DUBLIN

1977 - 1980

OVERVIEW The Vipers came together in 1977 with a line up which included Paul Boyle [Vocals & Guitar], Dave Moloney [Drums], Ray Ellis [Guitar] and Paul Cusack [Bass Guitar]. Moloney had spent a short stint with The Boomtown Rats prior to joining the group. Cusack left later that year and was replaced by Ivor Rowan. While the band has made some initial progress, this had stagnated and, in 1978, Boyle and Moloney decided that a new lineup was required. Dave Sweeney, of Rocky De Valera fame, was recruited on guitar and Brian Foley on Bass also joined the group. With the new lineup in place, the band released their debut single 'I've Got You' on Mulligan Records. With the band growing in stature, they were invited to record a John Peel Session. The session which was recorded in February 1979, featured the tracks 'You're On Your Own Kid', 'Playin' The Game', 'Too Rough' and 'You're So Strange'. Shortly afterwards, the band relocated to the UK. The band gained some high profile support slots including be chosen to open for The Boomtown Rats. Dave Moloney decided to leave the band. He would later appear with The Reason and subsequently, The Rhythm Kings, The Flash Harrys, G Squad, Fast Boys, Wilf Brothers and The Cajun Kings. He was replaced by Bernie Smirnoff. However, by 1980 the project had run it's course and the band split. Sweeney went on to play with Red Square and in an early lineup of The Fate Lady Sings. Brian Foley would later turn up in The Blades, The Mountain Climbers and The Harvest Ministers. Paul Boyle would turn his hand to acting. 1977 - Band Formed 1978 - Release of 'I've Got You' single 1979 - Recorded a Peel Session which included the following tracks : 'You're On Your Own Kid', 'Playin' The Game', 'Too Rough' and 'You're So Strange' [27 February] 1980 - Band split in London