The Moondogs

Power punk/pop group The Moondogs formed in 1978 in Derry, and after a year of building

up a fanatical fanbase through solid gigging, they released their debut single on Belfast’s

Good Vibrations label (home to early releases from such acts as The Undertones, Rudi, and The Outcasts).  The band then went on to support their friends The Undertones on many tours and signed to Realrecords (a subsidiary of Sire records and home to The Pretenders).  Once signed to Real the band released the classic single Who’s Gonna Tell Mary, which was co-produced by Mr Pop Idol himself, Pete Waterman – yes really!!  The band released two more singles (including   Imposter produced by Ray Davies of The Kinks) and starred in their own TV series ‘Moondogs Matinee’ before heading into the studio to record their debut LP with renowned producer Todd Rungdren.  Unfortunately straight after recording the album the band split, while still in their teens, and a mere three years after their formation, and the album was shelved, surfacing for a limited release only in Germany only some years later.

In the course of their brief career the band became firm favourites of John Peel and recorded two fantastic sessions for his radio show – these were released last month for the first time, on the UK label, Detour. 

In recent years the band reformed for a benefit gig with friends The Undertones, in support of their beloved Derry City football club and the spark was reignited. While out of the music business for years, songwriter and guitarist Gerry McCandless had never lost his knack of turning out classic three-minute tunes with a real pop sensibility, twelve of which are now showcased on the new album RED FISH.