Aslan, one of the country’s most prolific bands is returning to Kilkenny next week in a performance not to be missed in Kytelers.
Aslan, who took their name from the heroic lion in CS Lewis's series of books chronicling the fictional land of Narnia emerged from the working class areas of Finglas and Ballymun in Dublin's Northside, in the mid 1980s.
They have had an up/down career for more than 23 years but still manage to remain one of the country’s best loved bands of all times.
They released a demo single, 'This Is', in the spring of 1986, which was a huge hit and became the longest ever play-listed single on Ireland's pop radio station, RTÉ 2fm.
In the summer of 1986 they played a series of rapturously received shows in the UK and at the end of 1986 Aslan walked away with The Stag/Hot Press,' Most Promising New Band' award and signed to EMI.
In 1988 they recorded their debut album, 'Feel No Shame' which shot straight in to the No.1 spot of the Irish charts and remained there for weeks. Within a couple of months it was certified Gold. Then in August 1988, just as the option for their 2nd album had been picked up, Aslan infamously imploded, torn apart by overindulgence of all kinds.
Five years and a day to the last time they gigged together, they played what was supposed to be a one off charity gig in Finglas; the spark was reignited and Aslan landed a new record deal with BMG. The first fruit of the deal, their single "Crazy World", entered the charts at No 4 and stayed in the charts for 3 months, becoming one of the most-played songs on Irish radio for the year.
Aslan then went into the studio under their own steam and began recording a new album, 'Here Comes Lucy Jones' in April 1996. Released in October 1997, the album went into the Irish chart at 14 'Shame About Lucy Moonhead', a compilation of the best of Aslan's recorded work on EMI, was released in July 1998, shot into the Irish albums charts at No.1 and has since turned double platinum.
In March 1999 Aslan played five sell out shows in Ireland's most prestigious intimate venue, Vicar St, during which their live album and video concert movie/DVD 'Made In Dublin' were recorded. Both shot to No 1 in their 1st week of release. Aslan finished 1999 on a high note by selling out Ireland's largest indoor venue (9000 capacity ) , the Point Theatre on December 26.
In the spring of 2001 Aslan recorded a single, "She's So Beautiful", (featuring Sinead O 'Connor on backing vocals, ) which entered the Irish singles charts at number 9.
October 2005 and the band release a 48 track CD, simply called The Platinum Collection. The album chronicles the singles, b-sides and rarities of their long career.
2007 marked 25 years together with their first single "Here Comes The Sun" from their album, "For Some Strange Reason" entering the Irish Singles Charts at No. 5.
On February 15, 2008 Aslan were named 'Best Irish Band' at The Meteor Irish Music Awards. Tony McGuinness announced shortly after on the bands website that he was to move to Australia for one year with his family and would be replaced by Rodney O'Brien as bass player for Aslan during that time.
In April 2008, the band announced that they would record an album consisting completely of cover versions. This will be the band's first ever album without Tony McGuinness. 'Uncased' will feature tracks by David Bowie, John Lennon, U2 and Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
They play in Kytelers on Friday August 7 next. Tickets are available from the bar.
