The Blades to play Dublin’s The Academy in December

Irish new wave band The Blades have announced a show at The Academy, Dublin on Thursday, December 18.

The band was formed by brothers Paul and Lar Cleary, with Pat Larkin in 1977. They released two singles, ‘Hot For You’ in 1980 and ‘Ghost Of A Chance’ in 1981, with the original members.

After a six week residency performing at the Bagott Inn alongside U2, Lar Cleary and Larkin left the group. Paul Cleary, who was The Blades’ main songwriter, recruited Brian Foley on bass and Jack Reilly on drums. He also added a brass section to the band.

In 1982, The Blades released two more singles with their new lineup, ‘The Bride Wore White’ and ‘Revelations of Heartbreak.’

These tracks saw Paul Cleary win Songwriter of the Year, beating out Bono and Van Morrison. ‘The Bride Wore White’ won Single of the Year, and the group won Most Promising Act at the Hotpress Awards in 1982.

Their debut album, The Last Man In Europe, released in January of 1985. Only a year after, in 1986, The Blades disbanded. They played what would have been their last show at The Boxing Club in Drogheda in January that year.

In the nearly four decades since, the band have reformed on multiple occasions to play live shows and release new music.

Tickets go on sale Monday, February 3. For more information, click here.