Trouble Songs - An Introduction
This is the story of music and conflict in Northern Ireland since 1968. Trouble Songs is related by Bono, Christy Moore, the Undertones, Stiff Little Fingers, Orbital, Kevin Rowland, Terri Hooley, the Rubberbandits and the Miami Showband survivors. Musicians from punk, folk, rave and rock have responded to violence, bigotry and shocking events. The soundtrack includes remarkable work by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Sinead O’Connor, the Pogues, the Cranberries and Elvis Costello.
Stuart Bailie, a Belfast-based music journalist and broadcaster, has spoken to over 60 participants and reveals many untold histories. Trouble Songs is an alternative hearing of the conflict, a testament to music’s value as a persuader, agitator and peacemaker.
Trouble Songs has been supported by the British Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It is published by Bloomfield Press, a collaboration between the author and Eastside Arts, Belfast.