Whipping Boy

July 2006
Whipping Boy have been confirmed for the 2006 Oxegen festival in Punchestown. The band play Saturday July 8 on the Green Room Stage.

May 2006
RMG reports: "Whipping Boy re-release their much sought after debut album Submarine this May. The record was deleted over ten years ago and has been nigh on impossible to find until now. The album has been remastered and will be available to buy in all good record shops. Standout tracks include the seminal Favourite Sister and Betty Clean.

Following on from the phenomenal sales of the re released Heartworm, Submarine is expected to be picked up by the old fans and the newer recruits alike. On top of the the ongoing sales and critical reappraisals of Heartworm, the reunited band's live shows have opened a whole new chapter in the Whipping Boy story. A new album is expected later this year, for the moment we are going to have to be content to revisit the original releases and appreciate the enduring musical force and startling imagination. Still relevant and original, hear the sound of Ireland's suffering, there remains only one Whipping Boy."

"Reunited Irish quartet Whipping Boy are to re-release their debut album 'Submarine' in May.

The re-mastered version of the long-deleted 1992 album will be available from 12 May on Whipping Boy Recordings.

The full album tracklisting is:
'Safari'
'Beatle'
'Sushi'
'Favourite Sister'
'Astronaut Blues'
'Bettyclean'
'Buffalo'
'Snow'
'Valentine 69'
'Submarine'

Whipping Boy play Dundalk's Spirit Store on 7 and 8 April, The Music Factory in Carlow on 21 April and Dublin's Vicar Street on 29 April."

Mar 3rd 2006, Langton's, Kilkenny, Ireland
Support is the Delorentos and Jinx Lennon. [Photos]

Mar 4th 2006, Dolan's Warehouse, Limerick, Ireland
Support is Dry County and Jinx Lennon.

Mar 10th 2006, Limelight, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Tickets on sale from Katy Dalys, Virgin & all usual Ticketmaster outlets. Credit Card Bookings and Info: 0870 2434455 Venue: www.springandairbrake.co.uk

Apr 7th 2006, Spirit Store, Dundalk, Ireland
Tickets €20
Tickets available online from www.spiritstore.ie and from The Spirit Store phone 042 9352697 for credit card booking. Tickets also available from Record Sleeve, Longwalk Shopping Centre Dundalk Phone 042 9327374.

Apr 8th 2006, Spirit Store, Dundalk, Ireland
Tickets €20. Tickets available online from www.spiritstore.ie and from The Spirit Store phone 042 9352697 for credit card booking. Tickets also available from Record Sleeve, Longwalk Shopping Centre Dundalk Phone 042 9327374.

Apr 21st 2006, The Music Factory, Carlow, Ireland
More information to follow. Buy Tickets.

Apr 29th 2006, Vicar Street, Dublin, Ireland
Ticket details through www.aikenpromotions.com

February 2006
Whipping Boy plan to re-release their much sought after debut album “Submarine” in March. The record was deleted over ten years ago and nigh on impossible to find until now. The album has been remastered and will be available to buy through their website. T-shirts will also be available through their online shop in March.

- The first Dundalk show at the Spirit Store April 7th 2006 has sold out. A second date has been added on April 8th 2006.

- Four new gigs announced for around March 2006. Go here to view.

December 2005
Whipping Boy have announced a fourth December gig, in Galway.

Whipping Boy officially sold out their hometown gig at The Olympia with thousands of tickets gone in a matter of weeks. Their third and final Irish date is at The Forum Waterford on Thursday December 29th in what is one of the most anticipated live gigs of the year.

It happens about as regularly as a sighting of Halley's Comet - a band of luminous distinction streaks away from the mediocre herd and, fuelled by a combination of 10-ton talent and ferocious self-belief, triumphs over impossible odds and heads straight for the stars. Dublin four-piece Whipping Boy is just such a band. Their debut album for Sony (Columbia), "Heartworm" (certified gold in Ireland), recorded at the end of 1994 with producer Warne Livesey featured first single "Twinkle" (voted Single of the Week in Melody Maker, Hot Press, Music Week and on BBC Radio 1) and a second single, "We Don't Need Nobody Else". The album is a blend of heart-heaving emotionalism, visceral savagery and brutal sensuality that distils the single sublime moments of Joy Division, Sonic Youth, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Bowie and a whole host of classical composers into violently personal mini-dramas. It's a brave big-hearted sound.

But mainstream success eluded the young Dubliners and Heartworm didn’t achieve the sales it justified and at the end of the 90’s the band had split. Now over a decade since its release “Heartworm” has become a bona fide classic. Proof, if needed, with the album’s placing in the Hotpress Top 100 Irish albums of all time. Whipping Boy achieved 7th place in that poll - as voted for by thousands of readers, journalists & artists, while sales of the album have never been higher. Tickets for the gig are on sale now from BPM Records, The Forum & Ticketmaster outlets priced 22.50euros + booking fee.

September 15 2005
MCD presents WHIPPING BOY:

DEC 18th, Dublin, Olympia Theatre.
Tickets: 27.50 inc booking fee. Available from Sound Cellar, Road
Records and usual Ticketmaster Outlets. Please see www.mcd.ie.

DEC 19th, Cork, Savoy.
Tickets: 27.50 inc booking fee. Available from www.tickets.ie and Plugd Records.

Both on sale this Friday Sept. 16th at 9am.

September 14 2005
Tickets for WB shows on sale this Friday, 16 Sept, 9am from
Ticketmaster outlets, Road Records, the Sound Cellar. For Cork show, available from www.tickets.ie

September 13 2005
Whipping Boy will appear on the Tom Dunne Show (Pet sounds) on Today FM this Thursday between 7-8pm where they will confirm dates for the Olympia, Dublin on the 18 December and the Savoy in Cork on the 19th December.

September 2005
Big news on the Whipping Boy front with strong rumours that the band may be making a return to the live front with two shows in December!

August 2005
Amnesty International Benefit Concert, September 10th

Venue: Crawdaddy
Artists: Redneck Manifesto
Fearghal McKee (ex-Whipping Boy) & Renko
Vesta Varro
Mongoose

Tickets: 12euro (9 euro students) can be bought in the Amnesty
shop or at the door on the night. Doors 7.30pm

August 11 2005
Fearghal McKee appears on Today FM broadcasting live from HMV, playing a Rory Gallagher cover 'What Going On' and a Fergus O'Farrell song 'Time Bomb'.

Today FM presenter Alison Curtis talks about Heartworm

"I didn’t know about Whipping Boy until I moved over to Ireland [from Canada] and I first discovered that album in about ’99. I was working in Phantom FM at the time and really trying to familiarise myself with Irish music. Each time I did a show I’d pull out a few albums from the library and listen to them off-air to see what I liked. I remember pulling Heartworm off the shelf and right from the first song just thinking ‘Holy crap! Who is this? This is really good’. And we didn’t have their debut album, unfortunately. I know it’s really hard to get your hands on, so I actually only know Heartworm. I love it so much that I think I got really addicted to it. Generally, it was either ‘Blinded’ or ‘We Don’t Need Nobody Else’ I'd play, but almost every week you were guaranteed to hear something from the album.

I actually didn’t get my own copy until last year because they stopped manufacturing them. Then there was a bit of buzz about Fearghal’s solo stuff, so they pressed a few more and I managed to get a copy. Now, it's the kind of album I'd never want to be without."

Antoinette Curtin, hotpress.com

"Songs that, in their drunken narcissism, are more Irish than the Irish themselves."

John Casey, hotpress.com

"Heartworm is my favourite Irish album of all time for a number of reasons, but mainly it’s because of its raw energy. You can just feel the passion and angst in Fearghal McKee’s voice and lyrics. In the early ‘90s, Whipping Boy managed more than anyone to capture the transition that both Irish music and Irish culture were going through at the time. It still manages to stand out as a definitive album today."

February 2005

Fearghal's new song "What You Wanna To Start?" is up for download. It credits: Fearghal McKee, Torsten Kinsella, Niels Kinsella and Lloyd Hanney.

February 3 2005
fearghalmckee.com: Fearghal will be DJing at the Carnival, Wexford Street, Dublin on Feb. 1st and on every second Tuesday thereafter.

Fearghal's new radio only single "What you wanna to Start?" will be going to radio soon. It will be available here to download as a free mp3 for a limited time only. More details soon.

Live @ Cyprus Ave. Cork Ireland February 25th with God is an Astronaut. Tickets available from venue. 10 euro

Fearghal will be performing some of his new songs @ The Temple Bar Music Centre, March 4th 7.30pm with God is an Astronaut.
Also on the bill are Rollers/Sparkers and The Clockwork Noise.
**Buy Tickets from Ticketmaster - 15 Euro**

Also you can hear Fearghal's new single exclusively first on GIAA TV from February 4th - 11th at Tower Records Wicklow Street Dublin, Ireland.

A new album is well underway, with 5 new songs completed look out for a release late Spring/early Summer.

January 25 2005
Hot Press.com: God Is An Astronaut give their new album the live treatment this March, with guest collaborator Fearghal McKee also on board

Dublin rocktronica merchants – their description, not ours! – God Is An Astronaut give their All Is Violent, All Is Bright album a live airing when they play Cyprus Avenue, Cork (February 25) and the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin (March 4).

Joining them onstage is Fearghal McKee, the former Whipping Boy man who's been writing and recording with the God squad.

The first fruits of the liaison, 'What You Want To Start?', are being made available soon on www.fearghalmckee.com as a free download, with an album to follow in the summer.

Also on the Dublin bill are Rollers/Sparkers and The Clockwork Noise

January 2005
thumped.com: Whipping Boy frontman Fearghal McKee makes a welcome return to the live music scene on March 4th to perform several of his new songs from his forthcoming album due out later this year.

He will be playing in the Temple Bar Music Centre along with God is an
Astronaut, Rollers/Sparkers and The Clockwork Noise. Doors open 7.30pm.
Tickets for the show are available through all Ticketmaster outlets.

Whipping Boy fans will get a chance to hear his debut single at Tower
Records Wicklow Street on from February 4th - 11th on GIAA TV.

Fearghal has been writing and recording with Dublin "Roctronica" outfit God Is An Astronaut.

For more info log onto www.fearghalmckee.com

They're playing Cork (Cyprus Ave) on Feb 25."

November 19 2004
Fearghal McKee on Heartworm (No. 7/100) | The 100 Greatest Irish Albums

"It’s got a great sound, great production. It hasn’t lost its charm. I think it’s one for people in their mid-twenties..."

October 2004
Ferghal is rumoured to be working with God Is An Astronaut helping them out with some vocals, and in turn Ferghal with have his own album out sometime in early 2005.

September 2004
Alphastates, The Rags and Chuckle Deluxe (Ferghal McKee's new band) play the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin on September 17.

alphastates.com: "By the way, did I mention that Ferghal McKee's band is now called Chuck Deluxe? The Rags are also playing, apparently they're brilliant so get the arses there early and enjoy yourselves."

June 2004
"92.1 Phantom FM Acoustic Night - The Village Venue, Wexford Street, Sunday June 20th.

92.1 Phantom FM mark the end of their successful second temporary licence with a special “Unplugged Seisiún” in The Village Venue on Wexford Street on Sunday June 20th. Featured artists on the night include Phantom FM favourites: Juno Falls, Mark Cullen (Pony Club), Lir, The Chapters, The Mighty Stef & Special Guests. Also the Phantom FM acoustic night features the world premiere of Fergal McKee (ex Whipping Boy) new band "The Miracles".

It’s only a tenner in which cant be bad, and all profits on the night go to AWARE, a charity set up in 1985 to assist that section of the population whose lives are directly affected by depression. 300,000 people in Ireland currently suffer from depression but many hide their depression and never get help. Sadly, over 500 people take their own life each year. AWARE is trying to help."

December 2003
Fergal McKee performs with The thrills at the Olympia on December 22 2003.

October 1 2002
Paul Page: "There are discussions taking place about the possibility of putting out a box set of WB material, comprising of the 3 albums and a disc of unreleased demo's and live material. Its early days yet, but the bands former manager is pulling together as much material as possible, and is now looking to approach Sony regarding the rights to Heartworm."

"Some of the demos include strong versions of the songs from Heartworm, and some unreleased tracks from the sessions for the third album, including live favourites Cuba and Things will never be the Same Again."

December 2001
"Heartworm" features at no.35 in the Top 50 Irish albums compiled by listeners to Tom Dunne's radio programme.

May 2000
Whipping Boy release their third, and final album "Whipping Boy" (LOWRENT2001) on Low Rent Recordings.

January 30 2000
Since we are all wondering what happened to the 3rd Whipping Boy LP, scheduled for release even though the band is sadly no more. Whipping Boy guitarist Paul Page, writes: "We are slowly creeping towards a release date. We were present at the mastering of the record and the sleeve is now ready. It's been difficult getting to this stage as we have no label as such putting it out and we are relying on the goodwill and finances of our former manager. But early March is pencilled in and I will keep you posted."

August 1998
Whipping Boy play in the Virgin Megastore in Dublin. It turns out to be one of their last ever gigs.

July 14 1998
"The brill scotch band Mogwai are playing Cork in August. Sadly it's only as support to the boring Manic Street Preachers."

"More new son this as we get it. We're told that Whipping Boy may also be on the bill - give it up lads, flogging a dead horse is an offence reportable to the RSPCA."

June 9 1998
Manic Street Preachers are scheduled to play Cork Opera House on the 28th of August next in an MCD promotion.

Support on the night will almost certainly come from The Whipping Boy whose next single is due out on the 17th September and their new LP (NOT a re-issue!) is slated for release on the 24th October.

Summer 1998
Whipping Boy play the Heineken Green Energy Festival with Texas, Kula Shaker, Finley Quaye, Catatonia, Jesus and Mary Chain.

Spring 1998
Whipping Boy have been demoing material for their forthcoming album - working title "Grot Pop".

"It contains classic and rock elements that gel perfectly with the sheer blazing energy that is Whipping Boy."

October 30 1997
PHARMACY, on the Red Ant Label, are to play a warm-up gig for their tour of Ireland in support of the Whipping Boy, in Connollys Bar of Leap, West Cork on Thursday 11th December 1997.

Pharmacy include Craig (of Power of Dreams), Ian Olney (Power of Dreams/Cypress Mine), Morty McCarthy (Sultans of Ping F.C.)

Adm will probably be £4.00-£5.00.

October 25 1997
Dublin's Whipping Boy are scheduled to play the Opera House on the weekend of the 11/12 of December next. Their last three appearances in Cork over the last two years have all completely sold out so be sure to get your ticket if you intend attending. PHARMACY who recently signed a worldwide deal with Red Ant provide the support on the entire Whipping Boy Irish tour.

September 25 1997
Whipping Boy (and the appalling Nellies) at Crazy Horse, October 9th.

September 20 1997
Whipping Boy play Crazy Horse on Thursday October 9th as part of UCC's Freshers Night celebrations. No word yet on support bands or price.

August 6 1997
The Whipping Boy gig referred to below has been cancelled, due to vocalist Ferghal McKee's girlfriends baby due that very same day. The promoter Tom Keating tells us that the gig will probably be re-scheduled for October. Original tickets still valid.

June 25 1997
Whipping Boy, possibly Irelands biggest indie band, are playing Crazy Horse on Washington Street, Cork on August 1st next.
Support on the night comes from both The Shanks and Rumblefish.

Tickets will be available from Comet Records and should be priced between £6.00 - £7.00.

February 1997
Whipping Boy play Red Box, Dublin 18-02-97. The gig is broadcast on MTV's Live'n'Direct.

April/May 1996
Whipping Boy/Lou Reed 1996 'Hooky Wooky' European Tour.

Date City Venue
April 5 London, England Shepherds Bush Empire
April 7 Hamburg, Germany Docks
April 10 Stockholm, Sweden Circus
April 11 Copenhagen, Denmark Falkoner
April 13 Cologne, Germany E-Werk
April 14 Munich, Germany Circus Krone
April 15 Zurich, Switzerland Kongresshaus
April 17 Milan, Italy Smeraldo
April 18 Florence, Italy Teatro Verdi
April 20 Bourges Festival
April 22 Madrid, Spain Sports Hall
April 23 Barcelona, Spain Sports Hall
April 25 Toulouse PDS
April 26 Grenoble, Spain Summun
April 28 Paris, France Zenith
April 30 Brussels, Belgium Forest National
May 1 Rotterdam Ahony
May 4 Dublin, Ireland Point
May 6 Manchester, England Apollo
May 8 London, England Wembley Arena
May 10 Glasgow, Scotland Royal Concert Hall
May 11 Birmingham Academy

Date City Venue
May 20 Norwich Waterfront
May 21 Cambridge Junction
May 22 Nottingham Rig (Rock City)
May 23 Glasgow,ScotlandGarage
May 25 Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
May 26 Brighton Essential Music Festival
May 28 Portsmouth Uni
May 29 London, England Astoria

January 1996
They headlined the Heineken Rollercoaster Gig in the UCD Bar. The tickets sold out in twenty minutes and they literally raised the roof.

Dublin
Limerick
Maynooth
Waterford
Galway
Cork
Belfast
Sligo
Athlone
Letterkenny
Dublin

UCD Bar
Theatre Royal
Student Union Bar
Club L.A.
UCG Canteen
The Forum
Empire Music Hall
Southern Hotel
Jolly Mariner
Clanree Hotel
The Furnace

Thurs 8th Feb
Sat 10th Feb
Mon 12th Feb
Tues 13th Feb
Wed 14th Feb
Thurs 15th Feb
Fri 16th Feb
Mon 19th Feb
Mon 26th Feb
Wed 28th Feb
Fri 1st Mar

The Heineken Rollercoaster Tour was a local tour, headlined by Whipping Boy. It was a four act show. Leading out most nights was The BedHangers (from Co. Antrim). Next up was Big Bag of Sticks, who were introduced as a mixture of Irish folk, rock and techno (?), followed by Revelino, an up and coming band from Dublin (with a great new single out right now - I Know What You Want). Then Whipping Boy, who were more than worth the, usually quite long, wait (the Empire, Belfast gig didn't end until after 1.00am). At the final show at the Furnace in Dublin, Whipping Boy's set was recorded, and six of the songs have been released as b-sides for the recently released Twinkle single.

January 4 1996
KING'S CALL
10th Anniversary Vibe For Philo
Point Depot, Dublin

Whipping Boy played 'When We Were Young' ( inc. Shades of a Blue Orphanage & Whiskey In The Jar)

January 1996
The Hot Press reader's poll brought Whipping Boy a number of distinctions including:

Number 1 Best International Album (HEARTWORM); number 1 Best Album (HEARTWORM); number 1 Best Sleeve; number 2 Most Promising Act; number 2 Love Of The Year; and number 3 Best Irish Band (right behind the inevitable U2 and the Cranberries).

October 23 1995
The band release their second album, "Heartworm" (CD 480281 2), in Ireland & UK on Columbia Records. The album sells over 80,000 copies in Ireland. The critics also loved it, many naming it as their album of 1995.

Three singles are released 'We Don't Need Nobody Else', 'When We Were Young' and 'Twinkle'.

1992
The band release their debut album, "Submarine", on Dublin label Liquid Records.

1991
The band released their second of two EPs for the independent Cheree label, "The Whipping Boy" EP in 1990 and "I Think I Miss You" EP in 1991.

1990
The band released their first EP for the independent Cheree label, "The Whipping Boy" EP in 1990.

1987
Whipping Boy played their first gig at a 21st birthday party in Edenberry, County Offaly.

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