In 1970, Skid Row signed a record deal with CBS. Later that year that Brush, Gary, and drummer Noel Bridgeman had released thier first album called "Skid" (on CD as Epic/Sony ESCA 5534 [Japan].) Their second album was called "34 Hours," as that was the amount of time it took to record it (Columbia Rewind 480525 2). The last works of the band, reocorded just before Gary quit, were not released until 1990. Shown below, the CD is widely available in American record stores in the Gary Moore section. The early works of the band have also been available since 1983, when they were released under the title "Skid Row" (available on CD as Columbia 477360-2)
After spending some time on the road, Brush
and Noel returned to Ireland in 1972, where they continued to perform under
the name Skid Row. You can also hear Brush and his bass on some tracks
recorded by the drug induced Dublin band Dr.
Strangely Strange. Brush has always kept the Skid Row name alive, however,
and "even went to all the trouble of breeding the guitar player."
Indeed it is a musically talented family, as Brush often tours with his
son Matthew on guitar and his son Jude on bass and guitar. Brush did not
appreciate the American band, launched by Bon Jovi's manager Doc Magee,
stealing his band's name. "He could be Doc Marten for all I know...but
he's going to get a kick up the arse."
In his most recent visit to the United States, Brush did not get the chance to confront Magee, but he did trash Garth Brooks.
He toured the North East in 1995, with his two sons, performing a famous repertoire of hilarious songs and theatrical monologues. When asked about the content of the show, Brush responded: "I sing about tractors, horses, marts...and I'll be trashing a few Garth Brooks songs as well." His son Jude assures us, however, that "trashing in Ireland, in musical terms, means to play something sang by Garth laid back, heavy and fast with loud guitars."
In 1997 Brush released a landmark CD entitled Celtic Road Warrior. It includes an excellent cover of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," as well as "The Tractor." Brush calls this original composition, "a heartwarming tribute to his old faithful Massey Ferguson 35 which has since become an integral part of the Shiels family." The CD is available on Bus records (BUSCD801).
In addition to his solo pursuits, Brush Shiels can be found escorting two outstanding young musicians into the limelight of very promising careers. He can be heard on the bass and vocals for two tracks of The Shiels Brothers Band debut album Hey Joe and Other Family Favourites. The album highlights originial compositions by Brush and guitarist/vocalist Matthew Shiels. Keeping it all in the family, Jude Shiels can be heard on the slide guitar and vocals. Also included on the CD, are uptempo Sheils signature covers of "Hey Joe," "Whole Lotta Love," "Statesboro Blues," and "Sweet Home Alabama." The album is available on New Broom records.
Before the close of the Millennium, Brush has set forth another album: "18 Celtic Rock Classics." This CD showcases many of the songs that Brush has made famous including: "Fields of Athenry," "Dirty Old Town," "Star of the County Down," "Boys of the County Armagh," and of course an all-new version of "The Tractor." Unfortunately, it has recently come to our attention that the old faithful Massey Ferguson wasn't pulling its weight any longer and was traded in for a newer model. We can be sure that if it is around in another 20 years, there will be a member of the Shiels family making music about it.