DUBLIN

1982 - 1990

OVERVIEW In Tua Nua was celtic-influenced rock band which was active during the 1980s. The group was formed in 1982 by Leslie Dowdall [Vocals], Paul Byrne [Drums, Percussion & Vocals], Martin Clancy [Guitars & Backing Vocals], Jack Dublin [Guitar], Brian O'Briain [Uilleann Pipes, Whistles & Saxophone], Lovely Previn [Violin & Backing Vocals], Matt Spalding [Bass Guitar], Steve Wickham [Violin] and Vinnie Kilduff [n/a]. Sinead O'Connor was also involved with the band in the early days and is credited with co-writing the single 'Take My Hand'. That single, the band's debut, was released on Mother Records in 1984. Shortly afterwards, the band was signed by Island Records. The band went on to release two singles on that imprint - 'Take My Hand' and 'Somebody To Love' before being dropped. It is understood that the band recorded an album for Island Records, however, to date, this remains unreleased. The period saw the band's lineup change with the departure of Steve Wickham and Vinnie Kilduff. In their places, the band welcomed Aingeala De Burca on violin and Brian O'Briain on uileann pipes, whistles and saxophone. The band soon signed a new record deal with Virgin, with whom they would stay for the remainder of their career. The period from 1986 to 1990 was to be the band's most successful. They performed at the Self Aid Concert in the RDS in Dublin in May 2006 and contributed the track 'Seven Into The Sea' to the 'Live For Ireland' compilation which was released in the wake of the concert. Both the concert and the album were organised as a support for the dire unemployment situation in Ireland at the time. Over the following months, the group worked on the recording of its debut album, 'Vaudeville'. The record was released at the start of 1987. After the usual promotional duties in support of the album, the band returned to the studio with Don Dixon on production duties. The result of these sessions was 'The Long Acre' album which was released in 1988. By the time the album was released, however, both Aingeala and Ivan had left the group. Lovely Previn joined on violin with Matt Spalding assuming bass guitar duties. The release of 'The Long Acre' and its associated singles saw the band come agonisingly close to a commercial breakthrough. The lead single 'All I Wanted' reached to #69 in the UK singles chart. However, the breakthrough remained elusive. The band headed to Los Angeles to record a third record. However, this was to be the band's final recording. After the recording was completed, the band split. The album remained unreleased for several years. However, in 2007, the album was made available for download. Since the split, Leslie Dowdall went on to forge a successful solo career. Martin Clancy and Paul Byrne formed Sugar Candy Mountain. Martin later performed with Greglab while Paul drummed with The Texas Kellys and Dave And The Beebops before the reformation of Rocky DeValera And The Gravediggers which also featured former band mate Jack Dublin. After the In Tua Nua split, Jack had been playing with The Great Divide. In more recent times, he has been performing with Audiokiss. In April of 2012, 'All I Wanted' was re-released as a digital download marking 30 years since the band's formation. 1982 - Band formed 1984 - Release of 'Coming Thru' single - Release of 'Take My Hand' single 1985 - Release of 'Somebody To Love' single - Release of 'Blue Eyes Again' single - Release of 'Tainted Hands' as split 7" single with Twiggy who contributed the track 'Whisper And I Shall Hear' 1986 - Release of 'Seven Into The Sea' single - Steve Wickham leaves to join the Waterboys. Steve is replaced by Aingela De Burca 1987 - Release of 'Heaven Can Wait' single - Release of 'Vaudeville' album 1988 - Release of 'The Long Acre' album 1989 - Release of 'All I Wanted' single - Release of 'Don't Fear Me Now (Kiss You Once More)' single - Release of 'Wheel Of Evil' single - Band split 2009 - Re-Issue of 'Vaudeville' album - Re-Issue of 'The Long Acre' album 2012 - Re-release of 'All I Wanted' single [19 April] - Release of 'Merry Christmas Everybody' single [30 November]