Team Hot Press is saddened to learn that singer Paul Boyle from 1970s Dublin group, The Vipers, has passed away.

In a touching https://boyone.ie/the-passing-of-paul-boyle post, his bandmate Brian Foley explains that Paul's death actually occurred in 2019 in London, but that word has only just reached his old friends who'd lost contact with him.

Starting out rock 'n' roll life in 1977 just as punk was exploding on both sides of the Irish Sea, their debut gig was alongside Revolver, Gambler, The Undertones and The Radiators From Space at the UCD gig which ended in tragedy when an audience member was stabbed to death.

Happier times were to come as they gigged regularly in the Magnet Bar, amassing a sizeable following which lead to a deal with Mulligan Records who also looked after The Boomtown Rats in Ireland.

A support slot on the Rats' 1978 Christmas tour boosted The Vipers' profile in the UK, with Paul Weller, John Peel and Philip Lynott among their growing fan club – a major breakthrough appeared to be on the cards when they played 30 Black Rose tour dates with Thin Lizzy.

Alas, despite the quality of tunes like 'I've Got You' and 'No Such Thing', chart success eluded them and they went their separate ways.

We wrote about The Vipers regularly in Hot Press, and remember Paul as a passionate character who turned into a real live wire on stage. Our condolences to all of his family and friends.

The Vipers - 'You're So Strange' (1979 Peel Session). Paul Boyle (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), George Sweeney (lead guitar), Brian Foley (bass, backing vocals), Dave Moloney (drums) https://t.co/y8oTjHzvae

— fanningsessions (@fanningsessions) October 27, 2019

https://t.co/6UDcTId8dg
Singer Paul Boyle from 70s new wave band The Vipers has passed away. From myself, George Sweeney ( lead guitarist), and Dave Moloney (drums)....Fangs for the memories

May your restless soul rest in peace.
Full tribute on the link above. pic.twitter.com/B4kztnFtof

— BOY ONE (@BOYONE91337477) March 23, 2022