Energy Orchard was a Belfast-based rock band active from the late 1980s to 1996, known for blending rhythm and blues with traditional Irish folk music. The band was fronted by Bap Kennedy and included Paul Toner, David Toner, Spade McQuade, Joby Fox, and Kevin Breslin. They were initially influenced by Van Morrison and signed to MCA in 1990, following a recommendation from Steve Earle.
Their debut single, "Belfast," was their biggest hit, reaching number 52 on the UK Singles Chart and gaining exposure on EastEnders. Despite subsequent singles like "Sailortown" and a series of albums including Energy Orchard (1990), Stop the Machine (1992), Shinola (1993), and Pain Killer (1995), the band struggled to achieve mainstream success.
The band's style faced criticism for being bombastic and over-produced, leading to a lack of critical and commercial breakthrough. They disbanded in 1996 after fulfilling their contract with Castle Communications. Kennedy went on to a successful solo career, starting with the Steve Earle-produced Domestic Blues (1999), while McQuade and Breslin moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where they formed the band Celtic Soul. Bap Kennedy died in 2016 after a battle with cancer.
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