Boy M5, an indie-pop band based in Donegal, have released their single ‘Never Be The Same’, which is now available on streaming services.
This single is a tribute to their bandmate, mixing engineer, bassist, and more importantly, their friend, Paul Mooney.
Paul, an incredibly talented musician from Ramelton, passed tragically in 2023.
The band has not forgotten their beloved bandmate in the slightest, and performed their new single at their own festival named ‘Moonfest’ on Saturday night in The Cottage Bar in Letterkenny as a tribute to Paul, on what would’ve been his 32nd birthday.
Standing room only on Saturday night for the Paul Mooney birthday memory event and song launch.
Morgan Mooney on stage at his son Paul’s 32nd birthday memorial gig.
The song acts as a conversation with Paul, adding a deeper layer to the meaning of the song. Opening with “How can I go on without you”, and transitioning beautifully into the bridge “One day, I’ll see you on the moon, where memories don’t fade.”.
‘Never Be The Same’ is a powerful song, full of grief and loss, it tells the story of an unwavering friendship between bandmates, and Boy M5 get their message across gracefully, honouring their friend in the process, providing hope that more music is to come.
Frontman, Kyle O’Neill, said: “This is the hardest song I’ve ever written.”
“I kept thinking about all the things we planned, all the music we were supposed to make together. This song is me making a promise – to Paul, to myself, and to everyone who loved him – that he won’t be forgotten. His music will still be heard. His name will still be spoken.”
Boy M5 lead singer Kyle O’Neill in The Cottage Bar for the launch of their new song ‘Never Be The Same’ in memory of former bandmate Paul Mooney.
Paul’s sister, Julianne Mooney, listening to the music on Saturday night.
Gwen Mooney, Paul’s mother, with Roisin McKeever in The Cottage on Saturday night.
Frankie McGreevey on stage in The Cottage.
The tribute was meticulously thought out in order to honour Paul to the best of their ability. The role of bassist has been passed on to Jamie McClelland, as Simon McCafferty stepped in to follow the footsteps of Paul’s guitar style.
Other members who stepped up to honour Paul include Laura McFadden playing the cello, Brian Doherty on drums, and Nigel Hegarty, who helped bring the sound of the band to its full potential, and was instrumental throughout the process.
Boy M5 have been steadily rising to success, through 2024 to present day, with a headline performance in Stendhal Festival, a mention in The Irish Times’ ‘Top 20 Acts to Watch’, and airplay on Radio X by Chris Moyles.
The track proves the band’s strength to keep going and create powerful and meaningful music from the tragedy they’ve faced.
Taylor Southern who travelled from Manchester shares some memories of her late friend Paul Mooney between songs that she preformed on stage at The Cottage Bar.
Seamus Farrell at the gig in The Cottage on Saturday night.
Enjoying the memorial gig at The Cottage Bar.
Owen Gillespie performing at the Paul Mooney birthday memorial event.
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