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Revision as of 23:12, 19 June 2016 editI dream of horses (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers572,256 editsm →Post-JJ72 activities: clean up, typo(s) fixed: Dublin based → Dublin-based (2) using AWB← Previous edit Latest revision as of 15:28, 3 September 2024 edit undoEntranced98 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers170,883 edits Adding local short description: "Irish alternative rock band", overriding Wikidata description "alternative rock band from Dublin, Ireland"Tag: Shortdesc helper 
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{{Short description|Irish alternative rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = JJ72 | name = JJ72
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| background = group_or_band | background = group_or_band
| alias = | alias =
| origin = ], ] | origin = ], Ireland
| genre = ], ] | genre = ], ]
| years_active = 1996&ndash;2006 | years_active = 1996–2006
| label = ]/] | label = Lakota Records/]
| associated_acts = | associated_acts =
| website = | website =
| current_members = | current_members =
| past_members = ]<br/>Fergal Matthews<br />Garvin Smith<br />Hilary Woods<br/>Sarah Fox | past_members = ]<br/>Fergal Matthews<br />Garvin Smith<br />]<br/>Sarah Fox
| notable_instruments =
}} }}


'''JJ72''' were an ] ] from ], ]. After forming in 1996, they signed to Lakota Records in 1999, releasing two hit albums before splitting in 2006. '''JJ72''' were an ] band from ], Ireland. After forming in 1996, they signed to Lakota Records in 1999 and released two albums before splitting in 2006.


==History== ==History==


===Formation and early years=== ===Formation and early years===
The band was formed in 1996 by lead ] and songwriter ] and ] ], while studying at ].<ref name="Strong">Strong, Martin C. (2003) ''The Great Indie Discography'', Canongate, ISBN 1-84195-335-0, p. 814</ref> Greaney grew up in Dublin, where for a time he lived next door to ].<ref name="Jones">Jones, Tim (2001) "JJ72: Gasping for Air", '']'', No, 265, September 2001, p. 40-44</ref> Matthews originated from ].<ref name="Jones" /> The name 'JJ72' derives from a window at Belvedere College made from 72 ].<ref name="Jones" /> They cited ], ] and ] as influences.<ref name="Strong" /> After auditioning several bassists they recruited their schoolmate Garvin Smith on bass in 1996.<ref name="Jones" /> After a few early gigs, Smith left, and Greaney and Matthews once again set about auditions for a new bassist.<ref name="Jones" /> Two bassists had short stints with the band, but in 1997 Greaney and Matthews entered the studio as a duo to record their first demo.<ref name="Jones" /> They sent it to local record companies and media but with little response. In 1998 they started university courses, but shortly after starting they decided to concentrate on the band; They played a concert at Behan's pub in Dublin, backed by a ], and were asked to appear on local television.<ref name="Jones" /><ref name="Jones" /> They then recruited Hilary Woods, who Greaney had known for several years.<ref name="Jones" /> Despite having only picked up bass recently, Woods became a member in January 1999.<ref name="Jones" /> They recorded a second demo, and targeted the UK, playing several gigs there and getting a write-up in '']''.<ref name="Jones" /> This led to interest from the Dublin-based ] sub-label Lakota Records, who signed the band in mid-1999.<ref name="Jones" /> The band was formed in 1996 by lead singer and songwriter ] and drummer Fergal Matthews, while studying at ].<ref name="Strong">Strong, Martin C. (2003) ''The Great Indie Discography'', Canongate, {{ISBN|1-84195-335-0}}, p. 814</ref> Greaney grew up in Dublin, where for a time he lived next door to ].<ref name="Jones">Jones, Tim (2001) "JJ72: Gasping for Air", '']'', No, 265, September 2001, p. 40-44</ref> Matthews originated from ].<ref name="Jones" /> The name 'JJ72' derives from a window at Belvedere College made from 72 ].<ref name="Jones" /> They cited ], ] and ] as influences.<ref name="Strong" /> After auditioning several bassists they recruited their schoolmate Garvin Smith on bass in 1996.<ref name="Jones" /> After a few early gigs, Smith left, and Greaney and Matthews once again set about auditions for a new bassist.<ref name="Jones" /> Two bassists had short stints with the band, but in 1997 Greaney and Matthews entered the studio as a duo to record their first demo.<ref name="Jones" /> They sent it to local record companies and media but with little response. In 1998 they started university courses, but shortly after starting they decided to concentrate on the band; They played a concert at Behan's pub in Dublin, backed by a ], and were asked to appear on local television.<ref name="Jones" /> They then recruited ], who Greaney had known for several years.<ref name="Jones" /> Despite having only picked up bass recently, Woods became a member in January 1999.<ref name="Jones" /> They recorded a second demo and targeted the UK, playing several gigs there and getting a write-up in '']''.<ref name="Jones" /> This led to interest from the Dublin-based ] sub-label Lakota Records, who signed the band in mid-1999.<ref name="Jones" />


===Commercial success=== ===Commercial success===
Début single "October Swimmer" was released in November that year, and was named 'Single of the Week' by ] DJ ].<ref name="Strong" /><ref name="Jones" /> They were given support slots with ] and ].<ref name="Jones" /> The band had their first hit with "Long Way South" in May 2000, which peaked at number 68 in the UK, and they played at festivals including ], ] later that year.<ref name="Strong" /> Début single "October Swimmer" was released in November that year, and was named 'Single of the Week' by ] DJ ].<ref name="Strong" /><ref name="Jones" /> They were given support slots with ] and ].<ref name="Jones" /> The band had their first hit with "Long Way South" in May 2000, which peaked at number 68 in the UK and they played at festivals including ], ] later that year.<ref name="Strong" />


The band released their ] in Summer 2000.<ref name="Strong" /> A great critical and commercial success alike, the ] has sold in excess of 500,000 copies in their native Ireland and in the ], where it reached number 16 on the ].<ref name="Strong" /> In Germany, a special 'tour edition' was released, including a second CD-ROM disc.<ref name="Jones" /> The album spawned the singles "Snow", "October Swimmer", "Long Way South", and "Oxygen", and saw the band perform promotional tours in ] and the ]. "Oxygen" gave the band their first top 30 single in the UK, leading the band to perform on '']''.<ref name="Jones" /> After touring with ] and ], they set out on their own headline tour.<ref name="Jones" /> They supported ] on a tour of Europe, headlined the ''NME Brats'' tour, and played a few gigs in ].<ref name="Jones" /> Several performances had been cancelled after Greaney lost his voice, and there were further cancellations in 2001 after Matthews was knocked off his motorbike, with ]'s drummer Bob Knight standing in for a few gigs.<ref name="Jones" /> Matthews recovered in time for the festival season and support slots with ].<ref name="Jones" /> The band received an ] for 'Best New Band' later that year.<ref name="Jones" /> The band released their ] in Summer 2000.<ref name="Strong" /> Produced by ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-say-new-album-ready-to-roll-2770361|title=JJ72 say new album ready to roll|last=Newsdesk|first=The Hot Press|website=Hot Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> the album was a critical and commercial success and has sold in excess of 500,000 copies in the band's native Ireland and in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 16 on the ].<ref name="Strong" /> In Germany, a special 'tour edition' was released, including a second CD-ROM disc.<ref name="Jones" /> The album spawned the singles "Snow", "October Swimmer", "Long Way South", and "Oxygen", and saw the band perform promotional tours in Europe and the US.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/8519/jj72/|title=JJ72 {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company|website=www.officialcharts.com|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/d.noel/gigs/jj72gigs.html|title=jj72gigs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040409164727/http://homepage.ntlworld.com/d.noel/gigs/jj72gigs.html|archive-date=9 April 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> "Oxygen" gave the band their first top 30 single in the UK, leading the band to perform on '']''.<ref name="Jones" /> After touring with ] and ], they set out on their own headline tour in 2001.<ref name="Jones" /> They supported ] on a tour of Europe, headlined the ''NME Brats'' tour and played in Japan.<ref name="Jones" /> Several performances had been cancelled after Greaney lost his voice and there were further cancellations in 2001 after Matthews was knocked off his motorbike,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jj72.org.uk:80/news/jj72_news.shtml |title=< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020806183554/http://www.jj72.org.uk/news/jj72_news.shtml |archive-date=6 August 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 April 2019 }}</ref> with ]'s drummer Bob Knight standing in for a few gigs.<ref name="Jones" /> Matthews recovered in time for the festival season and support slots with ].<ref name="Jones" /> The band received an ] for 'Best New Band' later that year.<ref name="Jones" /> The band continued touring into February 2002.<ref name="Gigs2002">{{Cite web |url=http://www.jj72.org.uk:80/gigs/jj72gigs_2002.shtml |title=< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021203003220/http://www.jj72.org.uk/gigs/jj72gigs_2002.shtml |archive-date=3 December 2002 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 April 2019 }}</ref>


The band's second album '']'' followed in October 2002. It contained the singles "Formulae" and "Always and Forever", and reached the Top 5 of the Irish album charts and the Top 20 of the ].<ref name="Strong" /> The band's second album '']'' followed in October 2002. It contained the singles "Formulae" and "Always and Forever" and reached the Top 5 of the Irish album charts and the Top 20 of the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="Strong" /> The album was backed by a UK and Europe headlining tour, either side of eight shows supporting ] in November 2002.<ref name="Gigs2002" />


===Return and split=== ===Return and split===
In February 2003, bassist Hilary Woods left the band.<ref name="NewBassist">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-appoint-new-bassist-2655515 |title=JJ72 appoint new bassist |last=Newsdesk |first=The Hot Press |website=Hot Press |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> Greaney and Matthews recruited Canadian-born bassist Sarah Fox as her replacement.<ref name="NewBassist" /> The band played sporadic shows through 2003 and began recording new material with producer ] in August that year,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-to-play-low-key-dublin-date-2675161|title=JJ72 to play low-key Dublin date|last=Newsdesk|first=The Hot Press|website=Hot Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> for a release expected in January 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-back-in-the-studio-2672542|title=JJ72 back in the studio|last=Newsdesk|first=The Hot Press|website=Hot Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> In December 2004, it was reported that recording for the band's third album had been completed at Parkgate Studios, ], with producer Ian Caple.<ref name="AlbumReady">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-say-new-album-ready-to-roll-2770361 |title=JJ72 say new album ready to roll |last=Newsdesk |first=The Hot Press |website=Hot Press |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> A Spring 2005 release was tentatively announced.<ref name="AlbumReady" /> In May 2005, the band played its first shows since November 2003 and released the download and ]-only single "She's Gone",<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jj72.org.uk:80/news/jj72_news.shtml |title=< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040409130757/http://www.jj72.org.uk/news/jj72_news.shtml |archive-date=9 April 2004 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 April 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/its-official-jj72-are-back-2790332|title=It's official: JJ72 are back!|last=Newsdesk|first=The Hot Press|website=Hot Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-release-e-single-2804392|title=JJ72 release e-single|last=Newsdesk|first=The Hot Press|website=Hot Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> which reached 136 in the ].<ref name="News2005">{{Cite web |url=http://www.jj72.org.uk/index.htm |title=JJ72 – jj72.org.uk – 7th May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513225142/http://www.jj72.org.uk/ |archive-date=13 May 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> A second single, "Coming Home" followed in August 2005 and peaked at number 52 in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="News2005" /> A tour followed in September 2005, with Greaney expressing from the stage his frustrations regarding the release of the third album, pending an ongoing dispute with their record labels Lakota Records/Sony. An October 2005 release date for the album failed to materialise.<ref name="News2005" /> Songs rumoured to have been included on the new album: "Take From Me", "Radio", "Everything", "Rainfalls", "Underground", "Maria", "Nothing In This World", "Some Day" (this song, as Demo version, appear as B-side on the "coming Home" 7" vinyl). A promotional CD containing "Coming Home", "Take From Me", "Radio" and "Everything" was circulated in 2005.
In March 2003 bassist Hilary Woods left the band.
Greaney and Matthews recruited ] born bassist Sarah Fox as her replacement. After a two-year silence, the band embarked on their first tour with Sarah Fox in May 2005, and released the ] and ] only single "She's Gone". A second single, "Coming Home" followed in August 2005, peaking at number 52 in the ]. A tour followed in September 2005, with Greaney expressing from the stage his frustrations regarding the release of the third album. pending an ongoing dispute with then current ]s Lakota Records/]. ]s rumoured to have been included on the new album: "Take From Me", "Radio","Everything", "Rainfalls", "Underground", "Maria", "Nothing In This World", "Some Day" (this song, as Demo version, appear as B-side on the "coming Home" 7" vinyl). A promotional CD containing "Coming Home", "Take From Me", "Radio" and "Everything" was circulated in 2005.


However, on June 22, 2006, JJ72 issued a press release announcing they were to split up after ten years together. They cited a struggle with their record label as their main reason for the split. This press release began by borrowing ]'s epitaph and read: However, on 22 June 2006, JJ72 issued a press release announcing they were to split up after 10 years together.<ref name="Split">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/jj72-call-it-a-day-2870429 |title=JJ72 call it a day |last=Newsdesk |first=The Hot Press |website=Hot Press |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> They cited a struggle with their record label as their main reason for the split.<ref name="Split" /> This press release began by borrowing ]'s epitaph and read:


{{Quotation|Reader, we are to let thee know,<br> {{Quotation|Reader, we are to let thee know,<br/>
JJ72's body only lies below;<br> JJ72's body only lies below;<br/>
For could the grave JJ's soul comprise,<br> For could the grave JJ's soul comprise,<br/>
Earth would be richer than the skies.<br><br> Earth would be richer than the skies.<br/><br/>
JJ72 was born during an Easter many seasons ago; today it dies on the cusp of midsummer eleven years later. Mark Greaney, Fergal Matthews & Sarah Fox wish to express their deepest and darkest gratitude to all of those with impeccable taste who helped and supported the band. We remember everything, from mechanical birds in Japan to angels in arid Arizona, from broken bones and Berlin birthdays to predatory Portsmouth spiders. For those who disliked and perhaps despised (gasp) JJ72, thank you - how did beautiful photographs exist without a negative?! We crafted two monuments of magnificence for the future aural pleasure and pain of all would be JJ believers and doubters....and for those who care not for the passing of the petulant yet powerful pup....shame on you! Thank you to Hilary Woods for being a dazzling damsel and thank you to all who played music in/with the band. You know who you are.}} JJ72 was born during an Easter many seasons ago; today it dies on the cusp of midsummer eleven years later. Mark Greaney, Fergal Matthews & Sarah Fox wish to express their deepest and darkest gratitude to all of those with impeccable taste who helped and supported the band. We remember everything, from mechanical birds in Japan to angels in arid Arizona, from broken bones and Berlin birthdays to predatory Portsmouth spiders. For those who disliked and perhaps despised (gasp) JJ72, thank you – how did beautiful photographs exist without a negative?! We crafted two monuments of magnificence for the future aural pleasure and pain of all would be JJ believers and doubters....and for those who care not for the passing of the petulant yet powerful pup....shame on you! Thank you to Hilary Woods for being a dazzling damsel and thank you to all who played music in/with the band. You know who you are.}}


===Post-JJ72 activities=== ===Post-JJ72 activities===
Mark Greaney embarked upon his first tour as a solo artist in May 2007. He subsequently formed a new band called ], featuring himself (guitar and vocals), Gavin Fox (ex-]/Turn/Vega4 on bass) and Binzer (ex-BellX1/Frames/Halite on drums). The band performed live throughout Ireland as part of the "2fm 2moro 2our" in November 2007, and supported ] in Belfast and Dublin in Spring 2008. Concerto for Constantine then went on to sell out headline shows in Dublin and London, and also played at the ] in Ireland and at ] in Scotland in July 2008. Greaney is currently making another record under a new moniker, the title and style of which is as yet unknown. He is also an artist manager, and is a college tutor and Head of Vocals in a Dublin-based D.I.T. degree in Modern Music. Mark Greaney embarked upon his first tour as a solo artist in May 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/1721106-simple-kid-simply-tours|title=Simple Kid simply tours|website=Drowned in Sound|access-date=15 April 2019|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416000617/http://drownedinsound.com/news/1721106-simple-kid-simply-tours|url-status=dead}}</ref> He subsequently formed a new band called ], featuring himself (guitar and vocals), Gavin Fox (ex-]/Turn/Vega4 on bass) and Binzer (ex-BellX1/Frames/Halite on drums). The band performed live throughout Ireland as part of the "2fm 2moro 2our" in November 2007 and supported ] in Belfast and Dublin in Spring 2008. Concerto for Constantine then went on to sell out headline shows in Dublin and London, and also played at the ] in Ireland and at ] in Scotland in July 2008. Post activity with Concerto for Constantine, Greaney returned to academia and is now head of education at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM). New musical work includes the project, Vishion Factum, focusing on ] and the aesthetics of succulent plants.


Sarah Fox played bass for a band called ], but has since left the band and is now a London-based graphic designer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/design-matters-graphic-design-and-illustration-1.2075443|work=]|accessdate=January 24, 2015|title=Design Matters: Graphic Design and Illustration|last=Tipton|first=Gemma|date=January 24, 2015}}</ref> Fergal Matthews lives in Norway and plays drums for Blodhevn. Woods is a visual artist and is involved in her own solo project ''The River Cry'', her debut album was released on February 14, 2013.<ref>"", retrieved 2016-01-31</ref> Sarah Fox played bass for a band called ], but has since left the band and is now a London-based graphic designer.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/design-matters-graphic-design-and-illustration-1.2075443|newspaper=]|access-date=24 January 2015|title=Design Matters: Graphic Design and Illustration|last=Tipton|first=Gemma|date=24 January 2015}}</ref> Fergal Matthews lives in Norway and plays drums for Blodhevn. Woods returned to visual arts and started a solo project called ''The River Cry'', with a debut self-titled album released on 14 February 2013.<ref>"". Retrieved 31 January 2016</ref> She is now recording under her own name on the ] label,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacredbonesrecords.com/collections/hilary-woods|title=Hilary Woods|website=Sacred Bones Records|access-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> and recorded two LPs in 2018 and 2020.


==Band member details== ==Band members==
* ] (], ], ]) born 23 June 1980. * ] (born 23 June 1980) – vocals, guitar, piano
* Fergal Matthews (]) born 29 January 1980, in ]. * Fergal Matthews (born 29 January 1980, in ]) – drums
* Hilary Woods (], ]) born 30 May 1980. * ] (born 30 May 1980) – bass, backing vocals
* Sarah Fox (bass) - from 2003 onwards. * Sarah Fox – bass (from 2003 onwards)
* Garvin Smith (bass) - early line-up. * Garvin Smith – bass (early line-up)


==Discography== ==Discography==
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!rowspan=2 width="150"| ]<br /><small>(])</small> !rowspan=2 width="150"| ]<br /><small>(])</small>
|- |-
!width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref name="Irish positions">{{cite web | title = Irish chart positions | url = http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=JJ72 | publisher = irish-charts.com |accessdate=30 July 2009 }}</ref> !width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref name="Irish positions">{{cite web | title = Irish chart positions | url = http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=JJ72 | publisher = irish-charts.com |access-date=30 July 2009 }}</ref>
!width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref name="chartlog">{{cite web | title = UK Chartlog | url = http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_J.HTM | publisher = Zobbel.de |accessdate=16 December 2008 }}</ref> !width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref name="chartlog">{{cite web | title = UK Chartlog | url = http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/CLUK_J.HTM | publisher = Zobbel.de |access-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref>
!width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref>{{cite web | title = French chart positions | url = http://lescharts.com/search.asp?cat=a&search=JJ72 | publisher = lescharts.com |accessdate=16 December 2008 }}</ref> !width="40"|<small>]</small><br /><ref>{{cite web | title = French chart positions | url = http://lescharts.com/search.asp?cat=a&search=JJ72 | publisher = lescharts.com |access-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref>
|- |-
|2000 |2000
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| align=center| — | align=center| —
| |
*]: Gold<ref>{{cite web | title = ''JJ72'' British sales certification | url = http://www.bpi.co.uk/ | publisher = ] | accessdate = 2008-10-18 }}</ref> *]: Gold<ref>{{cite web | title = ''JJ72'' British sales certification | url = http://www.bpi.co.uk/ | publisher = ] | access-date = 18 October 2008 }}</ref>
|- |-
| 2002 | 2002
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! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref name="Irish positions" /> ! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref name="Irish positions" />
! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref name="chartlog"/> ! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref name="chartlog"/>
! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref>{{cite web | title = Dutch chart positions | url = http://dutchcharts.nl//showinterpret.asp?interpret=JJ72 | publisher = dutchcharts.nl |accessdate=16 December 2008 }}</ref> ! width="40" |<small>]</small><br /><ref>{{cite web | title = Dutch chart positions | url = http://dutchcharts.nl//showinterpret.asp?interpret=JJ72 | publisher = dutchcharts.nl |access-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref>
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 1999 | rowspan="2" | 1999
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| "Always and Forever" | "Always and Forever"
| — | —
| 42 | 43
| — | —
|- |-
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| — | —
|- |-
| colspan="16" style="font-size: 8pt" | "—" denotes releases that did not chart. | colspan="6" style="font-size: 8pt" | "—" denotes releases that did not chart.
|- |-
|} |}
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* *
* *
* *
* *
*{{Discogs artist|artist=JJ72}} *{{Discogs artist|artist=JJ72}}

Latest revision as of 15:28, 3 September 2024

Irish alternative rock band

JJ72
OriginDublin, Ireland
GenresAlternative rock, indie rock
Years active1996–2006
LabelsLakota Records/Columbia Records
Past membersMark Greaney
Fergal Matthews
Garvin Smith
Hilary Woods
Sarah Fox

JJ72 were an alternative rock band from Dublin, Ireland. After forming in 1996, they signed to Lakota Records in 1999 and released two albums before splitting in 2006.

History

Formation and early years

The band was formed in 1996 by lead singer and songwriter Mark Greaney and drummer Fergal Matthews, while studying at Belvedere College. Greaney grew up in Dublin, where for a time he lived next door to Phil Lynott. Matthews originated from County Meath. The name 'JJ72' derives from a window at Belvedere College made from 72 jam jars. They cited Nirvana, Mudhoney and Joy Division as influences. After auditioning several bassists they recruited their schoolmate Garvin Smith on bass in 1996. After a few early gigs, Smith left, and Greaney and Matthews once again set about auditions for a new bassist. Two bassists had short stints with the band, but in 1997 Greaney and Matthews entered the studio as a duo to record their first demo. They sent it to local record companies and media but with little response. In 1998 they started university courses, but shortly after starting they decided to concentrate on the band; They played a concert at Behan's pub in Dublin, backed by a string quartet, and were asked to appear on local television. They then recruited Hilary Woods, who Greaney had known for several years. Despite having only picked up bass recently, Woods became a member in January 1999. They recorded a second demo and targeted the UK, playing several gigs there and getting a write-up in Select. This led to interest from the Dublin-based Sony sub-label Lakota Records, who signed the band in mid-1999.

Commercial success

Début single "October Swimmer" was released in November that year, and was named 'Single of the Week' by BBC Radio 1 DJ Mark Radcliffe. They were given support slots with The Dandy Warhols and My Vitriol. The band had their first hit with "Long Way South" in May 2000, which peaked at number 68 in the UK and they played at festivals including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds later that year.

The band released their eponymously titled debut album in Summer 2000. Produced by Ian Caple, the album was a critical and commercial success and has sold in excess of 500,000 copies in the band's native Ireland and in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. In Germany, a special 'tour edition' was released, including a second CD-ROM disc. The album spawned the singles "Snow", "October Swimmer", "Long Way South", and "Oxygen", and saw the band perform promotional tours in Europe and the US. "Oxygen" gave the band their first top 30 single in the UK, leading the band to perform on Top of the Pops. After touring with Coldplay and Embrace, they set out on their own headline tour in 2001. They supported Muse on a tour of Europe, headlined the NME Brats tour and played in Japan. Several performances had been cancelled after Greaney lost his voice and there were further cancellations in 2001 after Matthews was knocked off his motorbike, with Kylie Minogue's drummer Bob Knight standing in for a few gigs. Matthews recovered in time for the festival season and support slots with U2. The band received an Irish Music Award for 'Best New Band' later that year. The band continued touring into February 2002.

The band's second album I To Sky followed in October 2002. It contained the singles "Formulae" and "Always and Forever" and reached the Top 5 of the Irish album charts and the Top 20 of the UK Albums Chart. The album was backed by a UK and Europe headlining tour, either side of eight shows supporting Suede in November 2002.

Return and split

In February 2003, bassist Hilary Woods left the band. Greaney and Matthews recruited Canadian-born bassist Sarah Fox as her replacement. The band played sporadic shows through 2003 and began recording new material with producer Ken Thomas in August that year, for a release expected in January 2004. In December 2004, it was reported that recording for the band's third album had been completed at Parkgate Studios, Catsfield, with producer Ian Caple. A Spring 2005 release was tentatively announced. In May 2005, the band played its first shows since November 2003 and released the download and 7"-only single "She's Gone", which reached 136 in the UK Singles Chart. A second single, "Coming Home" followed in August 2005 and peaked at number 52 in the UK Singles Chart. A tour followed in September 2005, with Greaney expressing from the stage his frustrations regarding the release of the third album, pending an ongoing dispute with their record labels Lakota Records/Sony. An October 2005 release date for the album failed to materialise. Songs rumoured to have been included on the new album: "Take From Me", "Radio", "Everything", "Rainfalls", "Underground", "Maria", "Nothing In This World", "Some Day" (this song, as Demo version, appear as B-side on the "coming Home" 7" vinyl). A promotional CD containing "Coming Home", "Take From Me", "Radio" and "Everything" was circulated in 2005.

However, on 22 June 2006, JJ72 issued a press release announcing they were to split up after 10 years together. They cited a struggle with their record label as their main reason for the split. This press release began by borrowing John Donne's epitaph and read:

Reader, we are to let thee know,

JJ72's body only lies below;
For could the grave JJ's soul comprise,
Earth would be richer than the skies.

JJ72 was born during an Easter many seasons ago; today it dies on the cusp of midsummer eleven years later. Mark Greaney, Fergal Matthews & Sarah Fox wish to express their deepest and darkest gratitude to all of those with impeccable taste who helped and supported the band. We remember everything, from mechanical birds in Japan to angels in arid Arizona, from broken bones and Berlin birthdays to predatory Portsmouth spiders. For those who disliked and perhaps despised (gasp) JJ72, thank you – how did beautiful photographs exist without a negative?! We crafted two monuments of magnificence for the future aural pleasure and pain of all would be JJ believers and doubters....and for those who care not for the passing of the petulant yet powerful pup....shame on you! Thank you to Hilary Woods for being a dazzling damsel and thank you to all who played music in/with the band. You know who you are.

Post-JJ72 activities

Mark Greaney embarked upon his first tour as a solo artist in May 2007. He subsequently formed a new band called Concerto For Constantine, featuring himself (guitar and vocals), Gavin Fox (ex-Idlewild/Turn/Vega4 on bass) and Binzer (ex-BellX1/Frames/Halite on drums). The band performed live throughout Ireland as part of the "2fm 2moro 2our" in November 2007 and supported Smashing Pumpkins in Belfast and Dublin in Spring 2008. Concerto for Constantine then went on to sell out headline shows in Dublin and London, and also played at the Oxegen Festival in Ireland and at T in the Park in Scotland in July 2008. Post activity with Concerto for Constantine, Greaney returned to academia and is now head of education at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM). New musical work includes the project, Vishion Factum, focusing on transhumanism and the aesthetics of succulent plants.

Sarah Fox played bass for a band called Lluther, but has since left the band and is now a London-based graphic designer. Fergal Matthews lives in Norway and plays drums for Blodhevn. Woods returned to visual arts and started a solo project called The River Cry, with a debut self-titled album released on 14 February 2013. She is now recording under her own name on the Sacred Bones label, and recorded two LPs in 2018 and 2020.

Band members

  • Mark Greaney (born 23 June 1980) – vocals, guitar, piano
  • Fergal Matthews (born 29 January 1980, in Dublin) – drums
  • Hilary Woods (born 30 May 1980) – bass, backing vocals
  • Sarah Fox – bass (from 2003 onwards)
  • Garvin Smith – bass (early line-up)

Discography

Albums

Year Details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
IRE
 UK
 FRA
2000 JJ72
  • Released: 28 August 2000
  • Label: Lakota Records
 7 16 —
2002 I to Sky
  • Released: 11 October 2002
  • Label: Lakota Records
 10 20 124

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Album
IRE
 UK
 NED
1999 "Pillows" ("Oxygen") (demo) — — —
"October Swimmer" — — —
2000 "Snow" — 80 —
"Long Way South" — 68 — JJ72
"Oxygen" 42 23 —
"October Swimmer" 50 29 86
2001 "Snow" 33 21 —
"Algeria" (promo only) — — —
2002 "Formulae" 24 28 — I to Sky
2003 "Always and Forever" — 43 —
2005 "She's Gone" — 136 —
"Coming Home" 38 52 —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

References

  1. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2003) The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, ISBN 1-84195-335-0, p. 814
  2. ^ Jones, Tim (2001) "JJ72: Gasping for Air", Record Collector, No, 265, September 2001, p. 40-44
  3. Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 say new album ready to roll". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  4. "JJ72 | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  5. "jj72gigs". Archived from the original on 9 April 2004. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  6. "< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >>". Archived from the original on 6 August 2002. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  7. ^ "< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >>". Archived from the original on 3 December 2002. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  8. ^ Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 appoint new bassist". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  9. Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 to play low-key Dublin date". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  10. Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 back in the studio". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  11. ^ Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 say new album ready to roll". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  12. "< J J 7 2 . O R G . U K >>". Archived from the original on 9 April 2004. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  13. Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "It's official: JJ72 are back!". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  14. Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 release e-single". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  15. ^ "JJ72 – jj72.org.uk – 7th May 2005". Archived from the original on 13 May 2006. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  16. ^ Newsdesk, The Hot Press. "JJ72 call it a day". Hot Press. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  17. "Simple Kid simply tours". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 16 April 2019. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  18. Tipton, Gemma (24 January 2015). "Design Matters: Graphic Design and Illustration". The Irish Times. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  19. "The River Cry – Album Release". Retrieved 31 January 2016
  20. "Hilary Woods". Sacred Bones Records. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Irish chart positions". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  22. ^ "UK Chartlog". Zobbel.de. Retrieved 16 December 2008.
  23. "French chart positions". lescharts.com. Retrieved 16 December 2008.
  24. "JJ72 British sales certification". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 18 October 2008.
  25. "Dutch chart positions". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 16 December 2008.

External links

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