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Beethoven (band)

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Beethoven (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
Five Go Down to the Sea?
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
PredecessorNun Attax
Founded1978 in Cork, Ireland
Defunct1989
Headquarters
Cork (original), London (later)
,
Ireland, United Kingdom
ProductsEPs: Knot a Fish, Glee Club, Singing in Braille; Compilation: Hiding from the Landlord

Five Go Down to the Sea? was an Irish post-punk group originating from Cork, active between 1978 and 1989. Initially formed as Nun Attax by vocalist and lyricist Finbarr Donnelly, guitarist Ricky Dineen, and brothers Philip (bass) and Keith "Smelly" O'Connell (drums), they became known for Donnelly’s surreal, absurdist lyrics, Dineen’s sharp guitar style, and their unique rhythm section. The band changed their name to Five Go Down to the Sea? after relocating to London in 1983. Their lineup also included guitarists Mick Finnegan, Giordaí Ua Laoghaire, Mick Stack, and cellist Úna Ní Chanainn.

Dineen, inspired by groups such as the Mekons and the Fire Engines, was responsible for composing most of the guitar riffs. After establishing a local following in Ireland, they released the Knot a Fish EP in 1983 under their new moniker. Upon moving to London that same year, they cultivated a live fanbase but were unable to secure a full album deal, issuing only additional EPs. Lacking commercial success and proper management, the band dissolved in 1985. Donnelly and Dineen later reassembled as Beethoven in 1988, releasing the EP Him Goolie Goolie Man, Dem in 1989 before Donnelly’s untimely accidental death on 18 June 1989 at age 27.

Although their commercial reach was limited to four EPs with modest sales figures, Five Go Down to the Sea? have since become influential within Irish music circles, inspiring subsequent Cork bands noted for their dry wit. In 2001, broadcaster Paul McDermott created the radio documentary Get That Monster Off the Stage, focusing on Donnelly and his bands. Writer Mark McAvoy remarked in 2017 that Donnelly "probably would have been the most influential musician and songwriter" within Cork’s music scene. A compilation album titled Hiding from the Landlord was issued in 2020.

Cork

The band’s origins trace back to childhood friends Ricky Dineen and brothers Philip and Keith O'Connell from Churchfield, located in Gurranabraher on Cork city’s north side. In 1978, Dineen met Finbarr Donnelly and introduced him to the group. Originally from Belfast, Donnelly had relocated to Cork at age twelve and adopted a pronounced Cork accent. While Dineen initially favored hard rock and Pink Floyd, Donnelly exposed him to post-punk music and John Peel’s BBC radio program. Donnelly chose the name Nun Attax for the band, which began performing punk covers such as "Teenage Kicks" and "Pretty Vacant" in Keith O'Connell’s bedroom. According to Philip O'Connell, their punk philosophy emphasized originality rather than adherence to traditional blues structures.

Unlike other Cork bands centered around University College Cork, Nun Attax members mostly hailed from working-class neighborhoods on the north side, humorously referring to their background as "University College Churchfield." Their audience included students and middle-class residents from Cork’s south side. Early compositions were developed in Ballinora; fellow musician Sean O'Hagan recalled that their rehearsals attracted crowds arriving by busloads.

Nun Attax debuted live in February 1979 at Mayfield community school. They quickly emerged as leaders within Cork’s punk scene centered around the Arcadia ballroom near Kent station—a rare Irish venue that favored punk over blues music. Managed by Elvera Butler and Andy Foster, the Arcadia closed following the 1981 Stardust fire due to increased insurance costs and political tensions that curtailed touring bands. Subsequently, Nun Attax performed at Sir Henry's on South Main Street and expanded their reach with nationwide gigs including Dublin and Dundalk.

Under Dineen’s direction—who drew inspiration from bands like the Mekons, Fire Engines, Gang of Four, and Siouxsie and the Banshees—the group developed a dense, noisy sound rooted firmly in punk traditions. Dineen typically introduced riffs for collective improvisation before Donnelly added his vocals. All lyrics were penned by Donnelly, noted for their spontaneous vernacular style with surreal elements. The band members were self-taught musicians; Dineen’s inventive guitar playing combined with Keith O'Connell’s drumming— influenced by Captain Beefheart—defined their distinctive sound.

Mick Finnegan briefly joined as a second guitarist early in 1979 but departed within months. He was succeeded by Giordaí Ua Laoghaire from Ovens, County Cork, who elevated the band's musicianship level. Dineen recruited Ua Laoghaire after noticing his contrasting style at an XTC concert. Ua Laoghaire left in May 1980 to join Microdisney. In 1981, three Nun Attax tracks appeared on the live compilation album Kaught at the Kampus, recorded at the Arcadia ballroom and released by Reekus Records. Philip O'Connell exited in 1980; Dineen temporarily handled bass duties during recordings.

In 1982, with guitarist Mick Stack joining, they rebranded themselves as Five Go Down to the Sea? while making significant shifts in their musical direction. They brought in cellist Úna Ní Chanainn from Glanmire—later associated with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra—who assumed bass responsibilities previously held by Dineen. The band recorded their 1983 EP Knot a Fish on Garreth Ryan's London-Irish label Kabuki; it included tracks such as "Elephants For Fun And Profit" and "There's a fish on top of Shandon (swears he's Elvis)." Ní Chanainn remained with them for about a year but stayed behind in Cork when the band moved to England, returning them to a four-member lineup.

London

In 1983, Five Go Down To The Sea? moved to Rotherhithe, London, driven by scarce employment opportunities during Cork's economic downturn in the early 1980s, which led to significant emigration. Their initial year proved difficult as they lived in squatted accommodations and took on manual labor jobs. The following year, they secured a recording deal with Abstract Sounds and released the Glee Club EP, produced by Jon Langford, who commended the band’s sharp humor and distinctive approach. Abstract arranged performances for them, including a support slot for the Jesus and Mary Chain, helping cultivate a devoted fanbase particularly in northern England.

In 1985, the band established connections with Alan McGee and producer Joe Foster from Creation Records, a label they greatly respected. McGee booked them for shows at his Living Room club in Camden and recalled their performances as wild yet captivating. Music writer David Cavanagh depicted Donnelly’s stage presence as eccentric, with surreal lyrics complemented by the band's raw rhythmic sound.

The Singing in Braille EP was launched through Creation in August 1985 but sold only around 600 copies. Cavanagh observed that a long-term contract seemed unlikely due to challenging business dynamics. Peter Fowler, Creation’s art director, remembered their unconventional lifestyle in Rotherhithe. Later, Dineen expressed disappointment with the recording, feeling they had attempted to be excessively flamboyant, resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome.

The group encountered difficulties engaging English record companies, struggling to find artistic compromises or communicate as expected. Ua Laoghaire suggested Donnelly might have privately desired success but was reluctant to display it openly. Coughlan believed they possessed commercial potential akin to Echo & the Bunnymen but were too reserved, which hindered relationships with labels. Journalist Fergal Keane concurred, noting that a trusted manager could have enhanced their business prospects; however, Donnelly’s heavy alcohol consumption limited his openness.

By the end of 1985, the band disbanded due to frustration over lack of extended contracts, disillusionment with touring life, and financial hardship. Stack aimed to relocate to America to escape heavy drinking habits; Keith O'Connell preferred returning to Ireland. In early 1986, Donnelly and Dineen briefly performed using a drum machine but failed to attract industry attention.

Beethoven

Following the breakup, Donnelly and Dineen remained in London and early in 1988 recruited Dublin-born bassist Maurice Carter and Swiss drummer Daniel Strittmatter, forming Beethoven Fucking Beethoven—later shortened simply to Beethoven. Their first performance at the Mean Fiddler caught the eye of Keith Cullen, founder of Setanta Records, who took on management and booking duties. In June 1989, they released the EP Him Goolie Goolie Man, Dem, produced by Jon Langford of the Mekons and the Three Johns. This was Setanta's inaugural release and included five tracks featuring a rendition of the Beatles' "Day Tripper."

On 3 June 1989, NME honored the EP as "Single of the Week." Reviewer Steven Wells described it as a "gem of a record," praising its provocative interpretation of "Day Tripper." Conversely, Melody Maker critic David Stubbs offered less favorable feedback on Donnelly's vocal delivery. Although new material lacked Five Go Down To The Sea?'s humor, it maintained an edge reflecting Donnelly and Dineen’s frustrations within the music industry. Cullen later remarked that by this time "it was all about drinking," noting that Donnelly and Ricky were frequently intoxicated.

Tragically, on 18 June 1989, Donnelly drowned at age 27 in London's Hyde Park Serpentine Pond. Dineen witnessed the incident and described it as an unfortunate accident during a hot day. The event profoundly affected him; he returned to Cork and faced personal struggles thereafter. Plans for a second EP featuring a cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" never came to fruition.

Legacy and influence

Donnelly was recognized for his magnetic yet occasionally intimidating stage presence. John Robb from The Membranes lauded his eccentric performance style as truly pioneering. Keith O'Connell recalled Donnelly’s unpredictable conduct in London and noted how his imposing stature could intimidate some individuals. Cathal Coughlan credited Donnelly with inspiring his own musical path and preventing him from pursuing less fulfilling alternatives. In 2020, critic Eoin Murray emphasized how Donnelly’s lyrics continue to resonate as an authentic expression of young Ireland’s experience.

Five Go Down to the Sea?, particularly through Donnelly’s influence, shaped the dry wit characteristic of Cork bands in later decades. Des O'Driscoll highlighted Donnelly's role in unlocking Cork's distinctive musical creativity. Mick Lynch of Stump remarked that Donnelly empowered others to embrace unconventionality. Morty McCarthy from The Sultans Of Ping FC referred to them as Cork’s "sacred cow" band with enduring cult status. Mekons’ Sally Timms described them as both humorous and talented, naming Donnelly the “funniest, most talented and strangest” among them.

English songwriter Pete Astor paid tribute to Donnelly with the track "Donnelly" on his album Paradise, regarding him as an unsung hero comparable to Shaun Ryder and Richie Edwards.

In 2001, Paul McDermott produced a radio documentary titled "Get That Monster off the Stage," chronicling Donnelly’s career; it has since been broadcast on RTÉ. A commemorative event marking twenty years since Donnelly’s passing took place in Cork in June 2009 featuring artists such as Mick Lynch and John Spillane. As of 2020, Dineen continues performing as guitarist and co-songwriter for Big Boy Foolish.

In April 2020, Allchival Records issued Hiding from the Landlord, a compilation of 24 tracks including previously unreleased live recordings like "Knocknaheeny Shuffle." This release was accompanied by a fanzine containing contributions from notable musicians and writers including Cathal Coughlan, Pete Astor, John Robb, Gavin Friday, Kevin Barry, Declan Lynch, and Cónal Creedon.

To honor Five Go Down to the Sea?, a mural was unveiled on Cork's Grand Parade in August 2020 commemorating the 40th anniversary of their recording "Kaught at the Kampus." This public artwork by Cork City Libraries and Council features a photograph of the band alongside reprinted interviews recognizing their significant role in shaping Cork’s musical identity. Journalist Mike McGrath-Bryan noted that this mural celebrates an iconic record capturing a pivotal moment in Cork's music history.

Band members

  • Finbarr Donnelly – lead vocals, lyricist (1978–1989)
  • Ricky Dineen – guitar, bass (1978–1989)
  • Philip O'Connell – bass (1978–1980)
  • Keith "Smelly" O'Connell – drums (1978–1985)
  • Mick Finnegan – guitar (1979)
  • Giordaí Ua Laoghaire – guitar (1979–1980)
  • Mick Stack – guitar and bass (1982–1985)
  • Úna Ní Chanainn – cello (1982–1983)
  • Maurice Carter – bass (1988–1989)
  • Daniel Strittmatter – drums (1988–1989)

Discography

Their official output includes three sessions recorded for Dave Fanning on RTÉ between 1982 and 1984.

Nun Attax

  • Kaught at the Kampus, various artists live recording at Arcadia Ballroom (30 August 1980), Reekus Records, 1981

Five Go Down to the Sea?

Beethoven

Sources


External links

Related profiles

FFive Go Down to the Sea?AA HouseCCompulsion (band)MMicrodisney
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