From: Cork
Active: 1985-88
Style: Rock
Lineup:
- John Shanahan - vocals & guitar
- Liam Shanahan - keyboards & vocals
- Jerry Fehily - drums
Bio:
Cork trio I know very little about. I remember hearing them
on Dave Fanning's Show in 1985, possibly demos or in session, or perhaps it was simply the singles.
Shimpu Zig Zag won a competition on Ian Dempsey's RTE Radio 2 show in December 1985. The prize was
the chance to support Stockton's Wing on their Irish tour in early 1986. They were also Carling/Hot Press
Finalists in the first half of 1986.
1986 bio:
"Shimpu Zig Zag consists of Lia, Shanahan, John Shanahan and Jerry Fehily. Liam plays an extensive range
of keyboards and sequencers, while John sings and plays guitar, and Jerry plays drums. This three-piece
line-up is unusual in that there is no bass guitarist.
When asked about this, John said, "A three-piece line-up is a very tight, cohesive unit, giving all
the members of the band a high degree of control over the material they play. The advantage of
the instrumental line-up is the depth of sound a keyboards player can obtain over and above
what he can cover in the bass area.
Technically the band are all skilled musicians, Jerry in particular having a reputation for his
great playing ability, and is the most in demand session drummer in Cork. Liam completed
classical training on both piano and church-organ, and both he and John have
extensive choral experience.
However, all this technical ability is seen as a means to an end, rather than an end
in itself, and the hallmarks of Shimpu Zig Zag are the powerful vocal melodies as
mich as the very direct and unique blend of their instrumental line-up."
Both singles were recorded in England (Cottage and Amazon studios), the first in the summer
of 1985, the second a year later. The latter was produced by Denis Herlihy, who also worked
with the band on their live set.
According to the press sheet, when "Mayday" was recorded in June 1986, another single was
recorded at the same time. This was planned as the bands third single to be released at
Christmas 1986 -- but did this ever come out?
In late 1986 Liam Murphy joined (on bass?), making the band a quartet.
The band was still touring in 1988, undertaking a major Irish tour in August.
Jerry Fehilly later joined the Hot House Flowers.
If you know more about this band please get in touch.
Discography
• Passion Play / Coming Home
7" - Bukov Records - SRT5KS468 - IRL - 1985 - PS; signed + numbered (1000 pressed)
Recorded at West 3 Studios, London 23-25 March 1985.
Produced and engineered by John McGowan.
• Mayday / The Scream
7" - Nouveau Wax - NW02 - IRL - 1986 - PS
Help!
We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more
information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can
use, or spare copies of any releases,
then please get in touch.
See Also:
