The Blades are back

It’s been a long time since The Blades took to a stage anywhere.

But the Dublin band who told the story of Ireland’s first recession with three chords and the truth are just as relevant today as they were back in the 80s.

After being tempted out of hibernation, Paul Cleary is in buoyant form and looking forward to the two Olympia shows - one of which is already sold out.

He said: “We had a rehearsal last Friday and it was the first time that the seven of us were in the room at the same time - myself, Brian and Jake, the two brass and Pat and Conor on keyboards.

“It sounded really good and I am actually quite critical - we blew the cobwebs away.”

Arguably one of the finest songwriters of his generation, Cleary has always been a bit reticent about his own talents.

And the depth of feeling about The Blades reforming has taken him by surprise.

He said: “I knew some people would be enthusiastic but I honestly never thought there would be so many - I thought we would do well to fill one Olympia gig.

“And people have generally been positive about it so it’s making me feel good about it as well.”

Paul says he can barely remember why The Blades split in the first instance.

He said: “It’s so far back I can only vaguely remember - but I do remember feeling like there was no real progression near the end.

“Our fan base were always loyal and good but we weren’t really doing anything internationally. “And I think fans want to see the bands they like progress anyway.

“The official last gig was 1986 and it’s a long time back - I’ve lived another half of my life since then already.

“But I just felt we had all carried The Blades as far as they could go and it was time to move on and do something else.”

There were of course other bands afterwards, in particular Paul Cleary And The Partisans but the singer and songwriter said nothing else really matched the energy of the teenage rebellion led by those lads in the sharp suits.

He said: “You joined a gang you raise a flag and you marched forward - it’s childish but in a good way - you march forward and see who follows.

“It’s very difficult to get that feeling back and probably a bit stupid to try and recreate that type of feeling. You have your whole life ahead in your late teens early 20s and it’s a magical time to be in a band.

“It’s very hard to judge yourself, your attributes and talents but I suppose I did  have some talent for song-writing  and I realised I would be silly not to do another band and get a job sweeping the streets or whatever.

“And I really couldn’t do anything else - I had gained so much experience and I enjoyed writing songs so I thought why not start another band.

“My heart was in it but not 100% the same. But there was no point in crawling under the bed, I had to get out there again. I wasn’t as focused with the Partisans as I was with The Blades as we never really had a destination or a plan. But that’s not to decry what we did, we made a great mini album, there were great songs and the band were brilliant.”

After that there were a number of bands where Cleary was a member rather than a leader, and an acclaimed solo album in 2001.

In between that Paul actually devised a number of quiz shows including Blackboard Jungle and wrote some music for TV programmes.

He said: “I’m not the type of guy who brings a guitar to a party or anything like that - if I am involved, I’m 100 % involved. I can’t really take music casually.

“I started having a family then - I have three young children now and that has kept me occupied for the last 12 years - they are 12, 10 and six.”

So what do the kids think of the fact their dad is slinging on his guitar again?

He said: “There’s always been a guitar and piano in the house but they see it as a normal activity.

“When they heard I was playing on the stage they are mildly amused and slightly curious.

“My six year old likes it but I think she’s biased because I’m her dad but the two lads prefer Tiny Tempah or something like that. They would see me as being hopelessly square and outdated and they are right of course.

“The kids are always right.”

Even so they are bound to be proud of their dad next weekend and Paul is looking forward to hear what people think.

He said: “I really am looking forward to it - I am nervous of course but that’s just part of my character, once I get on stage I’ll be fine.

“We’ll see what people think but it certainly sounds as good as it ever did.”