More Good Vibes from Belfast with The Undertones
On Saturday 15 May, the Undertones will headline a unique event, Good Vibes from Belfast. The concert, sponsored by Fresh Garbage, will take place at the Mandela Hall and tickets are £16.
This event builds on the success of the initial concert held in April 2008, to celebrate the positive contribution that Good Vibrations made to life here during some very dark times. It was billed as "Good Vibes - Celebrating A Light in the Darkness" and President Clinton sent a message of support. As event organiser Arthur Magee explains,
"People really loved the first gig not just because of the great music but also because it was such a positive celebration. It seemed a shame to let this just slip away, so we've decided to try and build on it and hold regular "Good Vibes from Belfast" events that focus on the positives of life here. This year's concert will be a celebration of Thomas McCabe's opposition to the formation of The Belfast Slave Ship Company."
At first glance, there may seem little connection between a small punk record label and a man who lived 200 years ago but as, Good Vibrations founder, Terri Hooley adds,
"Good Vibrations let the world know that there was more to people here than hatred and sectarianism and the first concert was a celebration of what President Clinton describes as "the better part of our selves". This year's gig will celebrate John McCabe, who opposed the formation of the Belfast Slave Ship Company in 1786 which was a brave thing to do as a lot of people were in favour of the Slave Ship Company. Not a lot of people know the story, it's something to be proud of and it's as good an excuse as any to have a party! It's also great that my friends at Fresh Garbage are on board as they're celebrating their 40th birthday and it was in their original premises that I first began trading."