Belfast’s SILENT RUNNING folded for a full 30 years after releasing their third album in 1989. One of Ireland’s biggest musical exports in the 1980s was burned out. In 1984 they were the first Irish act to join the roster of legendary American major record label Atlantic, had headlined numerous nights at London’s legendary Marquee Club and toured extensively across Europe and the USA with some of the biggest names in the industry.
In 2019, they got together for the fun of it, that process led to live dates, and the strong ‘Follow The Light’ 2022 comeback album . Now 2025, SILENT RUNNING release “NorthStar“, their fifth album, music faithful to their mix of ’80s-style American rock&pop and catchy melodic rock.
“NorthStar” is packed with songs that spark with an undeniable energy, and there is a real sense of joy and celebration to the whole set. Songs like the catchy ‘You And Me Against The World’, the very late ’80s ‘This Is My City Tonight’, or the driving ‘The Walking Wounded’ are sure to please Eighties devotees.
SILENT RUNNING was originally signed to EMI and released their debut album ‘Shades of Liberty’ in 1984. For the follow up to that record, Silent Running then signed with Atlantic Records (the first Irish band to do so) and released ‘Walk on Fire’ in 1987 and ‘Deep’ in 1989. After that third album, due internal troubles, the band folded for a full 30 years.
In 2019, original members of the band Richard Collett (bass), Peter Gamble (vocals) and Tony Scott (guitars) got together again to play a few songs at a band member’s wife’s birthday, Silent Running booked a gig at Belfast’s Voodoo. Expectations of anything other than having some fun playing a full live set again, in truth, were low.
However, a Facebook group of fans couldn’t believe that the band were back in business again and ensured that the show was a total sell-out, with many travelling in for what was a magical night.
From having been amazed to find out that the fans were still out there – and lighting up the Facebook Forums – 30 years later, to making the best music of their career and playing some of the biggest shows, Silent Running are very much back. “NorthStar” is more than a statement of intent, it shows the way forward for this talented band.
1 This Is My City Tonight 4:42
2 Hit And Run 5:40
3 You And Me Against The World 3:59
4 State Of Mind 5:02
5 Shooting Star 5:03
6 Seventh Wave 4:43
7 Rose From A Stone 5:13
8 Faith Healer 4:16
9 Don't Look Now 5:19
10 The Walking Wounded 4:25
Silent Running – NORTHSTAR 2025
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