Task 5 - Research into the music genre "Rock (specifically Irish Rock)"

The Irish music scene in the 1960s and much of the 1970s was dominated by the unique Irish phenomenon of the 'Show bands' which were groups of professional performers who played at dancehalls and clubs across the country, putting on a professional 'show' and playing all the American and British hits of the era. From the mid-1970s onwards Rock music in Ireland has been very similar to Rock music in Britain.

*The Pogues are a well known 1980's Irish rock band, featuring the mercurial and drink-heavy lead singer Shane McGowan, The Pogues used Irish folk instruments and coerced them behind a frenetic punk swag.  Like most of the bands classed as show bands The Pogues split up several years ago before reuniting for live performances.  However unlikely it may have seemed, the London-based band wrote what is considered a Christmastime classic in “Fairytale of New York.”

Van Morrison (“Van the Man”) is another great example of an irish rock artist. He  is one of a kind of artist that reaches the soul.  A proponent of the impromptu style of jazz music, Van Morrison is a rarefied act who consistently changes the structure of his songs in a live setting.  An inductee of the 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Van Morrison has won six Grammys and is responsible for the timeless classic single “Brown Eyed Girl.

U2 are probably the most well known Irish rock group. They are responsible for several critically acclaimed albums, 22 Grammy awards, and an unparalleled philanthropic creed. U2 is the preeminent Irish rock band.  In fact, U2’s unyielding relevance has made them a hot target for parody.  Regardless, U2’s success is no fluke, and they do not seem to be tiring out any time soon.

This is an example of a song from this genre by 'Thin Lizzy' called "Whiskey in the jar" from 1973 and is a great representation of this genre and how this type of song can be delivered in performance.