Cactus World News are an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in April 1984. Founded by Frank Kearns (guitar) and Eoin McEvoy (vocals), the first full stable lineup also included Wayne Sheehy (drums) and Fergal MacAndris (bass).[1] They reformed in 2011 with a new lineup of Kearns, Sheehy and MacAndris, with Eoin Scott and Eoin Watkins. Their early influences were the Clash, Ramones, Talking Heads, U2, the Waterboys and R.E.M.
Cactus World News | |
|---|---|
 Cactus World News MCA records Publicity photo | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | Rock, new wave |
| Years active | 1984–1991, 2011–present |
| Labels | MCA |
| Past members | Frank Kearns Feargal MacAndris Wayne Sheehy Eoin McEvoy |
| Website | CWN website |
Career edit
Their first release, and best known song was "The Bridge", which was produced by U2's Bono, and released on their Mother Records label. They toured the UK with The Cult in 1985 and signed to MCA Records.[1] They performed at the Self Aid concert in Dublin on 17 May 1986. The band released their debut album, Urban Beaches, in 1986 and gained impact hits with its three singles: "Years Later", "Worlds Apart" and a re-recording of "The Bridge". It is a five star album on iTunes USA.[2] AllMusic gave Urban Beaches 4.5 out of 5.[3] All three singles reached the UK Singles Chart.[4]
After their second album, No Shelter, was shelved in 1989, the band were released from their recording contract and underwent several personnel changes. MacAindris and Sheehy both quit in 1989. McEvoy and Kearns continued for a few more years, with various other band members coming and going, including Chris McGoldrick (bass), John Doyle (bass) and JJ Collier (drums).
In 2010 Kearns played guitar on three songs on the Australian band The Church's album Untitled #23 ("Dead Mans Hand", "On Angel Street", and "Operetta"). Praised for its moody yet strong songwriting, it has yielded some of the Church's best reviews of their career, including a 5 star review from Australia's Rolling Stone.[5] Kearns also contributed guitar to "Love Philtre" on the Church's 2014 album Further/Deeper.[6]
Discography edit
Albums edit
- Studio albums
| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK [4] |
US [7] | ||
| 1986 | Urban Beaches | 56 | 180 |
| 2004 | No Shelter | - | - |
- Live album
- 1986 - Live: Spin Magazine Concert Series
Compilation album
- 2015 - Found
Singles edit
| Year | Title | Chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| UK [4] | ||
| 1985 | "The Bridge" | - |
| 1986 | "Years Later" | 59 |
| "Worlds Apart" | 58 | |
| "The Bridge" | 74 | |
| 1989 | "Rebound" | - |
| "Town Like This" | 144 | |
| 1990 | "Don't Let Me Down" | - |
References edit
- ^ a b Henderson, Dave (1985) "Cactus World News Bridge that Gap", Sounds, 14 December 1985, pp. 26-7
- ^ "Urban Beaches by Cactus World News on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 1 January 1986. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Sutton, Michael "Urban Beaches Review", Allmusic. Retrieved 23 May 2016
- ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 89. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "The Church Discography - Untitled #23". Archived from the original on 15 May 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- ^ "Rolling Stone Australia — Exclusive Stream: The Church 'Further/Deeper'". Archived from the original on 16 October 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- ^ "Cactus World News (US)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 November 2021.