Music
Press
Too many folk musicians take themselves too bloody seriously. They frown, try to look detached, and frown again. Not Murphy's Pigs. This rough-knit group of banana-benders (Queenslanders) is here to have fun with the music and the audience. They sing boisterously one minute and tenderly the next. They sing old chestnuts bringing smiles of recognition to the faces in the crowd: "My Gawd! They're singing something I remember from the Clancy Brothers repertoire!" There's loads of chorus songs too, and once again the audience responds enthusiastically - even if it is that silly song about The Whale, with its di di di di chorus. There's no sacred ground here and the band is just as comfortable swinging into an Irish, Scottish or American song as it is with a bush song from Australia's yester-years. This is meant to be fun....and Murphy's Pigs can carry that fun with a nod and a wink. - Warren Fahey, Australian folklorist; producer and musical fun-lover
Murphy's Pigs are the greatest bunch of ratbag musicians I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The heart they put into their band of Celtique and Aussie bush music is terrific and they are a real credit to the glorious State of New South Wales........ It's a pity they hail from Brisbane!!!! - Marcus Holden, Director of Fiddler's Fest; composer, producer
What is the French word for 'ratbags'? - Her Excellency, Penny Wensley A. O., Australian Ambassador to France
Who the f&@# are Murphy's Pigs? - Noodles, The Offspring
Discography
Murphys Pigs Live at the Irish Club
Photos
Bio
In the music world there are Celtic bands and there are Celtic bands. And then there's Murphy's Pigs. These irreverent purveyors of fine Celtic music hail from Brisbane, Australia; another fine example of the English colonial experiment gone wrong. It's little wonder that Celtic music thrives in a land thick with the descendants of Irish convicts and Scottish immigrants.
Formed to perform during the 'Year of Australia' events at the world's largest Celtic festival - Festival Interceltique- in Lorient, France the Pigs have quickly established themselves as a force in the Celtic music genre, and experts in the art of "organised chaos". If the Pigs had to define their music it would best be described as 'Retro Celtic'. Classic Celtic music from the folk revival era of the 60's and 70's - with a sprinkling of some of the more contemporary stuff to keep it interesting. No sacred cows here.
Embraced by their audiences, their music is enhanced by the enthusiastic participation of those lucky enough to secure themselves a stool at the bar. But just don't take their word for it. Get off your arse, come along, join in and enjoy the craic.
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