Cobra were a Belfast based rock band. They only ever released one 7" on Rip Off Records (RIP3) back in 1978. Both tracks on this single also appeared on the Rip Off Records compilation album 'Belfast Rocks’, also released in 1978. The band were Nigel Boyd Vocals, Keith Sewel Guitar, Glenn Crawford Guitar, Mickey Thompson bass and Nigel Hamilton on drums.

In April 1978 Cobra set off with Blue Steam and Stiff Little Fingers on a 13 date End of The World Tour. This, a full year before the much celebrated Spring Irish tour by Good Vibrations of 1979. Interestingly Nigel Hamilton, Cobra drummer would also play and help organise that tour too, at many of the same venues, when drumming with The Tearjerkers. Each band took a night to headline on the tour. The full tour itinerary was Monday 10th April - Heatherdew Tavern, Glenarm. Tuesday 11th April - Polytech, Jordanstowm. Wednesday 12th April Toll Bar, Glarryford. Thursday 13th April Top of The Town, Banbridge. Friday 14th April Steeple Inn, Antrim. Saturday 15th April (Afternoon Show), Bodega, Larne. Saturday night, Camrick, Armagh. Monday 17th April Gowdys, Banbridge. Tuesday 18th April Baggot Inn, Dublin. Wednesday 19th April NUU, Coleraine. Thursday 20th April Speakeasy, Queens University Belfast. Friday 21st April Coach Inn, Omagh. Saturday 22nd April Cork University.

After this band folded, Nigel famously went on to drum with The Tearjerkers. However, prior to this, From the fragments of Cobra, Midnite Cruiser and Jasper came The Bounders. The group were Nigel Hamilton on drums ex Cobra, Paul Grant guitar, ex Midnite Cruiser and ex Jasper duo Kit Wright, guitar and keyboards and Brad Magennis on bass. Kit and Nigel would go on to work together into the 80’s on various projects, including Radio City. Kit was even best man at Nigel’s wedding! As Hamilton had composed both sides of Cobra’s 7-inch single on RIP Off Records and Grant, Rich Bitch on Midnite Cruisers’ excellent Striker 45, these songs were incorporated into their live set, which was 50% original material, complimented by covers by Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Kinks and The Who.