Passionate, melodic, soulful and glorious hard rock’n’roll music – with songs to change your life…….
Pay*ola first rose to prominence in 2000, when they featured in their own full episode of the documentary series “Ferry Tales”, which charted their journey from Belfast to a gig in London. The show featured seven of the band’s songs and was broadcast throughout the U.K and Ireland on BBC 1 and RTE – and was watched by millions of people.
The boys are widely renowned as one of the most exciting live acts in Ireland – indeed, last year they supported huge American rock act Audioslave at the Point Depot in Dublin in front of over 7000 screaming fans. The show was a great success for Pay*ola, who sold out all their merchandise within half an hour! The band also supported British rock legends Status Quo on the Irish leg of their “Heavy Traffic” tour, and have shared the stage with such diverse acts as Thin Lizzy, Embrace, Mansun, Relish and Snow Patrol. Yet more proof of their live expertise is the fact they’ve played in Belfast’s mammoth Odyssey Arena on no less than SIX occasions, as entertainment during Belfast Giants ice hockey games, and performed at the world famous “In The City” festival in Manchester in September 2003.
They have released FOUR E.P’s in Ireland – selling out their initial run on each occasion, and achieving massive airplay for many of the tracks. Latest release “I’d Rather Be Dreaming” is the strongest of the lot – Pay*ola have close to 2 albums’ worth of material recorded.
Here are some other selected highlights of Pay*ola’s career to date:
· Their song Felix was selected as one of the 60 finalists in the 2002 International Songwriting Competition, out of over 7000 entrants worldwide.
· Nominated in the Best International category at the 2002 Orange County Music Awards in California.
· Nominated in the Best New Irish Band category at the 2001 Big Buzz Irish Entertainment Awards, alongside Relish and JJ72. They also performed at the 2003 ceremony.
· First E.P – Stick 2 Fingers Up – was released on the legendary Irish Good Vibrations label.
· Featured in the Cool To Be Celtic documentary about the Irish music scene, shown throughout Germany and France.
· Have headlined the prestigious Empire Music Hall venue in Belfast FIFTEEN times, building up a large and loyal following in the process.
· Have appeared on four different “belFEST” compilation CD’s, which feature the very best in Northern Irish music.
· Have visited the mainland on many occasions to play tours, festivals and prestigious showcase gigs.
PAYOLA GIGS - 2005 back to top
| VENUE | TOWN | DATE |
| Empire Music Hall - ROCK FOR DOUGIE | Belfast | Thursday 12th April |
| Slaney Inn - New Born Festival | Downpatrick | Saturday 14th April |
| Retro Bar (North West 200 Special) | Portrush | Saturday 12th May |
| Square Peg | Warrenpoint | Saturday 9th June |
| Common Rooms Bar | Dungannon | Saturday 16th June |
| Diamond Bar | Ahoghill (near Ballymena) | Saturday 30th June |
"They inspired the crowd with their energy and enthusiasm...The bands skill shone through with their impressive stage presence, matched with their big guitar sound and great lyrics...a feast of terrific"
Julie Walters (Bangor Spectator)
Rock'n'Roll!