Suckin' Diesel

Suckin' Diesel were formed to bring the fun and energy of Irish pub music to the UAE. Whether playing Irish Traditional and Ballad sets for Irish events and parties or playing Ladies' Nights and Brunches with a more diverse crowd and playlist, the aim remains the same: to recreate the atmosphere that has made Irish music and entertainment popular all over the world. 

They are formed of a core two piece, but can be expanded to three or more members on request, thanks to their roots in the Irish session community in Dubai. 

The two permanent members are:

Aine O'Brien:

Áine is a professional violinist/fiddle player and has been with the band since day one.

Born and raised in Cork, she started playing violin at 4yrs of  through the Suzuki method. She was doing solo and group performances from the age of 5 and joined her first orchestra at 7 years of age. Áine has no memory of the violin not being part of her life. She continues to learn, teach and perform in constant rotation.

Áine's passion for music continued to flourish when she completed her music degree in the Cork Conservatoire in 2010. Her classical training and her Suzuki teacher training saw her travel across Europe with Orchestras and Suzuki workshops. 

When Áine was brought to Dubai to set up a Suzuki programme in October 2015, she was already a member of the Dubai Chamber Orchestra and within 2 weeks of landing became a member of the Dubai Pops Orchestra and the Emirates Symphony Orchestra. 

Outside of the band Áine has performed a lot in Dubai from grand openings for ‘Hermes’ the opening of the Donald Trump Golf Course, Vendi launches, local weddings and private functions, as well as the Dubai Irish Society's 2016 production at the Madinat Theatre. 

Áine is an inspirational Suzuki violin teacher during the day but now focuses her performance time on rehearsals and performances with her band Suckin’ Diesel.  

Mark Laffan:

Mark began singing in pubs in his home town of Limerick at the age of 6, and has been at it since. From choral productions to soul to Glam Rock bands, he has had a diverse musical journey, but has always returned to his lifelong love of Irish music and song. 

Moving to London in 1998, he played in a number of Irish Folk and Folk Rock bands, gigging regularly at venues like The Claddagh Ring, Walkabout and the Crown in Cricklewood. He also played in high profile Irish events such as the annual St Patrick's Day Parade in Trafalgar Square, the Mayor's Annual St Patrick's Ball, the Irish Post Awards and on TV and Radio.

Moving to Dubai in 2015, he began playing slots with local bands and musicians, as well as Trad sessions, before forming Suckin' Diesel in 2017.