About Rubyhorse
Rubyhorse are a band from Cork that came together around 1988 while the lads were in school. They are known for their straight forward polished pop-rock sound. Rubyhorse were one of the most successful Irish bands of the 1990s and early 2000s, gaining notable recognition in the United States. Their name was inspired by a song by The Wonder Stuff, and they initially gained attention in their hometown before moving to Boston in 1997 to further pursue their career. This move marked the beginning of their significant breakthrough in the American market.
In 1995, Rubyhorse released their debut album, A Lifetime in One Day, a self-financed effort that earned them local recognition. The band’s clean, well-crafted sound contrasted with the more experimental and indie leanings of many of their Cork contemporaries, such as The Frank and Walters and The Sultans of Ping. Despite this, Rubyhorse's appeal was broader, and their ambitions were set on global success. They secured a strong following in Boston and quickly gained attention, winning multiple Boston Music Awards within their first year in the U.S.
Their breakthrough came in 2001 with the release of Rise, which featured the hit single "Sparkle". The song charted in the Billboard Top 20 and brought them widespread recognition. They performed on major American TV shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, solidifying their place in the American mainstream. Their second album, Rise, also included a notable guest appearance by George Harrison, who played slide guitar on the track "Punchdrunk", further elevating their profile.
Despite their success, the band faced internal struggles and external pressures. A series of unfortunate events, including the death of their booking agent and record company restructuring, derailed their momentum. This led to the band's eventual disbandment in 2005, after releasing four albums, including a major-label release under Island Records.
Following the breakup, members of Rubyhorse pursued various solo projects, with some members relocating to the U.S. and others staying in Ireland. In 2018, the band partially reunited and began releasing new material, including singles like "A Little Rain" and "You Gotta Hold On". During the COVID-19 pandemic, the original lineup came together to record and release a live from home version of "Punchdrunk".
Though their initial rise was marred by the challenges of the American music industry, Rubyhorse remains a significant part of Irish rock history, known for their contributions to the international scene and their enduring legacy in the U.S. market during the late 90s and early 2000s. The band’s mixture of catchy, radio-friendly pop rock and their ability to navigate the competitive U.S. music industry has left an indelible mark, even if their story remains less widely recognized in Ireland than some of their peers.
Members:
- David Farrell - lead vocals
- Joe Philpott - guitars
- Decky Lucey - bass
- Owen Fegan - keyboards
- Gordon Ashe - drums
Video
Rubyhorse - Sparkle
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