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The band was originally the idea of the then fresh-faced youngster Pat
McAneney around about 1998. Pat had been asked by Danny Considine (or
‘Uncle Danny’ as he’s now fondly known to Tempest hardcores!) to play bass
in a local band, gigging regularly and making a few quid along the way.
After much deliberation Pat decided he wanted to have a band of his own.
Pat got in touch with his cousin, James Ingram, who was learning lead
guitar at the time and was also keen to join a band. They had both
previously jammed with a few other ‘characters’ on the local music scene
including future drummer, Anthony Sowden, although nothing had come of it
(These included infamous practices with various lead singers who didn’t
like kebab shops!)
A few months on and Pat decided he himself would fill the shoes of the
lead singer. He asked a couple of people if they were interested in
playing bass for the band but to no avail. He decided to ask Chris McCole,
his mate from college, if he fancied learning bass (knowing he was
‘wizard’ at a whole range of things as well as being a cheeky scamp!).
After many drawn out lunchtime conversations Chris decided he would come
down to a practice and see what the craic was!
The first practice took place around February 1999 at the Sowden
residence. Chris playing an electric guitar in place of a bass and Pat
sang through a small 60w Peavey amp (sorted, respect due!), again courtesy
of Uncle Danny. James was the chauffeur (and still is – cheers buddy!) and
Anthony provided dirty looks all round! 2 practices worth of racket were
enough to piss off Kenny and Eileen so we started rehearsing at the Beech
Hill club. A regular Thursday night was set aside as the lads picked up
some cover songs; With or without you, You stole the sun from my heart and
Champagne Supernova all got a Tempest rework! Chris provided the sundries
for the lads with regular goodies from the cash and carry (Rolo cookies
and Dime bars are on me-if Nuala Mc didn’t get to them first!). After much
soul destroying practices with the Peavey amp we managed to cajole Danny
to lending us his PA. Nice one Cyril. Things were going fine until we fell
out with the club for being too loud (“Can you try not to hit the drums so
loud Mr. Drummer?”) and if it wasn’t for those pesky ball room dancers we
might have got away with it!
The McAneney household became the next target. The lads practised twice
weekly from then on and Pat got talking to a guy he knew from working at
the Edge who was interested in becoming the manager. He came down to a
couple of practices and secured the band a gig at the Cork & Bull in early
December ’99. The lads had about 6 weeks to get their set fully ready and
worked hard to tighten up the songs.
The big day came and the lads were looking forward to a good one. Lots of
people showed an interest in coming down and they didn’t disappoint –
people had to be turned away from the door due to the size of the crowd!
(Spare pants at the ready) Two 40 minute sets of cover songs were played
and the band went down really well. Beer dripping from the roof and the
pubs first ever crowd surfers (Ryan Mc & Joycey!) added the finishing
touch to a quality night.
And the rest is history…
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