Unleashing Belfast's Punk/New Wave Energy 1978-1984
Explore the Authentic World of THE LIDS
THE LIDS
TM
© 1978 Geoff Shannon
THE LIDS OUR MUSIC
**"Helicopter" by The Lids**
During the unrest of Belfast's streets, The Lids wrote *"Helicopter"*, a raw, powerful anthem capturing a Northern Ireland bound up in tension, resilience, and dark humor. Set against the backdrop of *The Troubles*, the lyrics resonate with the sounds of sirens, riots, and a sky crowded with British army helicopters hovering over the city’s housing estates, where the hum of blades and beams of blinding light became part of daily life. Unreleased as a single until now, *"Helicopter"* finally gets its moment in time.
The story behind the song is one of Belfast's surreal normality—soldiers, security barriers, tear gas lingering in the air. On any given night, a helicopter would appear above, sometimes in the distance, sometimes low, like a watchful eye, shining its powerful spotlight onto the streets below. For residents, it was haunting, sometimes oddly entertaining, as people in the streets would playfully react to the hovering presence, making faces and gesturing for the spotlight above. On rare occasions, these helicopters would even play Christmas carols through their speakers, a bizarre holiday twist on a scene so tense and surreal.
*"Helicopter"* is more than a reflection of the army’s watchful gaze—it’s a song steeped in mythological imagery. Lyrics evoke the ancient figures of Greek mythology, comparing the military choppers to *Pegasus*, the winged horse that rides the skies, and to the fierce *Cyclops*, its lone, glaring eye scanning the city with mechanical precision. These surreal creatures soar above, as symbols of both power and absurdity, highlighting the strange, charged nature of that time in Northern Ireland.
With The Lids celebrating the 40th anniversary of their formation, they’re finally releasing *"Helicopter"* as part of a special anthology album, featuring the band’s best, most evocative material from over the decades. Scheduled for release around Christmas 2024, the album will serve as both a tribute to Belfast and as a long-awaited nod to fans who lived through these times.
**The Lids: Reuniting and Reinventing**
Years after our early days, Paul Kelly—one of the original members—and I reconnected with a vision to take the band to new heights. We wanted to focus on recording, and we aimed to play bigger venues, creating something that would resonate with audiences on a larger scale. Paul introduced me to Don McNeely (R.I.P.), a remarkable bassist who had played with *Pretty Boy Floyd and the Gems*. Don brought a wealth of experience and a powerful presence to our sound.
Our new lineup took shape with Coner Shields on guitar and Dr. Chris Legget on piano and synth, adding depth and texture that elevated our music to a whole new level. The chemistry was immediate; we sounded fantastic together, and we poured ourselves into intensive rehearsals, tightening our sound and preparing to take it out to audiences.
Our gigs primarily centered around Northern Ireland, where we played at universities and other venues, building a following among students and music lovers alike. The energy and enthusiasm of this lineup were electric, capturing the raw spirit of *The Lids* while pushing our music forward.
**A Look Back: Recording *"Africa"* and More – The Lids' Legacy**
Back in 1983-84, we decided it was time to record some of the material I had written, diving into the creative process in a small warehouse studio in Newtownards, not far from Belfast. The studio was owned by the late Lawrence Thomson, an incredibly gifted guitarist and friend. Lawrence’s talent was essential in bringing our vision to life; his contribution on session guitar brought an energy we hoped would eventually make him a full-time member of the band.
Our first sessions yielded four tracks: *"Walkie Talkie," "My Secret Place," "Heavy People,"* and *"In My House."* Lawrence did an incredible job on production, and his signature guitar lines became a vital piece of each recording. Inspired by those sessions, we returned to the studio soon after, recording two more tracks: *"Africa"* and *"It's a Kiss."*
*"Africa"* was especially significant for us. Written in response to the Ethiopian famine, it captured our reflections on a tragedy that was painfully real and globally relevant. This song, like the events it drew from, remains powerful today—still resonant against the ongoing struggles and crises in North Africa and beyond. Coincidentally, just a year after we recorded it, the famine’s impact would inspire Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to organize the monumental Live Aid concert in July 1985.
Today, *"Africa"* stands as our dedication to victims of famine and hardship worldwide, and the upcoming anthology album is our tribute to those we’ve loved and lost. We’ve dedicated this release to our dear friends and fellow musicians who have passed on since these recordings—Peter North, the original rhythm guitarist Lawrence Thomson, our remarkable session guitarist, and Don McNeily, our steadfast bassist. the great Essy Turner on piano Their spirits are woven through every note, and they will never be forgotten. May they rest in peace.
Look out for *The Lids Anthology Album*, coming Christmas 2024, available worldwide on vinyl, CD, and all major digital formats. This one’s for Belfast, for our fans, and for every listener seeking meaning in the music.
**Recording *"Walkie Talkie"* at the Warehouse Studio**
Back in 1983-84, we stepped into the *Warehouse Studio* in Newtownards, just outside Belfast, to lay down some of the material we’d been working on. That first recording session gave us four tracks, including *"Walkie Talkie,"* a song that’s drawn some intriguing interpretations over the years.
It’s a track that thrives on mystery, weaving together lyrics and imagery that seem to shift meaning depending on who's listening. We’ve heard so many takes on it—everyone seems to have their own idea of what *"Walkie Talkie"* is really about. But hey, we’ll leave the interpretation up to you. Let’s just say there are plenty of clues buried within the lyrics and even more in the accompanying video. It’s a little eerie, a little cryptic, maybe even a bit unsettling—but that’s all part of the experience.
*"Walkie Talkie"* lives in the spaces between what’s seen and what’s heard, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
NEW RELEASE ST PATRICK'S DAY 2022
**The Lids Present *"This and That"* — A Long-Lost Single Reborn**
Back in 1979, we recorded *"This and That"* at the legendary Wizard Recording Studios in Belfast, just a week after The Undertones had laid down their iconic *"Teenage Kicks"* within those same walls. There was something electric in the air that year, and Belfast’s music scene was buzzing with raw energy. We were a New Wave/Punk band pouring our hearts into every performance, touring across Ireland and building a treasure trove of tracks—many of which still wait to see the light of day.
*"This and That"* dives into the turbulence of a relationship gone wrong, a love story unravelling under the weight of arguments, misunderstandings, and incompatibility. Originally released as part of a compilation, this track has been a hidden gem, overshadowed but never forgotten. Now, we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves, promoting it as a single—a taste of The Lids’ distinct sound and an echo of Belfast’s unforgettable era in music history.
This single release is also a tribute. It’s dedicated to Peter North, our rhythm guitarist on this track, whose memory lives on in every chord. Peter passed away on September 3, 2021, but his spirit is woven into the fabric of *"This and That"* and so much more of our work. Rest in peace, Peter—you’ll never be forgotten.
Keep an eye out for *The Lids Anthology Album*, set to release in 2024. After delays due to the pandemic, it’s finally happening, and we’re thrilled to share our journey and music with the world. Available in all formats, including vinyl, this collection is our tribute to the resilience and spirit of our band, our fans, and the city that made it all possible.