COALISLAND & DUNDONALD, CO. TYRONE | ARMAGH

1997 - 2010

OVERVIEW Yakuza is a rock band originally from Tyrone. The group was formed in 1997 by David McCann [Guitar & Vocals], Ronan Quinn [Guitar & Vocals] and Philip McKernan [Bass Guitar]. All three hail from Coalisland, Co. Tyrone. The trio employed a succession of drummers before finally settling on James McDonald from Armagh, The band soon found themselves in Green Dolphin Studios in Belfast where they recorded their debut EP. The 7-track cassette EP was released in 1997 also. The next release from the band came in 2001. 'Silent Venom' featured a total of five tracks - 'Miguel', 'The Samuel Pepys Show', 'Everyone Thinks I'm A Dinosaur', 'Codefi' and 'Murder At Murder Point'. In 2002, Yakuza contributed 'Everyone Thinks I'm A Dinosaur' as the lead track on a split 7" release with Scottish band Mercury Tilt Switch. They also contributed 'Marycan' to the release. The band recorded its debut album in Glasnevin, Dublin with David 'Dubh' Black. The record, 'One Nation Underawed' was released in 2004. It was subsequently included on Alternative Ulster's 'Top 50 Albums Of 2004' list. The band has since recorded a second album at Jackpot! Studios in Portland, Oregon with David 'Dubh' Black at the helm once again. The album is currently unreleased. Since 2010, Yakuza has been on a hiatus of sorts while they pursue other projects. Ronan joined Cashier No. 9. David and Philip formed Mudbitch in 2009 and have subsequently released a couple of EPs. 1997 - Band formed [July] - Release of 'Hatemonkey' EP 2001 - Release of 'Silent Venom' EP 2002 - Release of 'Everyone Thinks I'm A Dinosaur / Marycan' as a split 7" single with Mercury Tilt Switch 2003 - Release of 'One Nation Underawed' album 2010 - Band on hiatus