Virgin Prunes

Formed in mid-1977 in Dublin, for a time the Virgin Prunes were "the most overtly subversive rock group ever to come out of the genre" (Mark Prendergast, "Irish Rock"). Their reputation was built on their outrageous stage performances and supported by a wayward and individual collection of record releases.
Singers Gavin Friday and Guggi, along with third vocalist Dave-id Busaras, guitarist Dik, bassist Strongman and drummer Pod, released their first single in 1981. Pod soon left to be replaced by Haa Lacka Binttii, who left around a year later, to be replaced in turn by.
They also released the first three parts of the 'A New Form Of Beauty' series in 1981. 1982 saw the release of their debut album '...If I Die, I Die', the 'Hérésie' album (originally released as a French 2x10" box set) and the fourth, final musical part of 'A New Form Of Beauty' (parts 6 and 7 were an unreleased book and film), was released on cassette.
In 1984, both Guggi and Dik left the band and the music business. Mary D'Nellon took over guitar duties and Pod returned as the band's drummer. The Virgin Prunes started to record the album Sons Find Devils, which has never been released.
The title was instead used for the release of a retrospective video in 1985, followed in 1998 by CD of live material from the same era on the label and a vinyl version in 2003 on italian label. 1985 also saw the release of a compilation album of rarities (Over the Rainbow).
The band toured as a four-piece and finally released a new album, The Moon Looked Down and Laughed, in the summer of 1986. Gavin Friday left the group in November 1986 to pursue a solo career, effectively ending the group. This was formally confirmed by a short comment at the bottom of the sleeve of a live album, The Hidden Lie, released in 1987. D'Nellon, Strongman and Busaras went on to record and perform as The Prunes.
In 2004, The Grey Area released remastered versions of the the three albums, a compilation of 'A New Form Of Beauty' and 'Over The Rainbow (A Compilation Of Rarities 1981-1983)', as well as a 12" compilation single 'An Extended Play'.
2006 saw a partial reunion of Virgin Prunes as Gavin, Guggi and Dave-id recorded "Bully in the Alley" for Rogue's Gallery (Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, & Chanteys) as Thee Pruned Men.
'Pagan Lovesong (40th Anniversary Edition)' was released for Record Store Day 2022, followed by 'The Debut EPs' for Record Store Day the following year.