DM) Where did you start in music?
KR) I was always a into being as a musician way back in Ireland
as a kid. Both my folks were in the TV bus so I was exposed to
entertainment all the time. During college I started bands in
Dublin and eventually emigrated to the states in"'88. After
a few years just hanging out and trying other sh&^ty jobs,
I fell into owning a Bar. The you Dubs was already sort of together
and so we started playing every week at my bar (Fair City). In
"93 we suddenly got interest from labels and signed in the
summer to Scotti Bros.
DM) Do you still own the bar? Any interesting adventures of
those times?
KR) The bar went down in 1995 as touring made it impossible
to keep up but people all over the country still ask about it.
There were many good times there for example every St Pat's day
all the TV crews would show up. The bar held 400 comfortably
but there would always be over 600 inside so it was great TV
watching all beating the crap out of each other to be on camera.
Our first CD release parties were there so it has a huge sentimental
value to all of us.
DM) When you retire, do you think you might re-open it?
KR) Yes, I always talk of opening another bar later on but
who knows where. Our next House of Blues show on Jan 15 will
have a special Fair City surprise
DM) Does the band's popularity ever surprise you?
KR) It's a good Q and one I get a lot. We are always flattered
by the support we've received but when you work and tour as hard
as we do its tough to say surprised, more like thankful. Although
with that said 11.000 people at the Santa Monica pier is always
a nice surprise!
DM) What's the reaction of your family to your success?
KR) They are all glad I'm not living in a box somewhere!!!
I think they are all proud of what we've achieved and would like
to see us break even bigger as they know all the work that goes
into it. Touring is tough on the families but they know we are
living out our fantasies and that's a big thing.
DM) It's tough on the families, but does it ever get tough
on you?
KR) Some of us are lucky that we enjoy what we do for a living.
I am one. The road is tiring and sometimes a little monotonous
but I never regret a bit of it. Its tough but its what I love
doing
DM) A lot of musicians have used their popularity for political
platforms. Have you ever done that for Irish rights?
KR) More recently then ever because of the great recent events
in Northern Ireland. I always mention what's happening at home
and encourage people to support these very brave men and women
in their quest for peace. Lets all hope that their kids will
grow up with normal teenager problems and not the fear of being
shot or blown up at the supermarket
DM) Do you think that there will be freedom in Ireland in
your time?
KR) I would never have thought so a year ago but I am really
starting to hope now. Things like this often happen very quickly
as in Berlin with the wall and I hope for the people of NI that
this will be another long lasting success story for peace in
the 21st century.
DM) I read that at times it can be quite terrifying living
in fear in Ireland. What is life like over there?
KR) Because I am from the South I can't really speak for the
people of Northern Ireland. They have had a terrible time for
so long now I'm sure they are almost numb. The south never really
felt the fear but on the occasions that I would go up there I
was always a little edgy to say the least.
