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Bio:
The Lookalikes formed in Dublin circa 1979 as a pseudo-funk ultra-technical
new wave band. This early lineup included founder member Paul Bell on keyboard
who'd previously played with The Bates Band in his native Wexford,
then moved to Dublin where he joined Homegrown and then the Eric Bell Band.
Mike Mesbur also played with The Eric Bell Band. This early phase lasted
less than a year. Guitarist Sean O'Connor wrote powerpop songs and when
"Baby Don't Leave" began to attract record label attention this side began to
dominate their sound. Bell left the band in 1980, disillusioned with the increasing
commerciality of the music. He went on to form Zerra 1.
The Lookalikes demo tape attracted a lot of A&R attention. Some of the
songs are reminiscent of The Cars early hits. They were offered
a one-off single deal by Virgin which they turned down. They finally opted for
Rod Stewart's Riva Records label.
They toured the UK supporting Thin Lizzy in 1980 and released three great
powerpop singles on Riva during 1980-81, but their relationship with the
label eventually soured and plans for releasing an LP on Riva were scrapped.
Instead the band recorded their debut LP for WEA Ireland. This proved to
be the last recording session of the original band.
After a successful support slot on Thin Lizzy's European tour in early 1982,
the Lookalikes announced that Keenan, Doyle and Mesbur would be leaving the
band once all remaining commitments had been fulfilled. This trio had become
frustrated at not being involved in songwriting for the band but the split
from Sean O'Connor was reputedly amicable. Keenan, Doyle and Mesbur officially
left in July 1982 and announced their new band C'est Clave in September.
O'Connor released a couple more singles under the name Sean O'Connor & The
Lookalikes before moving to the USA, where he was based for most of the 80s/90s,
before returning to Ireland. His website is here.
Notes:
Spent 2 weeks in the Irish charts in Nov/Dec 1980, peaking at #23;
re-entered the charts in January 1981 for a 3 week stretch, peaking at #22.
Notes:
Charity single in support of The Roisin Dubh Trust, set up to pay for the
statue to Phil Lynott erected in Dublin city centre.
Notes:
Special silver cardboard package with 3x stickers and Lookalikes badge.
This is not a complete discography CD alas; the Riva singles are absent.
On the other hand it includes 5 previously unreleased songs and/or versions.
The remastering ("Digital Transfer from Original 1/4" Masters")
is very bright and crisp, a little too much so perhaps as it lacks bottom end.
The CD includes a multimedia session with (brief) band history, illustrated
discography (incomplete) and a photo gallery, including some scans nicked from
this very site! But the reason for getting this set is of course the DVD,
which contains several vintage videos.
It looks very tasty but I have yet to view it so stay tuned for further details.
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.