BELFAST

2004 - 2008

OVERVIEW Steer Clear was a punk-pop band based in Belfast. The group was formed in 2004 by Mark McGowan [Drums], Pearse Sharratt [Vocals], Pádraig McAlister [Guitar & Vocals], James McAuley [Bass Guitar] and Vinny Feeney [Guitar]. The band went through a strig of vocalists [Ciarán Bartlett and Dave O'Gorman also sang with the band] before Pádraig was encouraged to take up lead vocal duties. The band released its debut EP 'Dog In A Bath' in March 2005.This was hastily recorded affair which was recorded over a 24 hour period. Before the end of that year, the band returned to the studio with Neal Calderwood to record its second EP. This second collection was entitled 'Fairytales That I Despise' and this was unleashed at the end of December that year. In 2006, the band entered the Blast:Beat competition. This was to prove a significant move for the band. While Steer Clear ultimately did not win the competition (finishing in 4th place), the band's performances earned it a record deal with Blastspace Records. The band's song 'Sarah' was featured on the 'Coca-Cola Blast Beat ::: Vol IV' compilation. In May of 2007, the band released 'Please Be My Girlfriend Again', its first single on the Blastspace Records imprint. A week later and the band has released its debut album, 'No ... You Hang Up' on the same label. The group recruited Simon Craig, whose keyboard playing became an integral part of Steer Clear's sound. Steer Clear released a couple of further singles in 2008. By this time, Conor Ebbs had replaced Vinny on guitar. However, in November of that year, Steer Clear announced its split. The group cited the fact that Steer Clear had 'stopped being fun'. In the aftermath of the band's split, Padraig and Conor went on to form Jody Has A Hitlist in early 2009. Mark and James formed the short-lived I Fight Crime. 2004 - Band formed 2005 - Release of 'Dog In A Bath' EP [11 March] - Release of 'Fairytales That I Despise' EP [28 December] 2007 - Release of 'Please Be My Girlfriend Again' single [04 May] - Release of 'No ... You Hang Up' album [11 May] 2008 - Release of 'Comebacks Aren't Your Thing' single [30 June] - Release of 'Bridging The Gap' EP - Band split [November]