Frank and Walters

Hear the interview here

The Frank and Walters were at the forefront of the "Cork is the new Manchester" movement of the 90s that had record companies and A&R men scrambling over each other to grab the latest hot talent, and the Franks suddenly found themselves feted by the NME who featured the band on their cover and voted many of their early EPs as Singles Of The Week. A number of chart singles in the UK followed with "After All" peaking at no 11 in 1993. The band have had a quiet few years since their last album, 2000's Glass, but they were back in London in June 2005 to play a benefit for Irish charity the Aisling Project and also to showcase some new songs.

Eddie Curry met them for an interview at the Water Rats in King's Cross - which, coincidentally, was the last place he had interviewed them, back in 1996. And apart from the addition of a new guitarist, Kevin Pedreschi, it was very much business as usual.

Kevin, Paul, Ashley and Eddie.

Eddie had turned up with his "photographer", John, who had quickly and successfully established his credentials.

Paul Linehan (asking, probably just out of politeness): Are you a photographer then?
John: No. I don't even own a camera.

The show itself was another stormer - if you have ever come across their music you should do what you can to catch them live, and with a B-sides compilation and a new album both promised in the next 9 months or so, there will be plenty of opportunity to do just that.

The Franks show, supported by the Amazing Pilots, raised £2000 for the Irish charity.