John "Irish" Earle - Saxophones & Vocals (1985-1997)

Like Stevie Smith, Irish's involvement with Ruthless Blues began in 1985 when he started "depping" for Johnny Mars. He subsequently became a more-or-less-permanent member of the band for the next twelve years whilst still also fulfilling other occasional commitments that came along.

"Irish" was, without doubt, the most widely known member of Ruthless Blues, both inside and outside the business. His reputation as one of the most accomplished and versatile saxophonists in the U.K was almost legendary, and he was much in demand for recording sessions with a wide variety of artistes (see below). To date he estimates to have played on over 80 albums! He has also toured much of the World and appeared on many TV shows.

His long and distinguished career began in Dublin when he bought his first saxophone and learned the song "Desafinado". It was by chance that, on the strength of his ability to play that one number, he got his first real gig with an Irish showband. After several years working with various showbands, and later entertaining American troops in Libya and Germany, he came to London. Although things initially appeared to be looking up, Irish soon found himself out of work and busking in Underground stations to make ends meet.

His fortunes, however, took a sudden and unexpected turn for the better when he was invited to join Ian Dury and the Kilburns. His career never looked back. After the Kilburns he joined Graham Parker and the Rumour, forming part of "The Rumour Brass". Tours of Europe, Australia, The Far East, and North America followed, the latter supporting Thin Lizzy with whom Irish was also playing on the tour. (He also recorded "Dancing in the Moonlight" with them – as featured in particular on the classic "Live and Dangerous" album). The tours with graham Parker were closely followed by more studio work recording with the Boomtown Rats' on their "Rat Trap" album and subsequent tours with them of the U.K, North America and Canada.

At the end of the Rats tour he joined The Dance Band for a while before being invited to tour the U.K with Randy Crawford. Randy also invited him to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival with her and whilst there Irish met and jammed with David Sanborn and Al Jarreau. He later played with Jarreau on TV in the U.K and did some more shows with Randy Crawford accompanied by George Benson’s backing band.

During the late 80’s, Irish worked regularly with Shakin' Stevens. He also appeared at three major concerts in the UK with The Rumour Brass: - the "Smile Jamaica" benefit concert with U2; and both "The Event" at Wembley Stadium and "Knebworth '90" backing Sir Cliff Richard. The Event was televised and Irish could be clearly seen on stage resplendent in his pink suit!

During the early nineties Irish worked extensively in Germany with German star Heinz Rudolf Kunze + his band Verstarkung. Irish recorded on Kunze’s albums "Gute Unterhaltung" and "Brille" and subsequently toured Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the band.

In addition to the all of the live events and recordings mentioned above he recorded countless advertising jingles and also has a whole string of other recording credits to his name, including :-

The Clash ("London Calling"); Katrina and the Waves ("Walking on Sunshine"); Rachel Sweet; Nick Lowe; Wreckless Eric; Toyah; Musical Youth; The Inmates; Sean Tyla; The Blues Band; Carlene Carter; Joan Jett; Little Bob Story; Johnny Thunders; Desmond Dekker; Shalamar; Lamonte Dozier; Ashford and Simpson; Billy Connolly; Paul Brady; The Undertones; The Jets; Tracy Ullman; Alvin Stardust; Billy Fury; Amazulu; Rory Gallagher; Edwin Starr; Big Heat; Mike & the Mechanics; and ....... The Muppets!

Irish left Ruthless Blues in 1997 and returned to his native Dublin where he has kept a fairly low profile although he has been spotted occasionally around town by the odd tourist who remembers him from his days with Ruthless Blues.