There are some gigs that you walk away from feeling like you've experienced something special, and Monday night at Rock City was certainly one of them. A very Irish evening, and what a treat that was, as The Mary Wallopers came to town...
First up were Cliffords, a band I hadn't actually realised would be supporting The Mary Wallopers until the day of the gig. Last year, they were one of my top bands on Spotify Wrapped, and having previously seen them in Birmingham, getting the chance to see them again, this time in the city I live in and love, Nottingham, was already a lovely surprise.
As always, everything was on point. The vocals, their charming Irish accents and the musicality were all there, with incredibly well-crafted lyrics that make you want to listen a little closer. Fronted by Iona Lynch, whose vocals are at the heart of the band's sound, Cliffords have a wonderful way of blending indie rock with more atmospheric and melodic moments. The combination of Iona's guitar and vocals, Harry Menton's lead guitar, Gavin Dawkins' bass and trumpet, and Locon O'Toole's keyboards gives their music a really distinctive character.
I was so happy to be able to sing along and relive the experience all over again. They also treated us to a few songs that are yet to be released, but hearing Sleeping with Ghosts, Bittersweet and Feels Like a Man was undoubtedly the highlight for me.
From the more delicate, emotional moments to the bigger, soaring guitar sounds, they know exactly how to build a song and bring it to life on stage. They are a band I would happily see over and over again, and I hope Nottingham gets to welcome them back very soon.
Now, onto the main event. The Mary Wallopers. Wow. Where do I even begin? Absolutely incredible from start to finish. Hailing from Dundalk, Ireland, the six-piece have made a name for themselves by bringing traditional Irish folk music into a much louder, more mischievous and wonderfully chaotic setting. And seeing them live makes it very easy to understand why they have built such a reputation.
The number of instruments they bring onto the stage, the way the singing is shared and how everything comes together to create a musical explosion is simply impressive. With Charles and Andrew Hendy at the heart of the band, alongside Róisín Barrett on bass, Ken Mooney on drums, Finnian O'Connor on tin whistle and uilleann pipes, and Catriona Gribben on accordion, there is so much happening musically that you never quite know where to look next.
The beauty of it is that nothing feels out of place. The accordion and traditional pipes bring that unmistakable Irish folk sound, while the rhythm section gives the songs an almost punk-like energy. Guitars, percussion and the different voices all weave together, creating something that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and completely alive in the present.
The way the band moved from a cheery, foot-stomping number to something slower and more heartfelt created the perfect dynamic. There was never a dull moment, and the contrast between the songs made each one feel even more special. From the Irish flags waving in the air to the arms raised above people's heads, and voices shouting the lyrics over and over again, the atmosphere was something else. At times, the band would let the crowd take over the singing, and hearing a room full of people join together like that was an experience I will cherish. It felt less like watching a band perform and more like being part of one enormous Irish gathering.
Something else I particularly loved was the way they introduced their songs. Before playing, they would explain the meaning behind them, making sure that even if you couldn't quite understand every word or weren't familiar with the lyrics, you were still included.
It gave the songs another layer and made you appreciate the stories behind them, rather than simply enjoying the music. Their set, which included songs such as Crowns of England, The Worker's Song and The Big Mixer, showed just how well they balance traditional storytelling with their own contemporary take on Irish folk. There is humour, rebellion, history and plenty of personality running through their music, and all of it translates brilliantly to the stage.
What a way to start the week.
Personally, I knew it was going to be a hell of a busy one, but this concert made everything feel a little better. I left knowing that whatever the week threw at me, I could endure it because I had just experienced something so special. I got to sing, dance, listen, laugh and be led on an Irish journey without having to leave Nottingham.
And if there is one thing I can say about The Mary Wallopers, it is this: put your seatbelts on, because this ride is not stopping anytime soon.
The Mary Wallopers performed at Rock City on 26 October 2026.
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