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With a self-described musical style of "the stuff your dad likes", the band signed to [[Big Cat Records]] in 2003, recording their debut album ''[[This is the Tomb of the Juice]]'' which was released in 2004. They were named "Hope for 2004" at the [[2004 Meteor Awards]]. In 2005, the singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" received significant airplay on Irish radio. Republic of Loose's second album ''[[Aaagh!]]'', released in April 2006, reached number two in the [[Irish Albums Chart]], achieving platinum sales and a [[Choice Music Prize]] nomination in the process. It spawned several more successful singles, including "Break" which achieved notoriety in [[South Africa]] where a radio station banned it following complaints regarding its allegedly explicit lyrics. ''[[Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil]]'', Republic of Loose's third album, was released in 2008. That album produced their highest chart performer to date, "[[The Steady Song]]", which peaked at number twelve and stayed in the [[Irish Singles Chart]] for thirteen weeks. ''[[Bounce at the Devil]]'', the band's fourth album, was released in 2010.
With a self-described musical style of "the stuff your dad likes", the band signed to [[Big Cat Records]] in 2003, recording their debut album ''[[This is the Tomb of the Juice]]'' which was released in 2004. They were named "Hope for 2004" at the [[2004 Meteor Awards]]. In 2005, the singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" received significant airplay on Irish radio. Republic of Loose's second album ''[[Aaagh!]]'', released in April 2006, reached number two in the [[Irish Albums Chart]], achieving platinum sales and a [[Choice Music Prize]] nomination in the process. It spawned several more successful singles, including "Break" which achieved notoriety in [[South Africa]] where a radio station banned it following complaints regarding its allegedly explicit lyrics. ''[[Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil]]'', Republic of Loose's third album, was released in 2008. That album produced their highest chart performer to date, "[[The Steady Song]]", which peaked at number twelve and stayed in the [[Irish Singles Chart]] for thirteen weeks. ''[[Bounce at the Devil]]'', the band's fourth album, was released in 2010.


Having earned the admiration of several musicians, including members of [[Snow Patrol]] and [[U2]], as well as [[Sinéad O'Connor]]&mdash;with whom they recorded, released and performed a duet at the [[2008 Meteor Awards]]&mdash;, the band have had their music played on radio stations in [[Africa]], [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]]. ''[[The Irish Times]]'' placed them at number thirty-seven in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009,<ref name="The next 50 bands">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0410/1224244309293.html|title=The next 50 bands|date=2009-04-10|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5nYhj5Zfj|archivedate=12 April 2010}}</ref> referring to them as "one of Ireland's most original bands" led by "the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice [...] simultaneously channelling the spirits of [[James Brown]] and [[James Joyce]] in one fell swoop."<ref name="The 50 best Irish music acts right now">{{cite web|author1=Jim Carroll |author2=Tony Clayton-Lea |author3=Sinéad Gleeson |author4=Lauren Murphy |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0403/1224243925837.html|title=The 50 best Irish music acts right now|date=2009-04-03|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5nYheckp6|archivedate=12 April 2010|quote=Simultaneously channelling the spirits of James Brown and James Joyce in one fell swoop, the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice leads Republic of Loose, one of Ireland’s most original bands.}}</ref> Aside from U2 and [[Bell X1 (band)|Bell X1]], they are the Irish band with the most airplay in their native country.<ref name="Rock -- Loose men">{{cite web|author=Neil Dunphy|url=http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/apr/27/rock-loose-men/|title=Rock -- Loose men|date=2008-04-27|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Sunday Tribune]]''}}</ref> In August 2014, vocalist Mick Pyro confirmed that the band had split.<ref name="twitter.com"/>
Having earned the admiration of several musicians, including members of [[Snow Patrol]] and [[U2]], as well as [[Sinéad O'Connor]]&mdash;with whom they recorded, released and performed a duet at the [[2008 Meteor Awards]]&mdash;, the band have had their music played on radio stations in [[Africa]], [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]]. ''[[The Irish Times]]'' placed them at number thirty-seven in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009,<ref name="The next 50 bands">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0410/1224244309293.html |title=The next 50 bands |date=2009-04-10 |accessdate=2009-08-16 |publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]'' |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5nYhj5Zfj?url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0410/1224244309293.html |archivedate=15 February 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> referring to them as "one of Ireland's most original bands" led by "the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice [...] simultaneously channelling the spirits of [[James Brown]] and [[James Joyce]] in one fell swoop."<ref name="The 50 best Irish music acts right now">{{cite web|author1=Jim Carroll |author2=Tony Clayton-Lea |author3=Sinéad Gleeson |author4=Lauren Murphy |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0403/1224243925837.html |title=The 50 best Irish music acts right now |date=2009-04-03 |accessdate=2009-08-16 |publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]'' |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5nYheckp6?url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2009/0403/1224243925837.html |archivedate=15 February 2010 |quote=Simultaneously channelling the spirits of James Brown and James Joyce in one fell swoop, the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice leads Republic of Loose, one of Ireland’s most original bands. |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Aside from U2 and [[Bell X1 (band)|Bell X1]], they are the Irish band with the most airplay in their native country.<ref name="Rock -- Loose men">{{cite web|author=Neil Dunphy|url=http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/apr/27/rock-loose-men/|title=Rock -- Loose men|date=2008-04-27|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Sunday Tribune]]''}}</ref> In August 2014, vocalist Mick Pyro confirmed that the band had split.<ref name="twitter.com"/>


==History==
==History==
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===''This is the Tomb of the Juice''===
===''This is the Tomb of the Juice''===
[[File:Republic of Loose, Guilfest 2004 (11861201353).jpg|thumb|Republic of Loose performing at Guilfest 2004, promoting 'This is the tomb of the Juice']]
[[File:Republic of Loose, Guilfest 2004 (11861201353).jpg|thumb|Republic of Loose performing at Guilfest 2004, promoting 'This is the tomb of the Juice']]
The band's break, according to Mick Pyro, came as a result of ten days recording time they won in "some competition or something, some fucking battle of the bands".<ref name="Loose lips">{{cite web|author=Una Mullally|url=http://www.tribune.ie/article/2006/apr/16/loose-lips/|title=Loose lips|date=2006-04-16|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Sunday Tribune]]''}}</ref> In 2003, Republic of Loose signed to [[Big Cat Records]].<ref name="Republic of Loose at the Róisín" /> The single "Girl I'm Gonna Fuck You Up", released in late 2003, was largely ignored by daytime radio in Ireland, with Mick Pyro commenting in an early ''[[Hot Press]]'' interview: "We were never going to be the type of band that [[Larry Gogan]] or [[Ian Dempsey]] would play anyway, regardless of the lyric".<ref name="Loose lips" /><ref name="Killer on the loose">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2696945.html|title=Killer on the loose|date=2003-12-03|accessdate=2009-08-24|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> The band's debut album, ''[[This is the Tomb of the Juice]]'', was partially recorded in the ten days studio time they had won in the aforementioned competition.<ref name="Loose lips" /> ''This is the Tomb of the Juice'' was recorded in 2003 then released in 2004.<ref name="Sligo appearance for Republic of Loose">{{cite web|url=http://www.sligochampion.ie/entertainment/sligo-appearance-for-republic-of-loose-568349.html|title=Sligo appearance for Republic of Loose|date=2006-05-17|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Sligo Champion]]''}}</ref><ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /><ref name="Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot" /><ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /><ref name="Republic to return?" /><ref name="DIVERSE GIGS IN SPIRIT STORE">{{cite web|url=http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/diverse-gigs-in-spirit-store-617581.html|title=DIVERSE GIGS IN SPIRIT STORE|date=2006-05-24|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Argus (Dundalk)|The Argus]]''}}</ref> 2004 was also the year in which Republic of Loose débuted at [[Oxegen]] (on the New Band Stage), a festival at which they have since regularly performed.<ref name="Nightwatch: Mick Pyro">{{cite web|author=[[Mick Pyro]]|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/columnists/nightwatch-mick-pyro-1803935.html|title=Nightwatch: Mick Pyro|date=2009-07-03|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2737514.html|title=Oxegen running order - Sunday|date=9 July 2004|accessdate=20 February 2010|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> Singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" were released in July and October 2005 respectively,<ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /> both achieving significant airplay on Irish radio and entering the top thirty of the Irish Singles Chart.<ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /><ref name="Irish Chartstats" /> By 2006 the band had toured Ireland, the United Kingdom, where they performed at festivals such as [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]] and [[T in the Park]], and France, where they performed at [[Furia Sound Festival]], [[Nice Jazz Festival]] and [[Transmusicales|Les Transmusicales]].<ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /><ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /> They also performed alongside veteran rock band [[Lir (band)|Lir]] at [[Vicar Street]] in January 2006.<ref name="No swansong planned for the boys of Lir">{{cite web|author=Kevin Courtney|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2008/1004/1222959337655.html|title=No swansong planned for the boys of Lir|date=2009-10-04|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=Dublin rock band Lir are back with a new album - 20 years after they began. [...] The band still reconvenes at least once a year to play a gig for the home crowd; in January 2006, they played a gig in Vicar Street alongside Damien Dempsey and Republic of Loose.}}</ref>
The band's break, according to Mick Pyro, came as a result of ten days recording time they won in "some competition or something, some fucking battle of the bands".<ref name="Loose lips">{{cite web|author=Una Mullally|url=http://www.tribune.ie/article/2006/apr/16/loose-lips/|title=Loose lips|date=2006-04-16|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Sunday Tribune]]''}}</ref> In 2003, Republic of Loose signed to [[Big Cat Records]].<ref name="Republic of Loose at the Róisín" /> The single "Girl I'm Gonna Fuck You Up", released in late 2003, was largely ignored by daytime radio in Ireland, with Mick Pyro commenting in an early ''[[Hot Press]]'' interview: "We were never going to be the type of band that [[Larry Gogan]] or [[Ian Dempsey]] would play anyway, regardless of the lyric".<ref name="Loose lips" /><ref name="Killer on the loose">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2696945.html|title=Killer on the loose|date=2003-12-03|accessdate=2009-08-24|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> The band's debut album, ''[[This is the Tomb of the Juice]]'', was partially recorded in the ten days studio time they had won in the aforementioned competition.<ref name="Loose lips" /> ''This is the Tomb of the Juice'' was recorded in 2003 then released in 2004.<ref name="Sligo appearance for Republic of Loose">{{cite web|url=http://www.sligochampion.ie/entertainment/sligo-appearance-for-republic-of-loose-568349.html|title=Sligo appearance for Republic of Loose|date=2006-05-17|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Sligo Champion]]''}}</ref><ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /><ref name="Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot" /><ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /><ref name="Republic to return?" /><ref name="DIVERSE GIGS IN SPIRIT STORE">{{cite web|url=http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/diverse-gigs-in-spirit-store-617581.html |title=DIVERSE GIGS IN SPIRIT STORE |date=2006-05-24 |accessdate=2009-08-21 |publisher=''[[The Argus (Dundalk)|The Argus]]'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055744/http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/diverse-gigs-in-spirit-store-617581.html |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df= }}</ref> 2004 was also the year in which Republic of Loose débuted at [[Oxegen]] (on the New Band Stage), a festival at which they have since regularly performed.<ref name="Nightwatch: Mick Pyro">{{cite web|author=[[Mick Pyro]]|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/columnists/nightwatch-mick-pyro-1803935.html|title=Nightwatch: Mick Pyro|date=2009-07-03|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2737514.html|title=Oxegen running order - Sunday|date=9 July 2004|accessdate=20 February 2010|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> Singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" were released in July and October 2005 respectively,<ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /> both achieving significant airplay on Irish radio and entering the top thirty of the Irish Singles Chart.<ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /><ref name="Irish Chartstats" /> By 2006 the band had toured Ireland, the United Kingdom, where they performed at festivals such as [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]] and [[T in the Park]], and France, where they performed at [[Furia Sound Festival]], [[Nice Jazz Festival]] and [[Transmusicales|Les Transmusicales]].<ref name="Loosen up at the Left Bank" /><ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!" /> They also performed alongside veteran rock band [[Lir (band)|Lir]] at [[Vicar Street]] in January 2006.<ref name="No swansong planned for the boys of Lir">{{cite web|author=Kevin Courtney|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2008/1004/1222959337655.html|title=No swansong planned for the boys of Lir|date=2009-10-04|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=Dublin rock band Lir are back with a new album - 20 years after they began. [...] The band still reconvenes at least once a year to play a gig for the home crowd; in January 2006, they played a gig in Vicar Street alongside Damien Dempsey and Republic of Loose.}}</ref>


===''Aaagh!''===
===''Aaagh!''===
At a cost of [[Euro|€]]70,000 to make,<ref name="A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life">{{cite web|author=Sophie Grenham|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/a-loose-definition-of-the-rock-n-roll-life-124486.html|title=A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life|date=2007-04-22|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> the band's second album, ''[[Aaagh!]]'' was released in 2006.<ref name="Republic to return?">{{cite web|url=http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/republic-to-return-671070.html|title=Republic to return?|date=2007-04-26|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Argus (Dundalk)|The Argus]]''}}</ref> ''[[Sunday Tribune]]'' journalist [[Una Mullally]] called it "one of the most original and progressive Irish albums ever made".<ref name="The lowdown on what should be top"/> ''Aaagh!'' reached number two in the [[Irish Albums Chart]],<ref name="Loose put in hard yards to storm barricades of success"/> going platinum in the process,<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/> received regular airplay on Irish radio and produced five singles, including "The Idiots", a song about Mick Pyro's former girlfriend which also features her on vocals.<ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!"/><ref name="A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life"/><ref name="Blizzards, Republic of Loose and The Flaws">{{cite web|url=http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/plus/goingout/articles/2009/05/26/39796-blizzards-republic-of-loose-and-the-flaws/|title=Blizzards, Republic of Loose and The Flaws|date=2009-05-26|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Westmeath Examiner]]''}}</ref> "Break", a top ten single in Ireland and top forty single in [[South Africa]], was temporarily banned by South African radio station [[5fm]] when a female DJ declared on air that it promoted [[anal sex]] without [[contraception]], a comment which led to several complaints from listeners.<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'">{{cite web|author=Steve Cummins|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/irish-bands-loose-lyrics---sexrated-1057169.html|title=Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'|date=2007-08-12|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> The band's 2006 summer tour included a performance where fans danced outside despite "the lashing rain" at [[Oxegen 2006]], with the ''[[Irish Independent]]''{{'}}s Larissa Nolan saying "their scheduling on the main stage was a testament to just how big their army of fans is",<ref name="Why does it always rain on festivals?">{{cite web|author=Larissa Nolan|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/why-does-it-always-rain-on-festivals-132403.html|title=Why does it always rain on festivals?|date=2006-07-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Thumbs up for a rockin' weekend as thousands breathe the Oxegen">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/thumbs-up-for-a-rockin-weekend-as-thousands-breathe-the-oxegen-86956.html|title=Thumbs up for a rockin' weekend as thousands breathe the Oxegen|date=2006-07-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Flocking to rock with legends">{{cite web|author=Breda Hefferenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/flocking-to-rock-with-legends-86957.html|title=Flocking to rock with legends|date=2006-07-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> and [[Castlepalooza]].<ref name="Making a big song and dance of the August bank holiday">{{cite web|author=Breda Hefferenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/making-a-big-song-and-dance-of-the-august-bank-holiday-81951.html|title=Making a big song and dance of the August bank holiday|date=2006-08-07|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> In 2007, Republic of Loose performed at several festivals in Ireland and the United Kingdom, including [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]], [[Cois Fharraige]] and a headline slot at [[Indie-pendence]].<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'"/><ref name="10 last chances for fun this summer">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/going-out/10-last-chances-for-fun-this-summer-1060925.html|title=10 last chances for fun this summer|date=2007-08-16|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Sun shines for music festival revellers">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sun-shines-for-music-festival-revellers-1074774.html|title=Sun shines for music festival revellers|date=2007-09-10|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Loose and free at festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/loose-and-free-at-festival-654471.html|title=Loose and free at festival|date=2007-05-10|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> ''Aaagh!'' was released in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2007.<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'"/> In January 2008, Republic of Loose were one of the acts who recorded "[[The Ballad of Ronnie Drew]]" at Dublin's [[Windmill Lane Studios]];<ref name="Cream of Irish music in tribute to Dubliner as he battles with cancer">{{cite web|author=Richie Taylor|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/cream-of-irish-music-in-tribute-to-dubliner-as-he-battles-with-cancer-1268435.html|title=Cream of Irish music in tribute to Dubliner as he battles with cancer|date=2008-01-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> the sessions led to a meeting with [[Sinéad O'Connor]], with whom the band recorded and released a duet which was then performed live at the [[2008 Meteor Awards]] the following month.<ref name="Sinead cuts Loose with new band"/><ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Browne|url=http://www.corkman.ie/news/music-legends-flock-to-the-lodge-1537918.html|title=Music legends flock to the Lodge|date=2008-11-13|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Corkman]]''}}</ref>
At a cost of [[Euro|€]]70,000 to make,<ref name="A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life">{{cite web|author=Sophie Grenham|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/a-loose-definition-of-the-rock-n-roll-life-124486.html|title=A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life|date=2007-04-22|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> the band's second album, ''[[Aaagh!]]'' was released in 2006.<ref name="Republic to return?">{{cite web|url=http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/republic-to-return-671070.html |title=Republic to return? |date=2007-04-26 |accessdate=2009-08-21 |publisher=''[[The Argus (Dundalk)|The Argus]]'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055807/http://www.argus.ie/entertainment/republic-to-return-671070.html |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df= }}</ref> ''[[Sunday Tribune]]'' journalist [[Una Mullally]] called it "one of the most original and progressive Irish albums ever made".<ref name="The lowdown on what should be top"/> ''Aaagh!'' reached number two in the [[Irish Albums Chart]],<ref name="Loose put in hard yards to storm barricades of success"/> going platinum in the process,<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/> received regular airplay on Irish radio and produced five singles, including "The Idiots", a song about Mick Pyro's former girlfriend which also features her on vocals.<ref name="The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!"/><ref name="A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life"/><ref name="Blizzards, Republic of Loose and The Flaws">{{cite web|url=http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/plus/goingout/articles/2009/05/26/39796-blizzards-republic-of-loose-and-the-flaws/|title=Blizzards, Republic of Loose and The Flaws|date=2009-05-26|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Westmeath Examiner]]''}}</ref> "Break", a top ten single in Ireland and top forty single in [[South Africa]], was temporarily banned by South African radio station [[5fm]] when a female DJ declared on air that it promoted [[anal sex]] without [[contraception]], a comment which led to several complaints from listeners.<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'">{{cite web|author=Steve Cummins|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/irish-bands-loose-lyrics---sexrated-1057169.html|title=Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'|date=2007-08-12|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> The band's 2006 summer tour included a performance where fans danced outside despite "the lashing rain" at [[Oxegen 2006]], with the ''[[Irish Independent]]''{{'}}s Larissa Nolan saying "their scheduling on the main stage was a testament to just how big their army of fans is",<ref name="Why does it always rain on festivals?">{{cite web|author=Larissa Nolan|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/why-does-it-always-rain-on-festivals-132403.html|title=Why does it always rain on festivals?|date=2006-07-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Thumbs up for a rockin' weekend as thousands breathe the Oxegen">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/thumbs-up-for-a-rockin-weekend-as-thousands-breathe-the-oxegen-86956.html|title=Thumbs up for a rockin' weekend as thousands breathe the Oxegen|date=2006-07-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Flocking to rock with legends">{{cite web|author=Breda Hefferenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/flocking-to-rock-with-legends-86957.html|title=Flocking to rock with legends|date=2006-07-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> and [[Castlepalooza]].<ref name="Making a big song and dance of the August bank holiday">{{cite web|author=Breda Hefferenan|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/making-a-big-song-and-dance-of-the-august-bank-holiday-81951.html|title=Making a big song and dance of the August bank holiday|date=2006-08-07|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> In 2007, Republic of Loose performed at several festivals in Ireland and the United Kingdom, including [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]], [[Cois Fharraige]] and a headline slot at [[Indie-pendence]].<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'"/><ref name="10 last chances for fun this summer">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/going-out/10-last-chances-for-fun-this-summer-1060925.html|title=10 last chances for fun this summer|date=2007-08-16|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Sun shines for music festival revellers">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/sun-shines-for-music-festival-revellers-1074774.html|title=Sun shines for music festival revellers|date=2007-09-10|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Loose and free at festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/loose-and-free-at-festival-654471.html|title=Loose and free at festival|date=2007-05-10|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> ''Aaagh!'' was released in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2007.<ref name="Irish band's Loose lyrics 'sex-rated'"/> In January 2008, Republic of Loose were one of the acts who recorded "[[The Ballad of Ronnie Drew]]" at Dublin's [[Windmill Lane Studios]];<ref name="Cream of Irish music in tribute to Dubliner as he battles with cancer">{{cite web|author=Richie Taylor|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/cream-of-irish-music-in-tribute-to-dubliner-as-he-battles-with-cancer-1268435.html|title=Cream of Irish music in tribute to Dubliner as he battles with cancer|date=2008-01-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> the sessions led to a meeting with [[Sinéad O'Connor]], with whom the band recorded and released a duet which was then performed live at the [[2008 Meteor Awards]] the following month.<ref name="Sinead cuts Loose with new band"/><ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Browne|url=http://www.corkman.ie/news/music-legends-flock-to-the-lodge-1537918.html|title=Music legends flock to the Lodge|date=2008-11-13|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Corkman]]''}}</ref>


===''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil''===
===''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil''===
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On 27 March 2008, Republic of Loose announced the track list and title for their third album.<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4515755.html|title=Republic Of Loose reveal new album details|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> ''[[Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil]]'' was released in May 2008,<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/> featuring contributions from Sinéad O'Connor, rapper [[Styles P]] and hip hoppers [[Millionaire Boyz]].<ref name="Rock -- Loose men"/> In the run-up to the release, the band uploaded free downloadable songs to their [[MySpace]] profile, including [[A-side and B-side|b-sides]], live tracks and songs from ''Aaagh!''.<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/> ''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil'' spent more than three months in the top thirty of the [[Irish Albums Chart]],<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider-09092008-1472385.html|title=The Insider: 09/09/2008|date=2008-09-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> spawning the successful singles, "[[I Like Music]]" and "[[The Steady Song]]",<ref name="Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic"/> the latter their highest chart performer to date, having peaked at number twelve and stayed in the charts for thirteen weeks.<ref name = "Irish Chartstats">{{cite web|url = http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement|title = The Irish Charts|publisher = The Irish Chart|accessdate = 20 August 2009}}</ref> Mick Pyro has described ''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil'' as the first album the band feel proud of.<ref name="Let Loose"/>
On 27 March 2008, Republic of Loose announced the track list and title for their third album.<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4515755.html|title=Republic Of Loose reveal new album details|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref> ''[[Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil]]'' was released in May 2008,<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/> featuring contributions from Sinéad O'Connor, rapper [[Styles P]] and hip hoppers [[Millionaire Boyz]].<ref name="Rock -- Loose men"/> In the run-up to the release, the band uploaded free downloadable songs to their [[MySpace]] profile, including [[A-side and B-side|b-sides]], live tracks and songs from ''Aaagh!''.<ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/> ''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil'' spent more than three months in the top thirty of the [[Irish Albums Chart]],<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider-09092008-1472385.html|title=The Insider: 09/09/2008|date=2008-09-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> spawning the successful singles, "[[I Like Music]]" and "[[The Steady Song]]",<ref name="Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic"/> the latter their highest chart performer to date, having peaked at number twelve and stayed in the charts for thirteen weeks.<ref name = "Irish Chartstats">{{cite web|url = http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement|title = The Irish Charts|publisher = The Irish Chart|accessdate = 20 August 2009}}</ref> Mick Pyro has described ''Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil'' as the first album the band feel proud of.<ref name="Let Loose"/>


In support of the album's release, the band embarked on a small national tour and received an invitation to perform a sell-out month-long residency at [[The Academy (music venue)|The Dublin Academy]] for four consecutive Fridays,<ref name="Let Loose"/><ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/><ref name="Fast and Loose"/><ref name="Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd"/> thus ending their habit of playing Dublin only once per year.<ref name="Fast and Loose"/> This involved two-hour sets featuring new material and duets with Sinéad O'Connor&mdash;on her song "[[Nothing Compares 2 U]]"&mdash;and [[Damien Dempsey]]&mdash;on the [[Thin Lizzy]] song "[[Dancing in the Moonlight]]".<ref name="Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot">{{cite web|author=Ed Power|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/footloose-funkateers-new-cuts-hit-the-spot-1340369.html|title=Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot|date=2008-04-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Dempsey's den">{{cite web|author=Tanya Sweeney|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/dempseys-den-1383086.html|title=Dempsey's den|date=2008-05-22|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''|quote=Eamonn Doran's is where Damo enjoyed a fruitful rapport with Republic Of Loose frontman Mick Pyro. Theirs is a long-time kinship which culminated in Damien joining ROL onstage during their sell-out residency at the Academy.}}</ref> The Academy residency led to a Meteor Award nomination for Best Irish Live Performance the following year and they would return for another performance at the same venue that September.<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/><ref name="Meteor Awards nominations out"/><ref name="The Insider - 12/09/2008">{{cite web|author=Tanya Sweeney|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider--12092008-1474420.html|title=The Insider - 12/09/2008|date=2008-09-12|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> A [[Intimate relationship|couple]] were [[Engagement|engaged]] as part of a [[BBC]] television series prior to the Sunday evening appearance of Republic of Loose on the O2 Stage at [[Oxegen 2008]]&mdash;<ref name="Sunshine brightens festival for happy campers">{{cite web|author=Fiach Kelly|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sunshine-brightens-festival-for-happy-campers-1432443.html|title=Sunshine brightens festival for happy campers|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Full line-up announced for Oxegen Festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/full-lineup-announced-for-oxegen-festival-1403273.html|title=Full line-up announced for Oxegen Festival|date=2008-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> a performance which also featured collaborator Styles P&mdash;<ref name="Review of the Week: Oxegen 2008 * * * *">{{cite web|author=Ed Power|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/review-of-the-week-oxegen-2008-1435115.html|title=Review of the Week: Oxegen 2008 * * * *|date=2008-07-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> whilst the band also performed for several journalists backstage.<ref name="Oxegen: Mud, sweat and beers">{{cite web|author=Kevin Doyle|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/oxegen-mud-sweat-and-beers-1432656.html|title=Oxegen: Mud, sweat and beers|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> They performed a [[DJ mix|DJ set]] at Castlepalooza before headlining [[Solas Festival]] on 17 August 2008.<ref name="Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd">{{cite web|author=John Meagher|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/loaded-apr-26th--may-2nd-1357797.html|title=Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd|date=2008-04-25|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Bad weather, mess and muck 'but the vibe was great'">{{cite web|author=Pamela Newenham|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0818/1218868019971.html|title=Bad weather, mess and muck 'but the vibe was great'|date=2008-08-18|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=The festival was headlined by Kila and the Republic of Loose. Other acts included God is an Astronaut, Autamata, Andy McKee, White Noise and Gavin Glass and the Holy Shakers. Other highlights included two double-decker buses serving hot food, a nice break from the rain.}}</ref><ref name="Solas festival: new names, stage-by-stage breakdown">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4686245.html|title=Solas festival: new names, stage-by-stage breakdown|date=2008-08-01|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="Solas headliners to light up castle">{{cite web|url=http://www.carlowpeople.ie/news/solas-headliners-to-light-up-castle-1453058.html|title=Solas headliners to light up castle|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Carlow People]]''}}</ref><ref name="The Insider - 06/08/2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider--06082008-1447920.html|title=The Insider - 06/08/2008|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> Republic of Loose featured on [[Today FM]]'s ''[[The Ray D'Arcy Show]]''{{'}}s charity album ''[[Even Better Than the Disco Thing]]'' released in December 2008,<ref name="Digging deep for a good cause">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2008/1212/1228864707639.html|title=Digging deep for a good cause|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=''The Ray Darcy Show'' on Today FM has already put together a number of cover version albums to aid various charities. The latest is ''Even Better Than The Disco Thing'' with Cathy Davey, Lisa Hannigan, Jape, Republic Of Loose, The Blizzards Duke Special, Director and many more getting on down. All proceeds go to the National Children’s Hospital and Barretstown.}}</ref> finishing off the year with three shows in [[Cork (city)|Cork]].<ref name="Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic">{{cite web|url=http://www.corkman.ie/news/band-loose-on-tour-in-the-peoples-republic-1580311.html|title=Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic|date=2008-12-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Corkman]]''}}</ref>
In support of the album's release, the band embarked on a small national tour and received an invitation to perform a sell-out month-long residency at [[The Academy (music venue)|The Dublin Academy]] for four consecutive Fridays,<ref name="Let Loose"/><ref name="Republic Of Loose reveal new album details"/><ref name="Fast and Loose"/><ref name="Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd"/> thus ending their habit of playing Dublin only once per year.<ref name="Fast and Loose"/> This involved two-hour sets featuring new material and duets with Sinéad O'Connor&mdash;on her song "[[Nothing Compares 2 U]]"&mdash;and [[Damien Dempsey]]&mdash;on the [[Thin Lizzy]] song "[[Dancing in the Moonlight]]".<ref name="Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot">{{cite web|author=Ed Power|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/footloose-funkateers-new-cuts-hit-the-spot-1340369.html|title=Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot|date=2008-04-08|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Dempsey's den">{{cite web|author=Tanya Sweeney|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/dempseys-den-1383086.html|title=Dempsey's den|date=2008-05-22|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''|quote=Eamonn Doran's is where Damo enjoyed a fruitful rapport with Republic Of Loose frontman Mick Pyro. Theirs is a long-time kinship which culminated in Damien joining ROL onstage during their sell-out residency at the Academy.}}</ref> The Academy residency led to a Meteor Award nomination for Best Irish Live Performance the following year and they would return for another performance at the same venue that September.<ref name="The Insider: 09/09/2008"/><ref name="Meteor Awards nominations out"/><ref name="The Insider - 12/09/2008">{{cite web|author=Tanya Sweeney|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider--12092008-1474420.html|title=The Insider - 12/09/2008|date=2008-09-12|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> A [[Intimate relationship|couple]] were [[Engagement|engaged]] as part of a [[BBC]] television series prior to the Sunday evening appearance of Republic of Loose on the O2 Stage at [[Oxegen 2008]]&mdash;<ref name="Sunshine brightens festival for happy campers">{{cite web|author=Fiach Kelly|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/sunshine-brightens-festival-for-happy-campers-1432443.html|title=Sunshine brightens festival for happy campers|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Full line-up announced for Oxegen Festival">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/full-lineup-announced-for-oxegen-festival-1403273.html|title=Full line-up announced for Oxegen Festival|date=2008-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> a performance which also featured collaborator Styles P&mdash;<ref name="Review of the Week: Oxegen 2008 * * * *">{{cite web|author=Ed Power|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/review-of-the-week-oxegen-2008-1435115.html|title=Review of the Week: Oxegen 2008 * * * *|date=2008-07-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref> whilst the band also performed for several journalists backstage.<ref name="Oxegen: Mud, sweat and beers">{{cite web|author=Kevin Doyle|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/oxegen-mud-sweat-and-beers-1432656.html|title=Oxegen: Mud, sweat and beers|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> They performed a [[DJ mix|DJ set]] at Castlepalooza before headlining [[Solas Festival]] on 17 August 2008.<ref name="Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd">{{cite web|author=John Meagher|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/day-and-night/critics-choice/loaded-apr-26th--may-2nd-1357797.html|title=Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd|date=2008-04-25|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Bad weather, mess and muck 'but the vibe was great'">{{cite web|author=Pamela Newenham|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0818/1218868019971.html|title=Bad weather, mess and muck 'but the vibe was great'|date=2008-08-18|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=The festival was headlined by Kila and the Republic of Loose. Other acts included God is an Astronaut, Autamata, Andy McKee, White Noise and Gavin Glass and the Holy Shakers. Other highlights included two double-decker buses serving hot food, a nice break from the rain.}}</ref><ref name="Solas festival: new names, stage-by-stage breakdown">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4686245.html|title=Solas festival: new names, stage-by-stage breakdown|date=2008-08-01|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="Solas headliners to light up castle">{{cite web|url=http://www.carlowpeople.ie/news/solas-headliners-to-light-up-castle-1453058.html |title=Solas headliners to light up castle |date=2008-08-06 |accessdate=2009-08-21 |publisher=''[[Carlow People]]'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055625/http://www.carlowpeople.ie/news/solas-headliners-to-light-up-castle-1453058.html |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df= }}</ref><ref name="The Insider - 06/08/2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider--06082008-1447920.html|title=The Insider - 06/08/2008|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> Republic of Loose featured on [[Today FM]]'s ''[[The Ray D'Arcy Show]]''{{'}}s charity album ''[[Even Better Than the Disco Thing]]'' released in December 2008,<ref name="Digging deep for a good cause">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2008/1212/1228864707639.html|title=Digging deep for a good cause|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=''The Ray Darcy Show'' on Today FM has already put together a number of cover version albums to aid various charities. The latest is ''Even Better Than The Disco Thing'' with Cathy Davey, Lisa Hannigan, Jape, Republic Of Loose, The Blizzards Duke Special, Director and many more getting on down. All proceeds go to the National Children’s Hospital and Barretstown.}}</ref> finishing off the year with three shows in [[Cork (city)|Cork]].<ref name="Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic">{{cite web|url=http://www.corkman.ie/news/band-loose-on-tour-in-the-peoples-republic-1580311.html|title=Band Loose 'on tour' in the Peoples Republic|date=2008-12-18|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[The Corkman]]''}}</ref>


Republic of Loose were one of several acts to perform [[cover version]]s at a show in The Academy titled "Inspirations", held in honour of the actor [[Paul Newman]]'s Irish charity in February 2009.<ref name="Kinetiks look to heroes for Inspirations concert">{{cite web|url=http://www.fingal-independent.ie/news/kinetiks-look-to-heroes-for-inspirations-concert-1652690.html|title=Kinetiks look to heroes for Inspirations concert|date=2009-02-25|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Fingal Independent]]''}}</ref> In June 2009, the band were part of a collaboration of musicians calling themselves The Troublemakers who recorded a cover version of the [[Horslips]] song "[[Trouble with a Capital T]]" for charity.<ref name="Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/5450878.html|title=Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover|date=2009-05-21|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/5531368.html|title=Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight|date=2009-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="The Insider: 09/06/2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider-09062009-1766837.html|title=The Insider: 09/06/2009|date=2009-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> The recording session was part of ''[[The Raw Sessions]]'' and the song was performed by The Troublemakers on ''[[The Late Late Show (Ireland)|The Late Late Show]]''.<ref name="Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover"/><ref name="Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight"/><ref name="The Insider: 09/06/2009"/> The band performed on the Heineken Green Spheres Stage at [[Oxegen 2009]] before supporting [[U2]] during one of their [[U2 360° Tour]] concert dates at [[Croke Park]] in July 2009.<ref name="Oxegen gets more acts">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0410/1224244337048.html|title=Oxegen gets more acts|date=2009-04-10|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''}}</ref><ref name="THE LINE-UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0710/1224250335328.html|title=THE LINE-UP|date=2009-07-10|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''}}</ref><ref name="Oxegen 09: Oxegen line-up">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/festivals/oxegen-09-oxegen-lineup-1804056.html|title=Oxegen 09: Oxegen line-up|date=2009-07-03|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Another sort of homecoming">{{cite web|author=Tony Clayton-Lea|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0724/1224251169081.html|title=Another sort of homecoming|date=2009-07-24|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=One really sore point: whoever is responsible for selecting the Irish support acts (Damien Dempsey, The Script, BellX1, Republic of Loose) should be ashamed. Not one of these acts needs the profile such a “special guest” slot can provide. Where is the support system for lesser-known Irish bands that genuinely need a leg-up on their home turf? Nowhere on the horizon, that’s where.}}</ref><ref name="Boys can still party as hard as they play with three nights of clubbing">{{cite web|author=Lorna Nolan|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/boys-can-still-party-as-hard-as-they-play-with-three-nights-of-clubbing-1842519.html|title=Boys can still party as hard as they play with three nights of clubbing|date=2009-07-27|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> Republic of Loose participated in the international celebration of the 250th birthday of [[Guinness]]&mdash;known as [[Arthur's Day]]&mdash; which took place on 24 September 2009.<ref name="Catch Tom Jones in your local">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0717/1224250811255.html|title=Catch Tom Jones in your local|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=A number of Irish acts, including Imelda May, Mick Flannery, Republic of Loose and The Blizzards, will also participate.}}</ref>
Republic of Loose were one of several acts to perform [[cover version]]s at a show in The Academy titled "Inspirations", held in honour of the actor [[Paul Newman]]'s Irish charity in February 2009.<ref name="Kinetiks look to heroes for Inspirations concert">{{cite web|url=http://www.fingal-independent.ie/news/kinetiks-look-to-heroes-for-inspirations-concert-1652690.html |title=Kinetiks look to heroes for Inspirations concert |date=2009-02-25 |accessdate=2009-08-21 |publisher=''[[Fingal Independent]]'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716055756/http://www.fingal-independent.ie/news/kinetiks-look-to-heroes-for-inspirations-concert-1652690.html |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df= }}</ref> In June 2009, the band were part of a collaboration of musicians calling themselves The Troublemakers who recorded a cover version of the [[Horslips]] song "[[Trouble with a Capital T]]" for charity.<ref name="Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/5450878.html|title=Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover|date=2009-05-21|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/5531368.html|title=Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight|date=2009-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Hot Press]]''}}</ref><ref name="The Insider: 09/06/2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/the-insider-09062009-1766837.html|title=The Insider: 09/06/2009|date=2009-06-09|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]''}}</ref> The recording session was part of ''[[The Raw Sessions]]'' and the song was performed by The Troublemakers on ''[[The Late Late Show (Ireland)|The Late Late Show]]''.<ref name="Irish music celebs record charity Horslips cover"/><ref name="Raw Sessions celebrity episode airs tonight"/><ref name="The Insider: 09/06/2009"/> The band performed on the Heineken Green Spheres Stage at [[Oxegen 2009]] before supporting [[U2]] during one of their [[U2 360° Tour]] concert dates at [[Croke Park]] in July 2009.<ref name="Oxegen gets more acts">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0410/1224244337048.html|title=Oxegen gets more acts|date=2009-04-10|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''}}</ref><ref name="THE LINE-UP">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0710/1224250335328.html|title=THE LINE-UP|date=2009-07-10|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''}}</ref><ref name="Oxegen 09: Oxegen line-up">{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/festivals/oxegen-09-oxegen-lineup-1804056.html|title=Oxegen 09: Oxegen line-up|date=2009-07-03|accessdate=2009-08-21|publisher=''[[Irish Independent]]''}}</ref><ref name="Another sort of homecoming">{{cite web|author=Tony Clayton-Lea|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0724/1224251169081.html|title=Another sort of homecoming|date=2009-07-24|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=One really sore point: whoever is responsible for selecting the Irish support acts (Damien Dempsey, The Script, BellX1, Republic of Loose) should be ashamed. Not one of these acts needs the profile such a “special guest” slot can provide. Where is the support system for lesser-known Irish bands that genuinely need a leg-up on their home turf? Nowhere on the horizon, that’s where.}}</ref><ref name="Boys can still party as hard as they play with three nights of clubbing">{{cite web|author=Lorna Nolan |url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/boys-can-still-party-as-hard-as-they-play-with-three-nights-of-clubbing-1842519.html |title=Boys can still party as hard as they play with three nights of clubbing |date=2009-07-27 |accessdate=2009-08-21 |publisher=''[[Evening Herald]]'' |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231065136/http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/boys-can-still-party-as-hard-as-they-play-with-three-nights-of-clubbing-1842519.html |archivedate=31 December 2009 |df= }}</ref> Republic of Loose participated in the international celebration of the 250th birthday of [[Guinness]]&mdash;known as [[Arthur's Day]]&mdash; which took place on 24 September 2009.<ref name="Catch Tom Jones in your local">{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/articles/2009/0717/1224250811255.html|title=Catch Tom Jones in your local|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-08-16|publisher=''[[The Irish Times]]''|quote=A number of Irish acts, including Imelda May, Mick Flannery, Republic of Loose and The Blizzards, will also participate.}}</ref>


===''Bounce at the Devil''===
===''Bounce at the Devil''===

Revision as of 20:00, 4 May 2017

Republic of Loose
Left to right: Andre Lopes, Mick Pyro, Benjamin Loose, Dave Pyro
Left to right: Andre Lopes, Mick Pyro, Benjamin Loose, Dave Pyro
Background information
OriginDublin, Ireland
GenresRock, blues, funk, soul
Years active2001–2014
LabelsLoaded Dice Records, Big Cat [UK]
Members
  • Mick Pyro
  • Benjamin Loose
  • Deco
  • Dave Pyro
  • Brez
  • Coz Noleon
  • Andre Lopes
Websitewww.republicofloose.com

Republic of Loose were[1] an Irish funk rock band from Dublin. Formed in 2001, the band formerly consisted of lead vocalist Mick Pyro, bass guitarist and vocalist Benjamin Loose, keyboardist Darragh, guitarists and vocalists Dave Pyro and Darach O' Laoire and drummers and percussionists Andre Lopes. Additional percussion and vocals are provided by Orla La and Emily Rose

With a self-described musical style of "the stuff your dad likes", the band signed to Big Cat Records in 2003, recording their debut album This is the Tomb of the Juice which was released in 2004. They were named "Hope for 2004" at the 2004 Meteor Awards. In 2005, the singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" received significant airplay on Irish radio. Republic of Loose's second album Aaagh!, released in April 2006, reached number two in the Irish Albums Chart, achieving platinum sales and a Choice Music Prize nomination in the process. It spawned several more successful singles, including "Break" which achieved notoriety in South Africa where a radio station banned it following complaints regarding its allegedly explicit lyrics. Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil, Republic of Loose's third album, was released in 2008. That album produced their highest chart performer to date, "The Steady Song", which peaked at number twelve and stayed in the Irish Singles Chart for thirteen weeks. Bounce at the Devil, the band's fourth album, was released in 2010.

Having earned the admiration of several musicians, including members of Snow Patrol and U2, as well as Sinéad O'Connor—with whom they recorded, released and performed a duet at the 2008 Meteor Awards—, the band have had their music played on radio stations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. The Irish Times placed them at number thirty-seven in a list of "The 50 Best Irish Acts Right Now" published in April 2009,[2] referring to them as "one of Ireland's most original bands" led by "the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice [...] simultaneously channelling the spirits of James Brown and James Joyce in one fell swoop."[3] Aside from U2 and Bell X1, they are the Irish band with the most airplay in their native country.[4] In August 2014, vocalist Mick Pyro confirmed that the band had split.[1]

History

Formation

Mick Pyro performed with self-described "rubbish rock bands" for several years before the formation of The Republic of Loose.[5] During this time, he was, according to himself, "depressed out of my brains" and listened to artists such as Manic Street Preachers.[5] Experiencing what he termed "a huge metaphysical overturning of my value system", Pyro had developed a fascination with musicians such as James Brown and The Rolling Stones, or "the stuff your Dad likes".[5] This change of musical interest prompted him to create Johnny Pyro, an alter-ego, who, according to Pyro, "disassociated himself from the normal lifestyle of an Irish bourgeois kid".[5] This alter-ego would later develop into Johnny Pyro And The Rock Coma (Mik Pyro, Dave Pyro, Coz Noleon, Mark Dennehy and Emmet Cole). The band recorded an EP, which featured four of the songs that later appeared on the Republic of Loose's first album, 'This Is The Tomb Of The Juice.' Following the departure of guitarist Emmet Cole (who wrote the song "Black Bread") and bassist Mark Dennehey "To Texas and Ringsend," respectively, Johnny Pyro and Rock Coma split.

About a year later the Republic of Loose was formed.[5] Benjamin Loose studied theology in Trinity College, Dublin before performing in a country band with Mick Pyro.[6] Dave Pyro used to play guitar with Brez and Deco joined them to play keys.[7] The name Republic of Loose was settled upon in 2001 when Dave and Mick, combined with Brez, Deco, Coz Noleon, who had been Mick's schoolfriend, and Benjamin Loose.[7][8][9]

This is the Tomb of the Juice

Republic of Loose performing at Guilfest 2004, promoting 'This is the tomb of the Juice'

The band's break, according to Mick Pyro, came as a result of ten days recording time they won in "some competition or something, some fucking battle of the bands".[10] In 2003, Republic of Loose signed to Big Cat Records.[7] The single "Girl I'm Gonna Fuck You Up", released in late 2003, was largely ignored by daytime radio in Ireland, with Mick Pyro commenting in an early Hot Press interview: "We were never going to be the type of band that Larry Gogan or Ian Dempsey would play anyway, regardless of the lyric".[10][11] The band's debut album, This is the Tomb of the Juice, was partially recorded in the ten days studio time they had won in the aforementioned competition.[10] This is the Tomb of the Juice was recorded in 2003 then released in 2004.[8][9][12][13][14][15] 2004 was also the year in which Republic of Loose débuted at Oxegen (on the New Band Stage), a festival at which they have since regularly performed.[16][17] Singles "Comeback Girl" and "You Know It" were released in July and October 2005 respectively,[9] both achieving significant airplay on Irish radio and entering the top thirty of the Irish Singles Chart.[13][18] By 2006 the band had toured Ireland, the United Kingdom, where they performed at festivals such as Glastonbury and T in the Park, and France, where they performed at Furia Sound Festival, Nice Jazz Festival and Les Transmusicales.[9][13] They also performed alongside veteran rock band Lir at Vicar Street in January 2006.[19]

Aaagh!

At a cost of 70,000 to make,[20] the band's second album, Aaagh! was released in 2006.[14] Sunday Tribune journalist Una Mullally called it "one of the most original and progressive Irish albums ever made".[21] Aaagh! reached number two in the Irish Albums Chart,[22] going platinum in the process,[23] received regular airplay on Irish radio and produced five singles, including "The Idiots", a song about Mick Pyro's former girlfriend which also features her on vocals.[13][20][24] "Break", a top ten single in Ireland and top forty single in South Africa, was temporarily banned by South African radio station 5fm when a female DJ declared on air that it promoted anal sex without contraception, a comment which led to several complaints from listeners.[25] The band's 2006 summer tour included a performance where fans danced outside despite "the lashing rain" at Oxegen 2006, with the Irish Independent's Larissa Nolan saying "their scheduling on the main stage was a testament to just how big their army of fans is",[26][27][28] and Castlepalooza.[29] In 2007, Republic of Loose performed at several festivals in Ireland and the United Kingdom, including Reading and Leeds Festivals, Cois Fharraige and a headline slot at Indie-pendence.[25][30][31][32] Aaagh! was released in the United Kingdom on 15 October 2007.[25] In January 2008, Republic of Loose were one of the acts who recorded "The Ballad of Ronnie Drew" at Dublin's Windmill Lane Studios;[33] the sessions led to a meeting with Sinéad O'Connor, with whom the band recorded and released a duet which was then performed live at the 2008 Meteor Awards the following month.[34][35][36]

Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil

On 27 March 2008, Republic of Loose announced the track list and title for their third album.[23] Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil was released in May 2008,[35] featuring contributions from Sinéad O'Connor, rapper Styles P and hip hoppers Millionaire Boyz.[4] In the run-up to the release, the band uploaded free downloadable songs to their MySpace profile, including b-sides, live tracks and songs from Aaagh!.[23] Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil spent more than three months in the top thirty of the Irish Albums Chart,[35] spawning the successful singles, "I Like Music" and "The Steady Song",[37] the latter their highest chart performer to date, having peaked at number twelve and stayed in the charts for thirteen weeks.[18] Mick Pyro has described Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil as the first album the band feel proud of.[5]

In support of the album's release, the band embarked on a small national tour and received an invitation to perform a sell-out month-long residency at The Dublin Academy for four consecutive Fridays,[5][23][38][39] thus ending their habit of playing Dublin only once per year.[38] This involved two-hour sets featuring new material and duets with Sinéad O'Connor—on her song "Nothing Compares 2 U"—and Damien Dempsey—on the Thin Lizzy song "Dancing in the Moonlight".[12][40] The Academy residency led to a Meteor Award nomination for Best Irish Live Performance the following year and they would return for another performance at the same venue that September.[35][41][42] A couple were engaged as part of a BBC television series prior to the Sunday evening appearance of Republic of Loose on the O2 Stage at Oxegen 2008[43][44] a performance which also featured collaborator Styles P—[45] whilst the band also performed for several journalists backstage.[46] They performed a DJ set at Castlepalooza before headlining Solas Festival on 17 August 2008.[39][47][48][49][50] Republic of Loose featured on Today FM's The Ray D'Arcy Show's charity album Even Better Than the Disco Thing released in December 2008,[51] finishing off the year with three shows in Cork.[37]

Republic of Loose were one of several acts to perform cover versions at a show in The Academy titled "Inspirations", held in honour of the actor Paul Newman's Irish charity in February 2009.[52] In June 2009, the band were part of a collaboration of musicians calling themselves The Troublemakers who recorded a cover version of the Horslips song "Trouble with a Capital T" for charity.[53][54][55] The recording session was part of The Raw Sessions and the song was performed by The Troublemakers on The Late Late Show.[53][54][55] The band performed on the Heineken Green Spheres Stage at Oxegen 2009 before supporting U2 during one of their U2 360° Tour concert dates at Croke Park in July 2009.[56][57][58][59][60] Republic of Loose participated in the international celebration of the 250th birthday of Guinness—known as Arthur's Day— which took place on 24 September 2009.[61]

Bounce at the Devil

In July 2010, Republic of Loose returned to Oxegen.[62][63] Their fourth album, Bounce at the Devil, was released later that year and led to an appearance on The Late Late Show.[64][65] The album, recorded in Baltimore, "blends a myriad of influences -- from plastic soul to the sort of 'big hair' rock of the 80s", according to Irish Independent reviewer John Meagher.[66] Entertainment.ie's Jenny Mulligan describes it as good craic but occasionally bordering on obnoxious.[67]

Influences, praise and style

Republic of Loose in Galway, Ireland

Republic of Loose's genre has been defined by various sources as blues,[20] funk,[68] metal,[4] R'n'B,[69] pop,[20] rock[20] and soul.[68] They are influenced by acts such as Bobby Brown, James Brown, Al Green, Howlin' Wolf, Michael Jackson, Prince and The Rolling Stones.[9] They perform as a six-piece band complete with backing singers.[12][42][68] The chant, "Loose! Loose Loose!", is commonly heard from the crowd during their performances.[22][38]

Republic of Loose have earned the admiration of several musicians. Damien Dempsey called them the "best band in Ireland" after performing alongside them.[5] Sinéad O'Connor, in an e-mail to the Irish Independent, asked to become a member of what she described as "simply the best Irish band ever".[5] Bono has described them as "sophisticated soul bootboys", "trailblazers" and proclaimed that "the Celtic Twilight turned into Celtic soul with Van Morrison, then Republic of Loose grabbed the Celtic Tiger by the tail, swung it around their heads and threw it out the window into the cosmos".[5] Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody, who called them "the best band in the country this year [2007] and for many years to come".[25] Snow Patrol have also remixed "Comeback Girl".[25] Praise has come from other musicians too, including Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters.[5][70] Marcus Russell, manager of Oasis, is reported as having called Republic of Loose the "most exciting new band" since Oasis.[22] Novelist Irvine Welsh has referred to "Comeback Girl" as "one of the greatest songs ever recorded".[5] Actress Mischa Barton is also a fan.[71]

Paul Lester, writing in British newspaper The Guardian in July 2007, described Republic of Loose as an "Irish OutKast" to be filed next to Danny Wilson, Hall & Oates and N.E.R.D and least likely to be compared to The Pogues.[72] John Meagher, writing in the Irish Independent in April 2008, said the band were "out of step entirely with prevailing trends [...] almost like they stopped listening to music after hearing the young Prince and early Dexys Midnight Runners".[68] Vocalist Mick Pyro has commented that there are very few musicians performing "authentic modern soul" and that the band's aim is to "combine the energy of the New York Dolls with the funk and soul qualities of The Roots".[38] When writing a piece on The Script in August 2008, Brian Boyd of The Irish Times claimed that they were "as un-Irish sounding as The Republic of Loose [sic]".[73] Internationally, they have established fan bases in London and New York City and have achieved regular airplay on Los Angeles radio in the United States,[20] as well as France, Indonesia and the Philippines.[74] Bunim/Murray Productions has licensed their music for use on American television.[74] They have, however, refused several indie contracts in the United States.[4]

Members

Current members

Additional members

  • Esosa Ighodaro – backing vocalist
  • Darragh – keyboards
  • Darach O'Laoire – guitar

Previous members

Discography

Albums

Year Album details Chart peaks Certifications
(sales thresholds)
IRL
[75]
UK
2004 This is the Tomb of the Juice 35
2006 Aaagh!
  • Released: 7 April 2006
  • Label: Loaded Dice Records
2
2008 Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil
  • Released: 2 May 2008
  • Label: Loaded Dice Records
6
2010 Bounce at the Devil
  • Released: 8 October 2010
  • Label: Fish Don't Fear Nets Records
10
"—" denotes a release that did not chart.

Singles

From "This Is The Tomb of the Juice"

  • Girl I'm Gonna Fuck You Up
  • Hold Up
  • Tell More Lies

From "Aaagh!"

  • Comeback Girl (IRE #19)
  • You Know It (IRE #22)
  • Shame (IRE #20)
  • Break / The Translation (IRE #29)
  • The Idiots

From "Vol IV: Johnny Pyro and the Dance of Evil"

From "Bounce At the Devil"

Non-album singles

  • They Pay For Love (2012)
  • Thinking of You (2013) IRE #16
  • The Punishment (2013)

Awards

Choice Music Prize

Republic of Loose's second album Aaagh! was nominated for the Choice Music Prize, an award won by The Divine Comedy for the album Victory for the Comic Muse.[5][21][74][78][79][80] The band performed at the award ceremony in Vicar Street on 28 February 2007.[81][82] Surprise was expressed within the industry when they were not nominated again for the 2009 award.[83][84]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Aaagh! Irish Album of the Year 2006 Nominated

Meteor Music Awards

Republic of Loose won the Hope for 2004 award at the 2004 Meteor Awards.[85][86] They were nominated in the Best Irish Band category at 2007 Meteor Awards.[13][87]

Republic of Loose were nominated in the Best Irish Band and Best Irish Live Performance categories at the 2009 Meteor Awards.[41][88][89] They lost to The Script and The Blizzards in those respective categories.[90]

In addition to this, they have performed at both the 2006 and 2008 awards ceremonies, the latter of which involved a duet with Sinéad O'Connor on the Curtis Mayfield song "We People Who Are Darker Than Blue".[34][85][86][91]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 Republic of Loose Hope for 2004 Won
2007 Republic of Loose Best Irish Band Nominated
2009 Republic of Loose Best Irish Band Nominated
2009 The Academy Best Irish Live Performance Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b https://twitter.com/MIKPYRO/status/499223935196889088
  2. ^ "The next 50 bands". The Irish Times. 10 April 2009. Archived from the original on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Jim Carroll; Tony Clayton-Lea; Sinéad Gleeson; Lauren Murphy (3 April 2009). "The 50 best Irish music acts right now". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Simultaneously channelling the spirits of James Brown and James Joyce in one fell swoop, the gruff singer with the extraordinary soul voice leads Republic of Loose, one of Ireland's most original bands. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c d Neil Dunphy (27 April 2008). "Rock -- Loose men". Sunday Tribune. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Eamon Sweeney (25 April 2008). "Let Loose". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "Bass instincts Benjamin from Republic of Loose on his Transition Year". The Irish Times. 22 October 2008. Retrieved 16 August 2009. By the time I did my Leaving Cert, I wasn't that into journalism anymore. I went through my options and decided to do theology in TCD. Then music got in the way. I finished college and started playing in a country band with Mick Pyro, the singer from Republic of Loose, and it has been music ever since. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b c Staff Reporter (9 April 2008). "Republic of Loose at the Róisín". Galway Independent. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ a b "Sligo appearance for Republic of Loose". The Sligo Champion. 17 May 2006. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e "Loosen up at the Left Bank". The Sligo Champion. 24 May 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b c Una Mullally (16 April 2006). "Loose lips". Sunday Tribune. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ "Killer on the loose". Hot Press. 3 December 2003. Retrieved 24 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ a b c Ed Power (8 April 2008). "Footloose funkateer's new cuts hit the spot". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ a b c d e "The Republic of Loose, The Rogues and The Trampz - what a line-up!". The Argus. 18 January 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ a b "Republic to return?". The Argus. 26 April 2007. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "DIVERSE GIGS IN SPIRIT STORE". The Argus. 24 May 2006. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Mick Pyro (3 July 2009). "Nightwatch: Mick Pyro". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ "Oxegen running order - Sunday". Hot Press. 9 July 2004. Retrieved 20 February 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b "The Irish Charts". The Irish Chart. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  19. ^ Kevin Courtney (4 October 2009). "No swansong planned for the boys of Lir". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Dublin rock band Lir are back with a new album - 20 years after they began. [...] The band still reconvenes at least once a year to play a gig for the home crowd; in January 2006, they played a gig in Vicar Street alongside Damien Dempsey and Republic of Loose. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ a b c d e f Sophie Grenham (22 April 2007). "A Loose definition of the rock 'n' roll life". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  24. ^ "Blizzards, Republic of Loose and The Flaws". Westmeath Examiner. 26 May 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  26. ^ Larissa Nolan (9 July 2006). "Why does it always rain on festivals?". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  29. ^ Breda Hefferenan (7 August 2006). "Making a big song and dance of the August bank holiday". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  32. ^ "Loose and free at festival". Irish Independent. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ Richie Taylor (18 January 2008). "Cream of Irish music in tribute to Dubliner as he battles with cancer". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ a b Richie Taylor (23 January 2008). "Sinead cuts Loose with new band". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ a b c d "The Insider: 09/09/2008". Evening Herald. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  39. ^ a b John Meagher (25 April 2008). "Loaded: Apr 26th - May 2nd". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ Tanya Sweeney (22 May 2008). "Dempsey's den". Evening Herald. Retrieved 21 August 2009. Eamonn Doran's is where Damo enjoyed a fruitful rapport with Republic Of Loose frontman Mick Pyro. Theirs is a long-time kinship which culminated in Damien joining ROL onstage during their sell-out residency at the Academy. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  41. ^ a b Phil Udell (28 January 2009). "Meteor Awards nominations out". State. Retrieved 16 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  42. ^ a b Tanya Sweeney (12 September 2008). "The Insider - 12/09/2008". Evening Herald. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  45. ^ Ed Power (18 July 2008). "Review of the Week: Oxegen 2008 * * * *". Irish Independent. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ Kevin Doyle (14 July 2008). "Oxegen: Mud, sweat and beers". Evening Herald. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  47. ^ Pamela Newenham (18 August 2008). "Bad weather, mess and muck 'but the vibe was great'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. The festival was headlined by Kila and the Republic of Loose. Other acts included God is an Astronaut, Autamata, Andy McKee, White Noise and Gavin Glass and the Holy Shakers. Other highlights included two double-decker buses serving hot food, a nice break from the rain. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  50. ^ "The Insider - 06/08/2008". Evening Herald. 6 August 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  51. ^ "Digging deep for a good cause". The Irish Times. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 16 August 2009. The Ray Darcy Show on Today FM has already put together a number of cover version albums to aid various charities. The latest is Even Better Than The Disco Thing with Cathy Davey, Lisa Hannigan, Jape, Republic Of Loose, The Blizzards Duke Special, Director and many more getting on down. All proceeds go to the National Children's Hospital and Barretstown. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ "Kinetiks look to heroes for Inspirations concert". Fingal Independent. 25 February 2009. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  59. ^ Tony Clayton-Lea (24 July 2009). "Another sort of homecoming". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. One really sore point: whoever is responsible for selecting the Irish support acts (Damien Dempsey, The Script, BellX1, Republic of Loose) should be ashamed. Not one of these acts needs the profile such a "special guest" slot can provide. Where is the support system for lesser-known Irish bands that genuinely need a leg-up on their home turf? Nowhere on the horizon, that's where. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  61. ^ "Catch Tom Jones in your local". The Irish Times. 17 July 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2009. A number of Irish acts, including Imelda May, Mick Flannery, Republic of Loose and The Blizzards, will also participate. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  69. ^ Gerry Smyth (15 August 2009). "A flea in its Earwig". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Also involved are local and highly successful singer-songwriter Noelie McDonnell, indie bands The Coonies and The Ralphs, Dublin sleaze funk, and "libidinous r'n'b" band Republic Of Loose and "agit-folk" singer and performance poet Jinx Lennon. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  70. ^ "Who we'll be watching". The Irish Times. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 16 August 2009. OXEGEN 2009 : Snow Patrol's hot tips [...] Republic of Loose One of the best Irish live bands and the most fun you can have in the mud {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  83. ^ Eoin Butler (15 January 2009). "Choice script upset by inclusion of . . . The Script". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Pop-rockers The Script's eponymous debut album has been shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize announced in Dublin yesterday afternoon. Their inclusion at the expense of critically acclaimed efforts by Ham Sandwich and Republic of Loose was the biggest talking point of the shortlist. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  84. ^ Eoin Butler (14 January 2009). "The Script debut album makes Choice shortlist". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Their inclusion at the expense of critically acclaimed efforts by Ham Sandwich and Republic of Loose was the biggest talking point of a shortlist that provided no major upsets. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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  90. ^ Ronan McGreevy (17 March 2009). "Top accolade for The Script". The Irish Times. Retrieved 16 August 2009. Having already garnered No.1 album status in Ireland and the UK, The Script were the big winners of tonight's Meteor Music awards winning best band and best Irish album for their self-titled debut which was only released in August. [...] Mullingar band The Blizzards were nominated for three awards and won in the category they really wanted to win in - best Irish live performance for their barnstorming set at Oxegen last year. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  91. ^ "Still the best U2 clean up at Meteors". Irish Independent. 3 February 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)