Paranoid Visions

Paranoid Visions were one of the finest, most successful and longest lasting Irish punk bands ever- outlasting every other band of their type (12 years solidly on the road) they reached a level of notoriety surpassed only by the slightly more arty (and successful) Virgin Prunes. In 1987 the Press was full of praise for the band as they started their backlash against U2 with their FOAD2U2 campaign (F.O.A.D.=F**k off and die!!)which spread like wildfire on walls, buses and leather jackets. The "I Will Wallow" single sold by the bucket load and received widespread acclaim on both sides of the Irish Sea. Most notable was a terrific parody of U2's Boy album cover featuring a gap toothed child with one finger in the air. The band's 'Schizophrenia' album was received even better by the press and earned the band 4 stars in " Sounds", 3 out of 3 spots in "Underground" and a big smiling face in the "Hot Press" reviews sections.

Blythe Power, Chaos UK, and Poison Girls in their earlier years, and 999, Manic Street Preachers, the Senseless Things, and the Mega City 4 in their later years.

Cast of Characters


Since their formation in 1981 there have been a total of 21 members in the Paranoid Visions. Below are brief (in some casas very brief!) pen pictures of the various members.

Deko

Founder member, vocalist and driving force behind the band for its lifetime. Went on to form Hellvision, featuring Paddy (ex Subterraneans) and some members of Stigmata Martyr. Moved on to Striknien DC who have recently released their first e.p., and whose debut album is due for release in June '96.Taking vocal duties in the reformed lineup.

P.A.

Founder member and guitarist throughout its lifetime, went on to form S.H.A.G. with other p.v. members Joe and Al with Robbie Craven. Split up after a succession of unsuccessful female vocalists. Moved on to Lowe with Robbie and a vocalist called Tanya who almost joined S.H.A.G..Split up after one demo. Currently running own printing business.Taking guitar duties in the reformed lineup.

Brian

Founder member and bass guitar (1981-1983)

This is the only photo in existence of Brian. His current whereabouts is unknown.

Colin

Founder member and drummer (1981-1986) Currently living between Columbia and London

Caff

Bass guitar. Left the band to join Dreamcreeper as a guitarist and soon took over vocal duties also.Played hundreds of very successful gigs with the likes of the Almighty etc. before finally calling it a day to persue other projects in 1993. Currently wri ting and demoing material with no set game plan yet.

Danny

Drums. Went on to Play with various bands including The Picture House and a covers band in the Canary islands. Also hosted a programme on pirate radio for a while.

Aisling

Gave up music to concentrate on her media career, moved to France and back to Dublin again via London and Cork.

Nikki

Moved to Limerick and then to London, now back living in Dublin.

Emily

Apparantly did a session with Bumble, almost joined S.H.A.G. but moved to Australia, and then on to London where she worked as a fitness instructer. Also studied fashion and worked as a dance club D.J. Currently working in the fashion industry.

Geno

Bass. Stopped playing to concentrate on his family. He is however according to a strong rumour a bit of a Karoke king!

Al

Drums. Apart from playing with S.H.A.G. Al has played extensive session work and found time to play with The Knocking Shop, Captain Hex, and currently Caliban (who have just returned from Italy where they have released an album). Al has also recorded ever y decent guitar based band in the country in his Sonic 24 track studio.

Hungry Joe Libido

Guitar. Also played with S.H.A.G..Decided afterwards that he would learn Flamenco guitar and, musical chameleon that he is,did so very succeccfully and will often be found playing in places that will give him money, free food, free wine(these things all make him very happy). Also played with Trad Irish/punk rock cabaret band George Bernard and the Hardshaws.

Denis

Bass. Went on to form Swamp with Brian (ex-Gorehounds).Taking over guitar duties in the re-formed line up.

Nuala Hoop

Vocals. Moved to London and went on tour with RDF as a backing vocalist. Moved back to Dublin to study.

Karl Young

Drums(1988-1989).

Greg

Keyboards.(1984-1986).

Brayo

Vocals.(1984-1986).

Skinny

Bass.(1983-1986).Went on to play with a host of hardcore bands including Terry Wogan and the Hellbashers, Eat Shit, D.T. Warriors, The Blueberry Hellbellies and most recently Coitus. Taking bass duties in the reformed band.

Karl Stephenson

Drums.1986. was sadly killed in a car accident shortly after he left the band. R.I.P.

Sarah

Vocals.1984.

Darragh McCarthy

Sorry no photo of Darragh.

Bass.1989.Last seen presenting TV prog. on RTE and CH4.now works in video production.

In the reformed lineup the drumming duties will be taken over by Beano. Beano has played in various bands including Malachi (1986); Crippled Influence (1987-1989); Judgement Day (1989-1992); Stigmatamartyr (1989-1993); Skint/Skumvoid (1996 to date ) and S triknien D.C. (1993 to date).