Ghost of an American Airman

Since they're Irish Ghost of an American Airman faced the inevitable comparisons to their countrymen U2. Of course, the big vocals of lead singer and guitarist Dodge McKay also contributed to Ghost of an American Airman being viewed as the next U2. Consisting of McKay, Ben Trowell (guitar), Alan Galbraith (bass), and Matt Matthews (drums), Ghost of an American Airman formed in Belfast, Ireland in the mid-‘80s. The band released their first single, "I Hear Voices", in 1987. However, five years passed before the group's major-label debut, Life Under Giants, in 1992. But the band was denied a commercial breakthrough in the U.S. mainly due to the dominance of grunge in the early ‘90s and their melodic sound couldn't find a place within the walls of heavy-metal feedback. Ghost of an American Airman's final album, 1993's Skin, received glowing reviews but little radio interest. Ghost of an American Airman were one of the hardest-working groups in Ireland, performing in small clubs in Belfast as well as tours of Europe and the U.S. but never able to acquire a large following. Personal differences eventually split them up. McKay reappeared in Thompson. ~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide