Cactus World News - Maybe This Time @ Self Aid - Dublin 1986.

Cactus World News - Worlds Apart @ Self Aid - Dublin 1986.

Cactus World News - Playing - The Bridge - at Self Aid - Dublin 1986.

Cactus World News were an Irish rock band formed in Dublin in 1984. Founded by Frank Kearns and Eoin Mc Evoy the original members were: Frank Kearns, Eoin McEvoy, Wayne Sheehy, and Fergal MacAindris. Their early influences were The Clash, The Ramones, Talking Heads, U2, The Waterboys, and R.E.M..

Their first recording, and best known song, was The Bridge, which was produced by U2's Bono and released on their Mother Records label. They performed at the Self Aid concert in Dublin on May 17, 1986. The band released their debut album, Urban Beaches in 1986 and gained minor hits with its three singles: Years Later, Worlds Apart and a re-recording of The Bridge. After their second album, No Shelter, was shelved at the 11th hour in 1989, the band were dropped by their record label and underwent several personnel changes. MacAindris and Sheehy both quit in 1989. McEvoy and Kearns continued for a couple more years, with various other band members coming and going, including Chris McGoldrick (Bass), John Doyle (Bass) and JJ Collier (Drums).

After leaving Cactus World News, Sheehy went on to play drums with Hinterland (appearing on their Kissing The Roof Of Heaven album), Dave-Id Busarus, Leslie Dowdall (appearing on Out There) and Hothouse Flowers (appearing on Live). Guitarist Kearns who is credited with starting the modern feedback style of guitar playing,released a solo album, Walking The Waves, in 2005 (under the name Francis Xavier). Walking The Waves featured Sheehy (percussion) and McEvoy (vocal harmonies).Frank Kearns also produced and played guitar on actor Colin Farrell's debut recording for EMI in 2004 entitled "I fought the law" for the "Intermission" movie. MacAindris is currently playing bass for London band Cloudbase.