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BLUE RUSSIA

BLUE RUSSIA circa 1984

Lineup:
Pete Delaney (vocals)
Frank Washington (guitar)
Tony St. Ledger (bass)
Noel McMurray (drums)

Jim Miller (guitar from 1985-86)

Blue Russia 7 inch singleBlue Russia 7 inch single

Vixen Records - 7 inch single:
Vixen FM008
IRL 1983

Russian Around
The A-side Russian Around was produced by
Phil Lynott and Jerome Rimson.
CLICK to listen
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

b/w

She Never Came
The B-side She Never Came
was produced by Jerome Rimson.
CLICK to listen
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

In an October 23rd 2004 inteview with me, Noel McMurray, the drummer for the band, explains:
"In 1983, Phil Lynott and Jerome Rimson produced the first single for a Dublin band "BLUE RUSSIA."
"It was released on Vixen records, got strong airplay and made minor chart success in Ireland 1983."

"The single was entitled 'RUSSIAN AROUND' and dealt with the feelings of arms race, nukes, and
the general fear that we were (are) on a road to blowing ourselves to kingdom come?"

"The single also had a video produced by RTE TV that illustrated the depth of the song of
'political smiling faces and shaking hands' between world leaders in order to keep the real agendas
secret from the public."

"The credit for Phil Lynott is not actually shown on the cover for the single because
the single was remixed before release and the cover was based on the original mix.
We did an all-nighter at Lombard Studios in Dublin and Philo did some awesome
work to the drum production which gave it the 'live power' we were looking to reflect."

Noel McMurray acknowledges that that Phil made a big impression on him on both a personal friendship
level as well as being a professional inspiration. "He made a difference. What more can I say."

WHAT ARE THEY DOING TODAY?

Salt Recording Studios
Salt Recording Studios 


Noel (October 23rd 2004): "Frank Kearns (aka Frank Washington) was the original member and founder of BLUE RUSSIA. 


Frank was a key inspriration to me then and again 25 years later.  


Frank went on to form Cactus World News and is presently travelling the islands  of the pacific (Western Samoa)  capturing sound & vision for his latest concept album.   It should be released sometime in the next few months."  


His website is www.saltrecordingstudio.com.















A STEP FURTHER


Noel (October 23rd 2004): "So this is what I do today 25 years later -- I'm still playing.  The band, A STEP FURTHER, is beginning to gather a very strong following.  I call it 'Irish guy meets with the blues in California'  ;)  A STEP FURTHER takes what might have been if Jimi was still alive today, well at least from our perspective."  


In a May 3rd 2010 interview, Noel told me that: 
"Here are some recent video’s with A Step Further  ... 

my version of the blues with Rafael & Co  ;)  From 2005, I think ... just before I went to Fuji Minx." 


Introduction ... Soundwave ... 
Red House ... 
Drivin' South





"More recently I spent a lot of time, until Dec 2008, with a band called Fuji Minx and we had some successes on the independent alternative market….  If you search around YouTube etc you will find plenty ;)" 



"There may be a video at home somewhere of Russian Around on RTE TV in Ireland – so I am going to try dig that up and get it on YouTube."  









Radiators From Space


 
Radiators From Space




UPDATE April 13th 2017: TONY ST LEDGER



I just received this update from a friend, about Tony St Ledger, ex-BLUE RUSSIA.



Tony St Ledger, ex-Blue Russia is now part of  "Trouble Pilgrim" aka "Radiators from Space" .... all connected to Thin Lizzy and Philo.


Tony was bass player in "MysterMen" and "Blue Russia".   When "The Radiators ..." were on the go late 70s, they were Ireland's 1st Punk band and Philo would've been close to them.   Steve Avril, who was also in the band, designed all of U2s album covers from the beginning to present except maybe one.  They have returned to the scene recently as "Trouble Pilgrim".


From the TROUBLE PILGRIMS website



We can formally announce that the "Trouble Pilgrims" will succeed and take over live and recording duties from the Radiators From Space.


Consisting of founder members Stephen Rapid and Pete Holidai along with long serving member Johnny Bonnie, the band are joined by Bren Lynott on bass and Tony St Ledger on guitar.


The Trouble Pilgrims live set will consist of a full repertoire of familiar tunes, featuring the songs of the late Philip Chevron along with new material as they come on stream.


TROUBLE PILGRIMS














*** Special Note ***


This page last updated: April 13th, 2017


While I have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, I provide it "as is" for your information only.


If you know of any errors or omissions please contact me via e-mail.


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