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Bio:
The Philosophers began in the late 60s. I haven't heard any of the early records
but they were probably showband style. They recorded throughout the early 70s for
various labels (Honey, Hit, Play, IRL), recordings which are reputedly comparable to
The Memories. There's a 2-3 year gap in the mid-70s
with no releases, before they returned in 1977 with singles for EMI and the indie
Quartz label. Some of these later singles are credited to The Philosophers featuring
Dermot Ward or the regrettable Samba & The Philosophers. These
later singles, while occasionally borderingf on novelty singles, are not without merit
and feature interesting guitar work. "The Great Disco Fiddle" is
a cod reggae novelty single. "5,4,3,2,1" is stomping pub rock. The version of
"It's All Over Now" sounds like it was recorded by musicians completely unfamiliar
with the original.
In 1980 approx a single by the SBB Band came out on Release Records with
two Dermot Ward compositions "Maggie" and "5,4,3,2,1". It's possible SBB's backing
band was in fact The Philosophers. SBB was an Irish TV and radio personality who
inflicted several singles on the record buying public.
By December 1980 Ward was fronting The Dermot Ward Quartet.
Gearoid O'Dowd was with the band from 1972-75.
The original drummer Don Lydon became a Fianna Fail senator.
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.