The Commitments

The Commitments are a soul band from Dublin, Ireland, formed for the screen version of the book of the same name by Irish writer, Roddy Doyle. Originally a fictional group, the band reformed in 2010. Began in 1991 by working class music manager Jimmy Rabitte, The Commitments performes a unique blend of soul music, described by trumpeter Joey “The Lips” Fagan as “Dublin soul. ” Featuring Deco Cuffe on lead vocals, Imelda Quirke, Natalie Murphy and Bernie McGloughlin as female backing vocalists, Outspan Foster on lead guitar, Dean Fay on bass, Steven Clifford on keys, Derek Scully and Joey “The Lips” Fagan on trumpet and Billy Mooney on drums, The Commitments were successful in local venues in North Dublin. During the final months of their original run, Mooney left the band and was replaced by former security guard Micko Wallace. The group disbanded in late 1991 after a hectic club show – at which the band were to be joined by Wilson Pickett – and due to internal affairs, just minutes before the band were offered a record deal.