Cactus World News
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 1, 1984 |
| Founder | Frank Kearns, Eoin McEvoy |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Cactus World News is a rock group originating from Dublin, Ireland, established in April 1984 by Frank Kearns (guitar) and Eoin McEvoy (vocals). The founding lineup was completed by Wayne Sheehy on drums and Fergal MacAndris on bass. The band reassembled in 2011 featuring Kearns, Sheehy, MacAndris, alongside new members Eoin Scott and Eoin Watkins. Their initial musical inspirations encompassed acts such as the Clash, Ramones, Talking Heads, U2, the Waterboys, and R.E.M.
Career
Their first release—and most recognized song—is "The Bridge," produced by Bono of U2 and issued under Mother Records. In 1985, after supporting The Cult on a UK tour, they secured a deal with MCA Records. They took part in Dublin’s Self Aid concert in May 1986. Their debut album, Urban Beaches (1986), included singles like "Years Later," "Worlds Apart," and a re-recorded version of "The Bridge," all of which entered the UK Singles Chart. The album garnered favorable reviews, receiving a 4.5 out of 5 rating from AllMusic and a five-star rating on iTunes USA.
The band faced setbacks when their second album, No Shelter, was shelved in 1989. That same year, following personnel changes with MacAndris and Sheehy departing, they were released from their recording contract. McEvoy and Kearns carried on with new members such as Chris McGoldrick (bass), John Doyle (bass), and JJ Collier (drums).
In 2010, Kearns contributed guitar work to three tracks on the Australian band The Church’s album Untitled #23, which earned critical acclaim including a five-star review from Australia's Rolling Stone magazine. He also played guitar on the track "Love Philtre" from The Church’s 2014 release Further/Deeper.
Albums
- Studio albums
| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK |
US | ||
| 1986 | Urban Beaches | 56 | 180 |
| 2004 | No Shelter | - | - |
- Live album
- 1986 – Live: Spin Magazine Concert Series
Compilation album
- 2015 – Found
Singles
| Year | Title | UK |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | "The Bridge" | - |
| 1986 | "Years Later" | 59 |
| "Worlds Apart" | 58 | |
| "The Bridge" | 74 | |
| 1989 | "Rebound" | - |
| "Town Like This" | 144 | |
| 1990 | "Don't Let Me Down" | - |