One of Northern Ireland's most beloved bands, The Sabrejets celebrate their 30th anniversary together this February with a special gig in Belfast's Oh Yeah Centre. Ahead of the show we caught up with frontman, Brian Young and guitarist Liam Killen to discuss the history of the band.
FT: Today The Sabrejets are one of Belfast’s most beloved bands. Back in the early days did you find it difficult to build up an audience?
Liam Killen (LK): Not really. When we started out there weren’t really any other bands in Belfast doing what we were doing. Basically, we just started off trying to be the kind of band we would have liked to go and see. Thankfully people got it, and, from the get-go, we found that it wasn’t just rockabilly purists but a pretty wide cross-section of people who came to see us. Thanks for letting us know we’re “beloved” though, Gerry.
Brian Young (BY): Like Liam says back when we started there wasn’t anyone over this side of the pond playing the sort of music we liked. Or anything close. So we just started knocking out our own racket and people seemed to like it. 30 years later we’re still the only band hereabouts who do what we do and sound like we do…and thankfully people still dig it!
FT: Have you seen changes in venue set ups, by that I mean PA systems, mixing desks and general organisation?
LK: I think the main change in Belfast in recent years has been the growing popularity of early evening/afternoon gigs. Not surprising really since it’s become more and more difficult to get home from a night out in the city centre. That’s pretty much why we decided to make our 30th anniversary gig an early one – doors open 7.30, put on a great show and have it all wrapped up in time for people to make the last bus home – or move on somewhere else if they want to make the party last longer.
BY: Most venues now have better stage areas and PA’s etc – the downside is that many of the smaller venues have closed and sadly fewer venues welcome bands playing original material now – and too many play it safe with the dreaded tribute/covers bands. But there are still some venues and promoters willing to think out of the box and promote original acts. Support them while you still can!
FT: The band has also been successful on the international stage as well as at home. How does that feel?
LK: It’s nice to be appreciated anywhere. It’s also great to be able to travel a bit and play with other bands, DJs, promoters and generally cool people. And we’ve met a lot of artists we really admire and for the most part they’ve all turned out to be lovely people.
BY: It’s kind of weird but really rewarding to be asked to play in countries like Italy, Germany, France and Norway and best of all, when we get there, to find that they know all our songs! We always have a great time, get to hang out with cool folk and get to see lots of other great bands. Brexit and increased travel costs from N.Ireland don’t help tho…
FT: Looking at the band, the core line up of the band has been very much consistent across the decades. What do you put that down to?
LK: It’s fun playing with these guys! Though I should say that having been with us for about 10 years now, Louie is no longer “the new boy” and is very definitely a core member too. Any band is only as good as its drummer and we’re lucky to have him. There are times when the four of us are playing and everything just clicks –that, for me, is what it’s all about and there’s no better feeling than that.
Then again, the fact that we tend to travel separately to gigs might have something to do with it too……who knows how long we’d have lasted if we’d spent hours crammed together in a van?
BY: It doesn’t seem like 30 years! I guess time flies when you’re having fun! Personally I think the current line up is the best we’ve ever had – so roll on the next 30!
FT: How would you describe your fans?
LK: They’ve got good taste.
BY: Like that man says!
FT: The band recently lost their long-time friend and sometimes merchandise seller, Bear (Phil Long). Can you share any anecdotes about him and the band?
BY: I’ve known Bear since the days of the Harp Bar back in 1978 and I was shocked and saddened by his recent demise. He would turn up out of the blue at gigs as far apart as Aberdeen and Horsham. Always without somewhere to stay and having arrived by some particularly circuitous bus and ferry route route (as he never had a passport til recently). But he knew people everywhere and could always get a bed for the night. He was the best merch seller anywhere. Absolutely fearless, he could sell snow to Eskimos though whether or not they’d get the correct change might be in doubt! He was a kind hearted giant and a real one off. I’ll miss him.
FT: You’ve a special anniversary gig planned for February in Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre. What can fans expect from that show?
LK: A few surprises – for instance, we’re going to do some songs from our back catalogue that we really haven’t done for years. In fact, we’d love to hear suggestion for songs of ours people like but haven’t heard in a while – let us know folks!
BY: We’ll be playing stuff from throughout the last 30 years of the band, including some songs we haven’t aired for years! There’ll be some brand new material too as we’re working on material for a follow up to ‘The Restless Kind’ album. Keeps us on our toes..
FT: Any special guests lined up?
BY: No gimmicks. Just two full sets of two fisted rock’n’roll!
FT: Anniversary show aside, what are the plans for The Sabrejets in 2025?
LK: More gigs and I’d like to see us recording some new stuff too.
BY: I’d like to get a new album out this year if possible and as many gigs as we can get…(anyone interested in booking the band contact us via the Sabrejets Facebook page)
FT: Thanks for your time and best of luck for the anniversary show and beyond.
Tickets for The Sabrejets 30th Anniversary show on Saturday 22nd February are available now via the Oh Yeah Centre.