MONIO

The Vals are also known for their explosive live performances, playing alongside acts such as Echo and the Bunnymen and Ocean Colour Scene on recent tours. In 2008 the band took to cities across the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, showcasing their live shows to new audiences, and gathering a steadily growing following.

In August 2008, Paul Doherty of the Vals received correspondence from former Beatle John Lennon’s widow Yoko Ono expressing her admiration for the band after a festival he organised in Belfast called Valfest – A festival of Music, Peace and Love. The festival brought together both sides of the community in Belfast and showcased some great acts including former Paul McCartney and Wings guitarist Henry McCullough and Thin Lizzy’s founding member and guitarist Eric Bell and band. The festival was a huge success, and Yoko’s message made it that little bit more special:

Yoko wrote:
Hi, Paul Docherty! Now that you are doing the Peace and Love Festival you are connected to all of us of family of Peace of the world. Good for you. Lots of love, yoko

Shortly after they were asked to front the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Human Rights as part of an Amnesty International campaign. The event was the ‘Small Places Tour’ and took place in Belfast where the Vals called on the help of other local bands to highlight the event’s importance.

In 2009 the band are working towards the release of a debut album for worldwide release on the Electrique Mud label, and will also take to Europe to play an extensive tour of many cities. Already the band have been booked to appear at some of Europe’s major festivals alongside some prestigious acts, and have been pencilled in for a tour of major German cities in October.In August the band play the Haldern Pop Festival. Already the band’s songs have been championed by the likes of Steve Lamacq, Eddie Piller and Gary Crowley, getting regular airplay on BBC Radio One, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 6 Music, Q Music, XFM and many more.

The Vals are playing the MONIO & FRIENDS 2009 Festival on Saturday 1st August