Wild Colonial Boys: A Belfast Punk Story

Ruefrex was a popular punk rock band from Northern Ireland, inspired by The Clash. They had a decade-long career, played for millions, toured with The Pogues, and recorded the controversial 'The Wild Colonial Boy'. Founder member Thomas Paul Burgess remained faithful to their Protestant, working-class origins. This memoir recounts their journey from Belfast to encounters with U2, Shane MacGowan, The Cure, The Fall, and Seamus Heaney.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Ruefrex were one of Northern Ireland's most popular and uncompromising punk rock bands, emerging from the Belfast street-gang culture of the late 1970s. Inspired by The Clash, the group enjoyed a turbulent, decade-long career, playing for millions on CNN and Channel 4, touring with The Pogues, and recording the controversial 'The Wild Colonial Boy', which attacked American donations to Northern Irish terrorist organizations.

Throughout it all, founder member, songwriter, and spokesperson Thomas Paul Burgess ensured the band remained faithful to their Protestant, working-class origins. This candid memoir takes us on a journey from the streets of Belfast to encounters with U2, Shane MacGowan, The Cure, The Fall, and Seamus Heaney.

From the strife-torn 1970s Belfast to the bohemian London of the 1980s, 'Wild Colonial Boys' tells the story of a punk band who refused to give up and stayed true to their punk roots.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526173379