Bell X1

Bell X1

Bell X1 is an Irish rock band from Dublin, active since 1999. The group forms after the breakup of Juniper, whose members include Paul Noonan, David Geraghty, Dominic Philips and Brian Crosby. Bell X1 begin as an indie rock act and go on to release music on their own label, Belly Songs.

Formation and line-up

The band forms in County Kildare in 1999, before establishing themselves as a Dublin group. The line-up includes Paul Noonan on vocals, drums and guitar; David Geraghty on guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Dominic Philips on bass and vocals. Brian Crosby, who plays guitar and sings, leaves the band in 2008. All four members are former members of Juniper.

Albums and releases

Bell X1 release seven studio albums: Neither Am I, Music in Mouth, Flock, Blue Lights on the Runway, Bloodless Coup, Chop Chop and Arms. They also release two live albums, Tour de Flock and Field Recordings. Tour de Flock includes a DVD of one of their live concerts.

Neither Am I is made in summer and autumn of 1999 with Nick Seymour of Crowded House. Music in Mouth is written after the band regroup in Wexford, then recorded in Surrey and London before its release. It becomes a major success in Ireland, where it goes double platinum and produces four top 40 singles. Songs from the album also appear in television series including Teachers and The O.C.

Flock is recorded in Dublin and mixed in London with production by Roger Becherian and engineering by Phil Hayes. It reaches number one in the Irish album charts. Blue Lights on the Runway follows in 2009, and its lead single, “The Great Defector”, becomes the band’s biggest hit, reaching number three in Ireland. Bloodless Coup follows in 2011, with “Velcro” as its lead single.

Other activity

The band tours with artists including Tom McRae, Keane, Starsailor, Aqualung and Snow Patrol. They also support Elliott Smith and Bon Jovi in the same week early in their career. Bell X1 release Tour de Flock after a sold-out Dublin show, and later perform on the St Patrick’s Day edition of The Late Show with David Letterman and on The Rachael Ray Show.

Label and genre

Bell X1 are an Irish rock band, with their work also described as indie rock and alternative rock. They operate through Belly Songs.