Fergal Matthews
| JJ72 | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | Alternative rock, indie rock |
| Years active | 1996–2006 |
| Labels | Lakota/Columbia Records |
| Past members |
Mark Greaney Fergal Matthews Garvin Smith Hilary Woods Sarah Fox |
JJ72 were an alternative rock band from Dublin, Ireland. After forming in 1996, they signed to Lakota Records in 1999, releasing two hit albums before splitting in 2006.
The band was formed in 1996 by lead singer and songwriter Mark Greaney and drummer Fergal Matthews, while studying at Belvedere College. Greaney grew up in Dublin, where for a time he lived next door to Phil Lynott. Matthews originated from County Meath. The name 'JJ72' derives from a window at Belvedere College made from 72 jam jars. They cited Nirvana, Mudhoney and Joy Division as influences. After auditioning several bassists they recruited their schoolmate Garvin Smith on bass in 1996. After a few early gigs, Smith left, and Greaney and Matthews once again set about auditions for a new bassist. Two bassists had short stints with the band, but in 1997 Greaney and Matthews entered the studio as a duo to record their first demo. They sent it to local record companies and media but with little response. In 1998 they started university courses, but shortly after starting they decided to concentrate on the band; They played a concert at Behan's pub in Dublin, backed by a string quartet, and were asked to appear on local television. They then recruited Hilary Woods, who Greaney had known for several years. Despite having only picked up bass recently, Woods became a member in January 1999. They recorded a second demo, and targeted the UK, playing several gigs there and getting a write-up in Select. This led to interest from the Dublin-based Sony sub-label Lakota Records, who signed the band in mid-1999.
Début single "October Swimmer" was released in November that year, and was named 'Single of the Week' by BBC Radio 1 DJ Mark Radcliffe. They were given support slots with The Dandy Warhols and My Vitriol. The band had their first hit with "Long Way South" in May 2000, which peaked at number 68 in the UK, and they played at festivals including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds later that year.
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