Mr. Irish Bastard is an Irish folk punk band from Münster, Germany, formed in 2006.
Origin: Münster, Germany Genres: Rock, folk rock, folk punk Years active: 2006–present Labels: Reedo Records, Mad Drunken Monkey Records, I Hate People Records (Germany), Proletopia Records (China), Uncle Owen Records (Japan)
History
The band was founded in mid-2006 by singer "The Irish Bastard (Himself)," banjo player Gran E. Smith, and Lady Lily on tin whistle. The three had previously played together in another folk-influenced band. Bass guitarist Boeuf Strongenuff, who had also played with The Irish Bastard in a prior band, was recruited. Other early members included Ron Calli and Mitch Mackes. Frequent lineup changes occurred in the first months due to increasing touring success. The core lineup eventually stabilized around the four founding members and drummer Ivo K'Nivo, supported by additional "Travelling Bastards."
Music
Musically, Mr. Irish Bastard is influenced by The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and classic punk bands. They also incorporate other styles such as ska. The band is known for innovative cover versions of popular songs, including Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca," The Cure's "Why Can't I Be You?," and "Temple of Love" by The Sisters of Mercy. Traditional Irish songs such as "Galway Bay" and "Dirty Old Town" are also frequently performed. Band members cite Sepultura, Portishead, Social Distortion, German Oi! band Broilers, and German comedian Helge Schneider as personal influences.
Releases
The band's first EP, St. Mary's School of Drinking (2006), sold over 3,000 copies independently. Their debut album The Bastard Brotherhood was released in early 2008 on their own label Reedo Records. Subsequent releases include University of Hard Knocks (2008, Japan), Fortune & Glory (2009, China), A Fistful of Dirt (2010), Never Mind The Bastards – Here Is Mr. Irish Bollocks (2011, a cover of the Sex Pistols' Never Mind the Bollocks), The World, The Flesh & The Devil (2015), The Desire for Revenge (2018), and Battle Songs of the Damned (2024).
Tours
Within two months of forming, the band toured Europe with The Levellers. A headliner tour and a tour with German folk rock band Fiddler's Green followed in 2007–2008. They have performed at major German rock festivals including Open Flair, Vainstream Rockfest, and Serengeti, and have played shows in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and England.
Reception
Readers of the German Celtic-Rock online magazine voted Mr. Irish Bastard "German Celtic Folk Rock and Folk Punk band of the year" in 2007, second place in 2008, and third place in 2009. The Bastard Brotherhood was voted second in the "album of the year" category in 2008, and the song "Let Go" placed third in "Song of the Year" in the same year. The band took third place in the "Best Live Act" category in 2009.
Discography (Studio Albums)
- The Bastard Brotherhood (2008)
- University of Hard Knocks (2008, Japan)
- Fortune & Glory (2009, China)
- A Fistful of Dirt (2010)
- Never Mind The Bastards – Here Is Mr. Irish Bollocks (2011)
- The World, The Flesh & The Devil (2015)
- The Desire for Revenge (2018)
- Battle Songs of the Damned (2024)
