TV show gives young Cork band shot at stardom

A YOUNG rock band called on the people of Cork last night to back them in a live national TV competition next week.

East Cork-based Exit the Street will perform in the final of TG4’s Deis Roc competition which will be broadcast live from Belfast next Monday night.

Viewers will be asked to text in for their favourite band. And Exit the Street want you to text in for them.

More than 120 bands from all over Ireland entered the competition, which aims to provide a platform for Ireland’s brightest upcoming bands to showcase their talents.

The entries were whittled down to just 12 bands who went head-to-head with another band each week for the last six weeks in front of a live studio audience.

And Exit the Street, a rock band with a funky edge, made it through to the final. The winners will get a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, where they will visit Graceland, Sun Studios and perform live at a venue in Memphis.

Drummer Chris Carey, lead singer Colin Kelleher, Barry O’Brien on bass and guitarists Rory Murphy and Kian Walsh, formed the band while in school in 2003.

Their manager Duncan McCarthy said the band is hoping to play music full-time if they win.

“The standard is high so we could really do with as much local support as possible. If you can afford the credit please send in a message,” he said.

Text EXITTHESTREET to 53500 after the show if you think they should win.

The competition will be broadcast on TG4 at 10pm next Monday night.