Chicago Irish Band 5

This Chicago Irish Band started in 2002 when young Kevin joined brother Terry; Dan, Mike and Joe, and altered their previous life as this new band.

Chicago Irish Band

It was said to be a tactic by Terry to gain a ally. But really it was suggested by Mike to replace Mike M. on bass as he left for a short period to start his band 'Leave'. When Murph returned he opted to play mandolin and the one time folk quartet became a full fledge Celtic rock band.

Chicago Irish Band evolution

Since then this Chicago Irish Band has continued to evolve as a band but one constant that has follow them since their early days is the electricity they project when performing. They are widely considered as one of the most followed and sought after Irish/Celtic music band in the Midwest. Based in Chicago- Shay Clarke of the Irish American News has said that '[They] have a sense of fun and energy that is rare these days (in Irish music)...

The oldest among all brothers and driving force of this Chicago Irish Band, Dan, plays rhythm guitar and sings. His influences come from listening to the classic Irish Folk Bands like the Clancy's and Dubliners. The others in the band say this is due to his advanced age as he is the only one among them who saw the Ed Sullivan show during its initial run.

He is the jack of all trades when it comes to playing instruments (banjo and guitar) but he mostly plays the bodhran and sings. Mike loves telling stories which gives the other band members of this Chicago Irish Band a few seconds to retune and down a pint. Mike's Musings are legendary among fans and he writes them from a secret place where he does his best thinking and the acoustics are very favorable.

Two words can describe brother Joe - raw energy. Joe plays harmonica, guitar and lends lead vocals on a few songs. He is also this Chicago Irish Band resident philosopher and has a degree to prove it.

Terry is a very talented musician who has mastered many instruments including the mandolin, guitar, tin whistle and banjo. Terry's influences come from the likes of Planxty and the Pogues as well as metal bands of the 1990s. He also lends his vocals to many a song. His wisdom comes from years of communication with the Dalai Lama (so he's got that going for him).

Terry's younger brother, Kevin's provides the sound of this Chicago Irish Band with a deep rich bass. While he prefers the songs to be fast and can be heard on stage yelling 'On the sh--!' his favorite bed time songs tend to be ballads. Kevin is also in charge of keeping everyone in the band in line and operates under a cloud of fear.

The newest member of this Chicago Irish Band and along with Dan Jr., the 'Twin Towers of Youth', Neal plays fiddle. His music talents were first brought to the band when in his early teens he played fiddle on the 'Band o' Brothers' track 'Drag Me Away'. As the newest member of this Chicago Irish Band he is also responsible for shining Joe's shoes before each performance and running for Guinness in between songs.