A statement from the Dublin band - Mark Greaney, Fergal Matthews and newest newcomer Sarah Fox - reads:
Reader, we are to let thee know,
JJ72's body only lies below;
For could the grave JJ's soul comprise,
Earth would be richer than the skies.
We remember everything, from mechanical birds in Japan to angels in arid Arizona, from broken bones and Berlin birthdays to predatory Portsmouth spiders. For those who disliked and perhaps despised (gasp) JJ72, thank you - how did beautiful photographs exist without a negative?! We crafted two monuments of magnificence for the future aural pleasure and pain of all would be JJ believers and doubters....and for those who care not for the passing of the petulant yet powerful pup....shame on you! Thank you to Hilary Woods for being a dazzling damsel and thank you to all who played music in/with the band. You know who you are.
The band formed in 1997, signing to Lakota/V2.
Their first album, JJ72, spawned their most memorable hits such as 'Snow' and 'October Swimmer'. While their second album I To Sky was more layered and less commerical, it contributed greatly to their overall sales figures of 650k worldwide.
With the original bassist Hilary Woods replaced with the minimum of fuss by Canadian Sarah Fox, the complications in the band began with the recording of their third album, which was completed 18 months ago. Lead track 'Coming Home' was released to commercial and critical acclaim, but their parent label, Sony, continously delayed the release.
Sarah Fox told Hot Press shortly before their appearance at Electric Picnic last September: "The usual bureaucracy has been getting in the way. The label say they’re waiting to find the perfect marketing window but we just want everyone to hear the album as soon as possible."
Sadly, it seems they never will.
What do you make of their demise? Is it the most unjust thing to happen to music? Or did you ever care in the first place? Have your say on our messageboard