Irish punk bands: a field guide

Blood or Whiskey

Founded in: 1993

Hometown: Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland

Claim to fame: It may seem surprising that it took so long for a Pogues-inspired band to form in the homeland, but many Irish are staunch traditionalists when it comes to their music. Blood or Whiskey were the first band actually based in Ireland to get away with mixing punk rock with their accordions and tin whistles.

Did you know? According to the band’s Web site, Blood or Whiskey “are widely regarded as the first post-Pogues band to mix Traditional Irish music with Punk Rock, predating the current worldwide trend of Plastic Paddy Irish infused Punk Rock.” Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Flogging Molly!