Blaze X (1979-1981) were an Irish punk band. The band was formed in Tuam, Co. Galway. They released a successful single in 1980, Some Hope which became Larry Gogan's Hit song of the week on 2FM. It's b-side, Rippy, about serial killer The Yorkshire Ripper was banned by the RTE. Their finest moment came when they supported U2 in front of a packed Leisureland in Galway. Many fans insist that Blaze X outshone U2 that night, where they received an encore, a rare occurrence for a support band. Frontman Paul Cunniffe went on to have a solo career in London, but died in 2001. Guitarist Davy Carton went on to form famous Irish band, The Saw Doctors.
Following the death of Paul Cunniffe, a CD of their songs was released in 2003. It features various live tracks recorded from a gig in the Scout Hall in Tuam, and tracks recorded in the RCF studio in Ballybane in Galway City. The CD is now available from the Saw Doctors Official website.