The Blades were formed in 1977 at a time where punk ruled Dublin, with bands like The Radiators from Space being among the talk of the Irish music scene. Originally with Paul Cleary on Bass, his brother Lar on Guitar and drummer Pat Larkin completing the lineup. Reekus Records released their first album ‘The Last Man in Europe’ in January 1985 as well as the singles collection ‘Raytown Revisited’ late the same year. Raytown Revisited is considered essential listening and is included in the book ‘101 Irish Albums to hear before you die’ by Tony Clayton-Lea of the Irish Times.