Pure Mania was formed in 1979 in Rathcoole, a council estate on the outskirts of Belfast. The name taken from the Vibrators debut Album.

Playing their first gig in March 1980 in the assembly hall of their local school! The original line up consisted of Steven (Mitch) Mitchell (Vocals), Michael (Ashy) Ash (Drums) Davy McMahon (Guitar) and Joe Goudie (Bass). Sadly due to a clash in musical differences and a lack of dedication by some members, the band split and reformed as Tarot XIII with Davy McMahon (Vocals & guitar) Tommy McMahon (Drums) Joe Goudie (Bass) & John Gray (guitar) a new line up and finally a new sound! (see elsewhere on the site for the Tarot XIII story).

Bass player Joe Goudie hits the nail squarely on the head when he says “It was certainly tough being a punk back then during the troubles! But there was also a certain amount of pride in having the courage to be different from everyone else, in not following the herd and their sectarian beliefs. It probably sounds cheesy now, but you kinda wore it like a badge of honour and felt good to fuck with the system...Vive le Rock!”

Sadly, Davy McMahon passed away on Thursday 14th December 2023.

If you have any further information or photographs of this band, then please DO get in contact via spit77to82@aol.com