DUBLIN

1985 - 1990

OVERVIEW Thee Amazing Colossal Men was a garage-punk band from Dublin. The group was active from about 1985 -1990, however, during this time, there were multiple personnel changes. The most recognised lineup featured Joey Barry [Vocals], Garret Lee [Guitar], Sid Rainey [Bass Guitar] and Paul O'Brien [Drums]. However, the band also featured a multitude of other members including Mark O'Sullivan [Vocals], Declan O'Sullivan [Keyboards], John Sullivan [Bass Guitar] and Dave Clifford. Collectively, the band shared a rich musical background including time with bands such as The Dark, Spies, Above The Thunderclouds, Deaf Actor, Casablanca Moon and Sid & The Stonecrushers. The band made its recorded debut with the contribution of the track 'Let's Talk About Girls' to the 'Weird Weird World Of Guru Weirdbrain' compilation. In 1989, the band signed with Siren Records. This was to be the start of a tumultuous relationship. In 1989, the band performed as part of the '7 Bands On The Up' series which saw seven of Ireland's brightest talents perform a concert at Dublin's SFX. The concerts were recorded and broadcast on both RTE Telvevision and 2FM Radio. That year also saw the band selected to represent Ireland at the Eurorock Festival which was held in Novi Sad in Yugoslavia. In 1990, the group released its debut single, entitled 'Take Me Higher' on the aforementioned Siren Records. The band followed this with the excellent 'Superlovexperience' before the release of the bands debut (and only) album, 'Totale'. Sometime after this, the relationship witht eh record company soured and Thee Amazing Colossal Men were no more. However, Joey, Garret and Sid regrouped along with Dutch drummer Jan-Willem Aklema to form Compulsion. That band went on to release a string of acclaimed albums and EPs. More recently Garret has found fame as Jacknife Lee, the artist and Producer. He also participated in Gary Lightbody's Tired Pony side project. In recent times, Sid has become involved in television production. 1985 - Group formed 1989 - Thee Amazing Colossal Men appear as part of the '7 Bands On The Up' series. These concerts took place over a weekend in the SFX in Dublin as a showcase of up and coming Irish talent. The series was subsequently broadcast on RTE and 2FM. [May] - Thee Amazing Colossal Men represent Ireland at the Eurorock Festival held in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia [Current day Serbia & Montenegro] [14 - 16 September] 1990 - Release of 'Take Me Higher' single - Release of 'Superlovexperience' single - Release of 'Totale' album - Band split