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DEAD RINGER

Dublin Rock with Bigger Ambitions

Dead Ringer was where Russell Taylor's professional journey truly took Shape. Two eras. Two Chapters. One Mission - to play original music and reach audiences far beyond Dublin.

From the early five-piece to the later line-up. Dead Ringer lived for the stage, the songs, and the belief that hard work and heart could take a band anywhere.

Russell's playing became a focal point — expressive, precise, and impossible to ignore.

"We're in this for the long term and we have what it takes to deliver at the highest level."

— Evening Press 1992

Dead Ringer Band promo photo

Dead Ringer - early 1990's

Collie — Arthur — Paddy — Jimmy — Russell

Dublin Rock with Bigger Ambitions

EARLY 1990's

The original five-piece. Building a reputation on Dublin's Live circuit.

IN THE PRESS

Early features, interviews and reviews as the band grew.

HIT THE ROAD

Live 'n' kicking ,Gigs, Fans and unforgettable nights. USA & Europe Tours

STEAL YOUR HEART

The song with purpose that became a supporter for charity.

THE SECOND ERA

A new chapter. A leaner, heavier sound with a renewed focus.

THE LEGACY

The chapter that laid the foundation for everything that followed.

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IN THE PRESS - EARLY 1990s

Dead Ringer band, headline 'Band out to change their covers story'
Newspaper clipping with "Dead Ringer live 'n' kicking" headline
Dead Ringer newspaper article
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IN THE PRESS - EARLY 1990s

Collin Brophy Lead Singer Dead Ringer
Arthur Whelan Singer/Song writer for Dead Ringer
Paddy Mooney - Drums for Dead Ringer
Jimmy Donoghue - Dead Ringer Bass
Russell Taylor - Lead Guitarist - Dead Ringer

COLLIE

Vocals

ARTHUR

Keyboards/Vocals

PADDY

Drums

JIMMY

Bass

RUSSELL

Lead Guitar

The original five-piece built a strong reputation on Dublin's live circuit, known for their energy, tight musicianship and growing catalogue of original songs.

DEAD RINGER - THE SECOND ERA

Arthur Whelan - Dead Ringer Singer/Songwriter
Russell Taylor - Lead Guitarist - Dead Ringer
Shay Murphy Lead Vocals and Lead Guitarist - Dead Ringer

ARTHUR

Vocals / Bass

RUSSELL

Guitar 

SHAY

Guitar/Vocals

PADDY

Drums

A new chapter. A leaner, heavier sound. The focus was on original material, writing and taking every opportunity to perform and push the band forward.

DEAD RINGER - THE SECOND ERA

THE SECOND ERA

A NEW CHAPTER

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Arthur

Russell

Shay

Paddy

A leaner, heavier sound. The focus was on orginal material, writing and taking every opportunity to perform and push the band forward.

1.     Steal Your Heart              3:28
2.     Jessie                                3:40
3.     Healing Hands                5:34
4.     You Got Me                    4:03
5.     Stick to Your Guns         3:30
6.     Hell Freezes Over          3:21
7.     Don't You Know             3:09
8.     Wham Bam                    2:30
9.     Burning                           4:14
10.   Long Ride Home           3:27

HEAR THE MUSIC

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WATCH THE PERFORMANCES

Dead Ringer — Live in Dublin (1991)
HMV Goes live Performance

NOTABLE MOMENTS

New York Showcases
Played CBGB's, The Pyramid, and Tramps to industry representatives and fans.

Bandslam '91 TV Exposure
Televised performance that put Dead Ringer in front of a nationwide audience.

Industry Attention
A total of eight record companies attended their New York showcases in 1991 - 1992

Irish Heart Foundation
'Steal Your Heart' released to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

HEAR THE MUSIC

Dead Ringer record label with songs Steal Your Heart, You Got Me

Dead Ringer — Essentials
Original songs from the Dead Ringer era
 

1.     Steal Your Heart                         3:28
2.     Jessie                                           3:40
3.     Healing Hands                           5:34
4.     You Got Me                               4:03
5.     Stick to Your Guns                    3:30
6.     Hell Freezes Over                     3:21
7.     Don't You Know                        3:09
8.     Wham Bam                               2:30
9.     Burning                                      4:14
10.   Long Ride Home                      3:27

HEAR THE MUSIC

WATCH THE PERFORMANCES

Dead Ringer — Live in Dublin (1991)
HMV Goes live Performance

NOTABLE MOMENTS

Bandslam '91 TV Exposure

Televised performance that put Dead Ringer in front of a nationwide audience.

New York Showcases

Played CBGB's, The Pyramid, and Tramps to industry representatives and fans.

Industry Attention

A total of eight record companies attended their New York showcases in 1991 - 1992

Irish Heart Foundation

'Steal Your Heart' released to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

PHOTO GALLERY - MOMENTS FROM THE DEAD RINGER  ERA

The Dead Ringer band members posing in a bar
Band of five outside CBGB OMFUG club
Band members performing live, black and white.
Band from The Dead Ringer Years
Band performing with acoustic and electric guitar on stage
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Band of five outside CBGB OMFUG club

STEAL YOUR HEART

Released in support of the Irish Heart Foundation.

'Steal Your Heart' reached No. 11 in the Irish charts in 1992.

Proceeds from the single were donated to help the foundation's vital work.

A SONG WITH PURPOSE

He didn't set out to become the centre of attention.

He simply became impossible to ignore.

The Dead Ringer years revealed what friends and audiences already knew:

Russell Taylor had found his voice.

THE MUSIC LIVES ON

Four band members performing with guitars on stage

RUSSELL TAYLOR. A LIFE IN MUSIC

HIS LEGACY

THE MUSIC LIVES ON

He didnt't chase attention.
He chased the perfect tone.
He didn't try to stand out.
He simply couldn't be ignored.

HIS LEGACY

STEAL YOUR HEART

A SONG WITH PURPOSE

Released in support of the Irish Heart Foundation. 'Steal Your Heart' reached No. 11 in the Irish charts in 1992.

Proceeds from the single were donated to help the foundation's vital work.

The Dead Ringer era laid the foundation for everything that followed.

A moment defined by energy, ambition, and belief — its spirit still echoes through Dublin's rock scene and Russell Taylor's musical legacy.

Some chapters don't end — they echo.

Twilight sky over island with red light and structure
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