The Spies

Originally known as The Dark, a band influenced by The Doors (covering "Maggie McGill" and "Peace Frog" live), but also The Kinks, Dylan, Dr. Feelgood and B.B.King ("Four in the Morning" was in their live set). They played Sundays at the Summit Inn in Howth in September/October 1979. The band recorded a 4-song demo in late '79 which led to an appearance on Our Times (RTE) in 1979 and attracted record company interest, including Automatic Records in London. At some point they changed their name to The Spies, and their music became more consciously new wave. 

 

The Spies were a great pop punk/new wave band whose sole single is one of the essential Irish rock singles. Phaeton Records were keen to release a follow up single and a contract was signed for SPIN 4, with "Saturdays" as the A-side and "King And I" as the B. Although it was mentioned in the local press among forthcoming releases the single never materialised, and SPIN 4 does not exist in any form. There are no test pressings, as far as we know. Both tracks may have been recorded on the bands demo, which may also include "Let s Go Insane". Needless to say, these unreleased tracks should be tracked down and released. 

 

Singer Joey Barry was later in Above The Thunderclouds and Thee Amazing Colossal Men. Gerry Leonard (lead guitar) was later in Above The Thunderclouds, Hinterland and has played guitar for David Bowie among others. Peter Leonard (rhythm guitar) lives in Paris. Drummer Gerry Daly's first band Cemetery achieved a degree of exposure through their appearace in an episode of "Radharc" in the early 70s. [SOURCE: IRISH ROCK]