Tax, Drugs and Rock'n'Roll: The years that went whoosh! Brits, hits and Ireland's cultural revolution

The arrival of British pop stars in the early 1980s transformed Ireland from a poor, downtrodden, and insular country to a rich, confident, and outward-looking one. The MTV stars came for the tax breaks, but what they found confounded their low expectations. They became good buddies, making Dublin's Pink Elephant an unlikely rival to Studio 54 as the world's nightclub with the most celebrities per square meter. The three bands combined their football talents to take on Dermot Morgan's ShowbizXI in the summer of 1986, and a profound change was already blowing in the Irish wind. By the mid-1990s, Ireland's culture, society, economy, and self-image were changed beyond recognition, with music as the beating heart of that change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Reach plc

Tax & Drugs & Rock n Roll is the captivating tale of how a surge of British pop icons in the early 1980s played a pivotal role in the extraordinary transformation of Ireland from a destitute, downtrodden, and isolated nation to a prosperous, confident, and outward-looking one. Within a mere decade, the country underwent a seismic shift, perceiving itself in entirely new ways and captivating the attention of a fascinated global audience. The catalyst for this remarkable metamorphosis was the arrival of a group of young, freshly-minted MTV superstars, who brought with them a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of energy.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo initiated the process, closely followed by Sting and Andy Summers of The Police. However, it was the arrival of a cluster of younger, freshly-minted MTV superstars that truly transformed Ireland into a new English colony. Surprisingly, these settlers were warmly embraced by the native population, rather than facing hostility. Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Spandau Ballet, and Def Leppard were among the groups that found themselves stranded in a crumbling metropolis, known for its smoggy skies and dilapidated Georgian waterfront. The once majestic River Liffey now gaped like rows of sooty, broken teeth, a stark contrast to its former glory. Physical isolation and the Troubles spilling from the North had severely hindered tourism, leaving the country in a state of despair. Each morning, Ireland's top radio show began with the disheartening wail of host Gay Byrne, proclaiming that the country was "banjaxed."

The MTV stars had not come to Ireland for its atmosphere or creature comforts. Rather, they sought refuge from the grasp of the UK taxman, seeking to spend a year in exile beyond the taxman's reach. What they discovered exceeded their modest expectations. Holly Johnson, in an interview with author Damian Corless, shared a delightful anecdote about Frankie Goes to Hollywood's temporary venture into a village pottery shop as a favor to its elderly owner, Alice. The store experienced its best sales ever, primarily selling egg cups. Spandau Ballet also took on the role of judging local talent contests in rugged suburban pubs, showcasing their commitment to community engagement.

The impact of the MTV stars on Ireland was far-reaching and enduring. Their presence breathed new life into the country, fostering a sense of confidence and pride among the Irish people. The music and culture they brought with them resonated with the locals, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that was previously lacking. The transformation of Ireland from a neglected and isolated nation to a thriving and vibrant one was a testament to the power of music, culture, and the human spirit. Tax & Drugs & Rock n Roll serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that a small group of individuals can have on the course of history, and how the convergence of music, culture, and opportunity can lead to remarkable change.

Dimension: 234 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915306593