The Vipers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Vipers were an Irish new wave group of the late 1970s. A live act fronted by Paul Boyle and guitarist George Sweeney, they toured with Thin Lizzy,[1] The Clash[2] and The Jam.[3]
The group was formed as part of a growing punk scene in Dublin the late 1970s.[4] The Vipers played in what was reported to be Ireland's first punk festival in June 1977, along with The Undertones. During the event, a member of the crowd was stabbed and killed,[5] and the Irish punk music scene was subsequently blacklisted.[6]
In 1978, The Vipers headlined a series of live gigs at McGonagles in Dublin, which featured the Dublin-based rock band U2 as the supporting act.[7][8] Their debut single "I've Got You"/"No Such Thing" (Mulligan LUNS 718) was released in late 1978. This was heard by the BBC's John Peel who invited them to the UK to do a session for his radio programme.[9] A permanent move to London led to UK tours with the Boomtown Rats and Thin Lizzy,[10] as well as performances including at the Marquee, Music Machine and Fulham Greyhound. A further single, "Take Me" was released in 1980.[2]
The group included Boyle (lead vocals/guitar), Sweeney (lead guitar), Brian Foley (bass), and Dave Moloney (drums).[2] Bernie Smirnoff (ex-Hollywood Killers) took over from Moloney, as drummer, in September 1979.[2]
The Vipers disbanded in December 1980.[1] Boyle subsequently changed his career to acting, whilst other members of the group remained musicians. Foley went on to join The Blades,[11] Moloney to the Cajun Kings and Sweeney to The Fat Lady Sings. Bernie Smirnoff later played for Kingbathmat.[12]
Paul Boyle died in London in 2019.[10]
