RATHKEALE, CO. LIMERICK

1987 - 1995

OVERVIEW The Drive was a short-lived Limerick band which pre-dated the better known The Driven. The group was formed in 1987 by Brendan Markham. Brendan had previously performed with a group called A Clockwork Orange. That group split in about 1985 with Markham relocating to Greece. Upon his return in 1987, he recruited Pat Madigan [Guitar], Ned Kennedy [Drums] and Noel Brennan [Bass Guitar] and The Drive was born. The band played together over a number of years, during which time, the lineup may have changed. In 1988, the band won the Heineken 'Search For A Star' Competition. The following year, The Drive finished third in the Hot Press 'Band Of The Year' competition which was held in Cork. The Drive a number of demo tracks during its lifetime, however, there is little detail of these recordings available. In 1990, the band contributed the track 'Attitude' to the 'The Reindeer Age' compilation on Xeric Records. In about 1995, the band stopped trading as The Drive and regrouped as Rubbergutt. This outfit would later morph into The Driven who went on to have some minor success with singles like 'Jesus Loves You More If You Can Drive' [1986] and 'Monkey In A Cage' [1987]. After The Driven split in about 1998, Markham would go on to form Citizen before later launching a solo career. 1987 - Band formed 1988 - The Drive wins the 'Heineken Search For A Star' competition 1989 - The Drive finishes third in the 'Hot Press Band Of The Year' competition 1990 - The Drive contribute the track 'Attitude' to the 'The Reindeer age' compilation on Xeric Records 1995 - In about 1995, the band ceased trading as The Drive and reformed as Rubbergutt