BELFAST

1994 - 2000

OVERVIEW Watercress was an indie-pop band from Belfast. The group was formed in1994 with a line up of Brian Acton [Vocals & Guitar], Dan Donnelly [Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Digereedoo, Percussion], Bruce Reid [Bass Guitar] and Rabb Bennett [Drums]. Phil Duffy also played drums with the band at some period. Watercress gained a reputation for producing some fine slices of indie-rock. The band released its debut single, 'Summertime With Me' in 1995. Their next release, 'Candlemaker' [1996] reached No. 1 in the Irish indie charts. The band's debut album 'Bummer' followed in 1998. Watercress recorded a second album entitled 'Pirates On The Vitamin Seas' in 2000 before the band split. The album was never released. Dan went on to record a number of the tracks from this album including 'Cigarette', 'Shine' and `Diamonds On The Road' as part of his solo career. The group disbanded at the end of 2000 - playing a final gig at the Empire Music Hall in Belfast on 23rd December. Brian and Bruce formed Drat. Dan moved to New York and started performing as Sonovagun. Phil Duffy later cropped up as the drummer with Cashier No. 9. 1994 - Band formed 1995 - Release of 'Summertime With Me' EP 1996 - Release of 'Candlemaker' EP - Release of 'Tripped Up' EP 1997 - Release of 'Spacegirl' single 1998 - Release of 'Stars Shine On' single - Release of 'Holiday' single - Release of 'Bummer' album 2000 - Release of 'Oh Yeah' EP - Band split [23 December]