and Mike Stapleton. In 2010, Cleere released its debut album, 'East / West' on Fretless Records. The collection was very well received and was listed amongst many end of year Albums Of The Year polls. 2010 - Release of 'East / West' album [25 March] - Release of 'Sick Day (All A Joke)' single [01 October]