CORK

1997/8 - 2002

OVERVIEW Semi was a Cork-based band which was active during the latter years of the 1990s and the early part of the new millenium. The group was fromed from the ashes of other groups and featured a lineup of Barry McAuliffe [Vocals], Derry Callanan [Bass Guitar], Fergus Keane [Guitar], Brendan Butler [Drums & Backing Vocals] and John Mollaghan [Trumpet, Keyboard & Sampler]. Derry, Fergus and Brendan had previously been part of LMNO Pelican while John had played with A Cow In Water. The group quickly established a strong reputation as a live band which won them prestigious support slots with fellow Corkonian indie legends The Frank And Walters and the Sultans Of Ping. The band released its one and only album, 'Mervyn In Toronto' in 2001. The record was well received and the band went on to shoot a video for one of the tracks, 'Disco Diva'. The video featured on Ireland's Indie show, 'No Disco'. The group is also known to have recorded a session for the Dave Fanning Show on 2FM, however, full details of this are unavailable. By the end of 2001, however, it was becoming clear that it was getting increasingly difficult for the band to dedicate the time needed to the project. The decided to bring Semi to an end. The band bowed out with a gig at Nancy Spain's in Cork on 28 February 2002. Barry would later go on to front Rulers Of The Planet and Slow Motion Heroes. 2001 - Release of 'Mervyn In Toronto' album 2002 - Band played its last gigin Nancy Spain's in Cork before splitting [28 February]