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Bio:
Artful new wave from Belfast who inexplicably failed
to make the breakthrough despite heavy interest from several record labels.
Katmandu were the top live band on the Dublin club scene in 1980. They were reknowned
for their live Bowie and Roxy Music covers though came in for some (unfair) criticism
for including them in their live set. They participated in the Tramore Band Competition in August
1980 which was won by The Fuze. The Pop Mecanics
opened for Katmandu at their
regular Sunday night gig at the Baggot in 1981 (1982?). They became friends and when
ex Pop Mecanics leader Pat Dunne recorded a
3-song solo session for Dave Fanning's RTE Radio show in 1983 he was backed by
Katmandu minus Martyn Lundy.
They released
a single on the local Spider label the same year. It is superb and the band
attracted much interest from the major labels. A follow-up single was recorded in
early 1981 for one of the majors (the band's
preferred choice of A-side was "Just Trying To Get My Act Together")
but it never materialised. In fact
nothing came of the contact with the majors and the lineup splintered. Katmandu
moved back to Belfast where by 1982 were playing the same venues where they began five years
earlier.
Katmandu continue to perform
to this day. Many musicians have been through the ranks of the band.
Trevor Hutchinson & Peter McKinney played with The Waterboys in 1986 and
recorded with them at Windmill Lane for a BP Fallon Orchestra session.
Trevor Hutchinson later joined the band (?).
Peter McKinney was later in The 4 Of Us.
Drummer John Lee of Blue Steam and The Tearjerkers
was with the band at one point.
There are many unreleased studio recordings which those who've heard them claim
are far superior to the single. Titles include "Don't Let Me Stop You",
"Complicated Game", "I'm Glad I'm Me", "Money Is The Magic Wand" and "Gimme The Gimmick"
among many others.
This single probably sold quite well and the label variations suggest it was reissued, probably more than once. The slight colour differences noticeable in the cover are most likely due to unintentional printing variations.
We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can use, or spare copies of any releases, then please get in touch.
