210. Steve Mack: That Petrol Emotion to R.E.M. and Nirvana
28 April 2026
About This Episode
Steve Mack, former frontman of That Petrol Emotion, joins The Ireland Podcast to talk through the story behind one of the most distinctive bands to emerge from Ireland.
From arriving in London in the mid-1980s to unexpectedly becoming the band’s singer, Steve reflects on the early days, the energy of the pub circuit, and the process of finding a sound.
The conversation explores the wider musical landscape of the time - from punk and post-punk to influences like the Velvet Underground, Captain Beefheart, and Pere Ubu - as well as the impact of production on shaping a band’s identity.
There are also standout stories along the way, including life in Seattle before the move, the realities of touring, and moments that capture the atmosphere of Belfast and the era more broadly.
This is a conversation about instinct, music, and the unpredictable path of a creative life.
Steve Mack
Steve Mack is a musician best known as the lead singer of That Petrol Emotion, the band formed by former members of The Undertones. Originally from Seattle, he joined the band in London in the mid-1980s and went on to front them through their most influential period. He continues to perform and record music.