Photo: David Godlis
A fun surprise from New York City No Wave legends Bush Tetras this week as the band announces their new bass player: Cait “Rocky” O’Riordan! Worlds once again collide, as the former bassist for The Pogues has already blessed many acclaimed acts with her formidable prowess, including The Radiators from Space, Bitchface, Hothouse Flowers, Mundy, Jerry Fish, and Gavin Friday.
Rocky joins founding members Pat Place and Cynthia Sley, and drummer Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), who joined the band last year. Following up on the success of their Rhythm and Paranoia: The Best of Bush Tetras box set and Fall 2022 West Coast tour, this new lineup marks an exciting new phase for the band. To commemorate the new lineup, Tetras are dropping a new lyric video by Austin Julian-Sley for their classic single, “You Can’t Be Funky,” a track that was recently featured in Nan Goldin’s much-lauded new film All the Beauty and Bloodshed.
The accomplishments of O’Riordan are extraordinary. After relocating to Dublin in 1989, she has made an indelible mark on the music industry through her undeniable contributions. Not content with simply gracing the world’s stages, Rocky went on to obtain a master’s degree in Psychological Science from the esteemed University College Dublin in 2013.
In recognition of her incredible talents, she was deemed an “Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement” by the US Government in 2016. Such a prestigious accolade is a true testament to her boundless creativity and artistic flair. Rocky has continued to dazzle audiences with her awe-inspiring performances at the renowned Irish Arts Center in New York City.
In a world where true musical talent is a rare commodity, Rocky has risen above the rest and been personally selected by U2 to lend her inimitable voice to their exciting new SiriusXM channel U2 X-Radio. In addition to this incredible achievement, she also hosts the widely popular Rocky O’Riordan Show.
The inimitable Bush Tetras were birthed from the dynamic energy of the New York City music scene in 1979, marking the beginning of an unparalleled sonic journey. From the very beginning, the Bush Tetras were a unique entity, fusing a myriad of genres such as punk, funk, and even reggae into their music, creating a sound that was entirely their own. Their music was a reflection of the ever-changing city around them; an ode to the chaos and energy of New York. The band’s innovative approach to sound and music has been a key influence on countless musicians. With a ferocious line-up featuring Cynthia Sley on vocals, Pat Place on guitar, Laura Kennedy on bass, and Dee Pop on drums, it was clear that this band was a force to be reckoned with. While early members Adele Bertei and Jimmy Joe Uliana made a brief but impactful appearance, it was the addition of Pat Place – a founding member of the illustrious no wave band, the Contortions – that would truly solidify their electrifying sound. Laura Kennedy and Dee Pop have since passed away, and changes to the lineup have evolved the band over the years.
Bush Tetras have announced that their first show with the new line-up with be on 3rd May at Union Pool in Brooklyn, New York.
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