The Blades – Live at Bank Lane, Waterford

Saturday, November 21st

Doors 8PM

One of Ireland’s most iconic bands, The Blades, return to Waterford for a huge headline show at Bank Lane.

Formed in Dublin in 1977 at the height of the punk explosion, The Blades quickly became a defining voice of the Irish music scene. Fronted by Paul Cleary, the band released early singles Hot For You (1980) and Ghost Of A Chance (1981), the latter earning a performance on The Late Late Show.

In their early days, they shared a legendary six-week residency with U2 in the Baggot Inn, with both bands alternating headline slots — a sign of what was to come.

A lineup change saw Cleary move to guitar, ushering in a new era that produced standout singles like The Bride Wore White and Revelations of Heartbreak. Their success peaked in 1982, with Cleary winning Songwriter of the Year ahead of Bono and Van Morrison, alongside Single of the Year and Most Promising Act at the Hot Press Awards.

Their debut album The Last Man in Europe (1985), along with the essential collection Raytown Revisited, cemented their legacy — the latter featuring in 101 Irish Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

After disbanding in 1986, The Blades’ influence has only grown — and now, they’re back.

Tickets €30 + booking fee

On sale now from banklane.ie