Back to the Zoo! Local bands reunite for one-off show in Kilkenny

Some of the best known bands from Kilkenny’s ‘Zoo era’ are getting back together for a reunion gig to celebrate a time in Kilkenny’s music scene that is still spoken about far and wide.

It’s been over 15 years since the final notes rang out during the famous Underground shows at the former Zoo Club on Parliament Street. The fortnightly gigs, which ran for almost 10 years, are now renowned as an incredible era for Kilkenny’s then-young musicians who look back on those years as one of the greatest periods of the local music scene.

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Organised by Andrew McGuinness, the Sunday shows featured local bands who, at the time, were too young to play in local venues.

“These shows were open to all ages and provided young musicians with a proper music venue to showcase their music,” said McGuinness. “It was a fantastic time for local music and gave many young musicians a great starting point. We have incredible memories of that time and we are excited to have a reunion all these years later.

“One person who was always at the shows and who documented many of the events through his photography is the late Ross Costigan who we miss very much,” he added.

“Ross left us too soon over six years ago. I remember a conversation I had with him about organising a reunion and using it to raise funds for suicide awareness and prevention, so this reunion will be done in his honour. All funds raised will be donated to Teac Tom.”

The first Kilkenny group to win the Battle of the Bands that was held in The Zoo Club were Itchy Trigger Finger. The band gained huge popularity in Kilkenny and throughout the country. Their front man, Jimmy Trigger, has since moved on and is living in Los Angeles following his musical dream. He is set to return especially for this show and will reunite his old band for the occasion.

Chemical Addiction, who are often called the last band standing as they remained a band ever since, will also join the bill. Two other bands reuniting for the event are White Noise and Bad Mothers Union who have played the famous Underground gigs many times.

The show will be held in Set Theatre on Sunday December 10 at 7pm.