U2?s Ireland : Part II : The Project Arts Centre *

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A Comprehensive Guide To The Dublin Of U2
By Declan O?Reilly


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Although U2 only made several appearances at The Project, its relevance in the history of the band is what resulted after one of their memorable performances there.

Bill Graham was a music journalist with Hot Press Magazine, and a close friend of Paul McGuinness, a friendship that dated back to the time they spent in Trinity College together. Often, McGuinness and Graham would frequent one of the late night disco bars on Leeson Street, and it was during one of these outings when they were philosophizing on the current Irish Music Scene that McGuinness confessed to Graham that what he really hoped for was to discover a young talented band, one unlike so many Dublin bands that were breaking onto the circuit with the primary aim of dominating the Dublin scene and perhaps securing a residency in McGonagles. McGuinness wanted a group that would have the vision and the verve to venture wider than the square mile music circuit in Dublin, that operated with Grafton Street as its epicenter, one that would first establish themselves as a force in Ireland and then concentrate on England and Europe, but McGuinness foresaw that if the commitment was present then the ultimate challenge for real success lay in making an impact in America.

U2?s bassist Adam Clayton made initial contact with Graham. Word of mouth spread that Graham was a genuine advocate of new wave and acting on behalf of the band, who were in desperate need of experienced advice and also some much needed publicity. The realization of this became apparent when after playing a gig at McGonagles the band had no idea of how to go about negotiating a fee without undermining their worth. Adam also viewed Graham as a knowledgeable character and sensed that if they could make him an ally then the wisdom of Graham would be invaluable if the group were to establish themselves as headline material around the Grafton street circuit. What U2 received from Graham, indeed turned out to be priceless.

Graham was invited to go and see the band rehearse in Mount Temple and was impressed by what he saw. U2 were different - they had passion. They weren?t all that talented but somehow their uniqueness in the post-punk-era captivated him. Afterwards, Graham offered the young band advice on a range of matters that interested them. Undoubtedly, though, the most important advice given was that before going any further U2 needed to secure a Manager. Graham gave them the name of a man that he felt would be the most suitable candidate. That man's name was Paul McGuinness.

Graham rang McGuinness recommending that he go and see U2. Adam had since made contact and when he persisted with a second call, McGuinnes agreed that he would go and talk with the band. They set a time to meet but McGuinness cancelled due to prior engagements. Things weren?t appearing to go as planned when at a later stage, U2 were playing in Phibsboro and also expecting McGuinness to turn up, again a cancellation occurred.

Eventually, on the third request, Paul McGuinness met with U2 on the 25th of May 1978 in The Project Arts Centre. U2 were supporting The Gamblers, and the Virgin Prunes opened the show.

U2 were very visual. That appealed to him. Their music seemed original. Somewhere between Rock and Punk, Bono?s presence attracted him. Although not by any means an accomplished singer, Bono courted the audience, interacting with them, when it was more fashionable to ignore audiences, to look beyond them, which was a trend established with Punk Music. U2 had something. McGuinness mused over what an undertaking it might be to nurture the band, but yet he made the crucial decision. U2 were right. Graham was right. And two rights don?t make a wrong.

McGuinness took U2 aside after their performance, weighed up the pros and cons of the business that they were about to embark deeper into. By the end of the meeting U2 had a Manager.

The Project Arts Centre was and still is an alternative Theatre. Back when U2 played there it was run by two brothers, Peter and Jim Sheridan, and consisted of an Art Gallery, an auditorium, a coffee bar and a pub. Contemporary Rock Music didn?t figure much in what The Project aimed towards, but occasionally bands were booked as the demand for live music was immensely popular.

Altogether U2 played 5 times in The Project:

March 16th, 1978.
May 25th, 1978. (The Significant One!!!)
September 18th , 1978.
February, 1979.
September, 1979.

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Today, The Project Arts Centre, although retaining the same format as that of its earlier years, is a completely new complex from the one that U2 played in. Yet, its existence serves as a constant reminder that U2?s career, without the guidance of Paul McGuinness may have took a completely different course.

On Bill Graham?s gravestone is an inscription of a lyric by U2:
?Sleep, sleep tonight, and may your dreams be realized.?

In Bill?s Lifetime they were.


If you go:
The Project Arts Centre
39 East Essex Street
Temple Bar
Dublin 2

All photos courtesy of Declan O?Reilly
 
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