Beginnings: 2002-2005 Gama Bomb formed in 2002 and soon built up a loyal following in their native Newry, Northern Ireland and elsewhere in the UK, which they consolidated with a rigorous touring schedule and frequent forays into self-released recording. The band first gained attention with their demo The Survival Option in the same year. Relentlessly touring was paired with 2003's The Fatal Mission single. At this time frontman Philly Byrne often appeared on stage dressed as a chef