The Radiators from Space
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Dublin, Ireland |
| Founder | Philip "Chevron" Ryan, Pete Holidai, Steve "Rapid" Averill, Jimmy "Crashe" Wynne, Mark "Megaray" Hogan |
| Defunct | 1981 (initially), 2013 (final) |
| Fate | Disbanded; members continued as Trouble Pilgrims |
| Headquarters | Dublin , Ireland |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, singles, EPs |
The Radiators from Space, also referred to as The Radiators, The Rads, Radiators (from Space), and The Radiators Plan 9, were a pioneering Irish punk rock group, widely regarded as Ireland's inaugural punk ensemble. Their initial period of activity spanned from 1976 to 1981, with a short-lived reunion between 1987 and 1988, followed by a reformation from 2003 until the passing of founding member Philip Chevron in 2013. Afterward, the surviving members continued their musical journey under the name Trouble Pilgrims.
History
Originating in Dublin in 1976, the band’s founding roster included Philip "Chevron" Ryan, Pete Holidai, Steve "Rapid" Averill, Jimmy "Crashe" Wynne, and Mark "Megaray" Hogan. As part of punk’s initial surge, they secured a deal with Chiswick Records and launched their debut album TV Tube Heart in 1977. Their track "Television Screen" distinguished itself as the sole punk single to enter the Irish top 20 charts and appeared on numerous punk compilation albums. The group toured extensively across Ireland and the United Kingdom, supporting Thin Lizzy during their 1977 UK tour and headlining their own UK tour in 1978.
Adopting the shortened moniker The Radiators, they released their second album, Ghostown, in 1979. Although critically praised, it did not achieve significant commercial success. This album was produced by Tony Visconti. After relocating to London, the band dissolved in 1981.
Following the split, Philip Chevron became a member of The Pogues, while Steve Averill gained recognition as a leading designer for U2. The Radiators briefly regrouped in 1987 for an AIDS charity event in Dublin, where they debuted Chevron’s song Under Clery's Clock, a protest piece addressing homophobia; this track was released as a single in 1988.
In December 2003, the band reassembled under the name "The Radiators Plan 9", featuring original members Chevron, Holidai, and Rapid alongside former Pogue Cait O'Riordan and Johnny Bonnie. Their performances included a tribute to Joe Strummer and an appearance at the Oxegen Festival. They issued the Television Screen 2004 EP through the 625 label, followed by the Summer Season EP in 2005 containing two new compositions. After O'Riordan exited in 2006, Jesse Booth took over bass duties. Returning to their original name The Radiators From Space, they unveiled their third studio album Trouble Pilgrim in October 2006 and appeared as special guests at Dublin's 'The Point' alongside The Pogues. Their fourth album, Sound City Beat (2012), consisted of covers from earlier Irish bands.
Upon Chevron’s diagnosis with throat cancer, the band members began performing as Trouble Pilgrims. A tribute concert honoring Chevron took place on 24 August 2013 at Dublin's Olympia Theatre (Dublin), featuring guest performances by artists such as Gavin Friday and Brush Shiels. Chevron died on 8 October 2013, marking the conclusion of the band's activities; nevertheless, remaining members continue performing under Trouble Pilgrims with Holidai hosting a weekly music program on Dublin city fm.
Their song "Television Screen", which was covered by Centipede on the Roof, served as the theme for the comedy television series The Blizzard of Odd (2001–05). Additionally, The Radiators’ material has been interpreted by artists like Moving Hearts, Christy Moore ("Faithful Departed"), and Mary Coughlan ("Kitty Rickets").
Studio albums
- TV Tube Heart (The Radiators from Space, Chiswick Records, 1977)
- Ghostown (The Radiators, Chiswick Records, 1979)
- Trouble Pilgrim (The Radiators from Space, Chiswick Records, 2006)
- Sound City Beat (The Radiators from Space, Chiswick Records, 2012)
Live albums
- Dollar for Your Dreams: The Radiators Live! (The Radiators from Space, 1988) (Benefit concert for Aid to Fight AIDS, Dublin, 1987)
- Alive-Alive-O! Live in London (The Radiators from Space, Chiswick Records, 1996) (recorded live in London, 1978, featuring rare studio tracks)
- Live at the Southend Kursaal 1977 (The Radiators from Space, Rejected Records, 2005) (captured live during the final night of the Thin Lizzy tour in 1977)
Compilation albums
- Buying Gold in Heaven: The Best of the Radiators (From Space) 1977–1980 (Hotwire Records, 1985)
- Cockles and Mussels: The Very Best of the Radiators (The Radiators, Chiswick Records, 1995)
EPs
- Four on the Floor (The Radiators, Big Beat Records, 1980) (compilation release)
- Television Screen 2004 (The Radiators Plan 9, 2004)
- The Summer Season (The Radiators Plan 9, 2005)
- Midnite Demos (The Radiators from Space, Rejected Records, 2005) (initial demo sessions recorded in Dublin, 1976)
Singles
- "Television Screen" (1977)
- "Enemies" (b/w "Psychotic Reaction", 1977)
- "Sunday World" (1977)
- "Million Dollar Hero" (1978)
- "Walking Home Alone Again" (1978)
- "Let's Talk About the Weather" (b/w "Making Time", 1979)
- "Kitty Rickets" (Agnes Bernelle with the Radiators, Mulligan Records, 1979)
- "Kitty Ricketts" (1979)
- "Stranger Than Fiction" (1980)
- "The Dancing Years" (1980)
- "Song of the Faithful Departed" (1981)
- "Under Clery's Clock" (1989)
- "Behind the Painted Screen" (b/w "I'm Gonna Turn My Life Around", 2012) (promotional release only)