The Mary Wallopers are a folk band that have gained an international following in recent years. Led by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy, they inject a contemporary political zeal into Irish folk songs of the past. The group gained attention through pandemic-era live streams and have released two albums to date, using traditional songs to explore inequality and class warfare. Alongside other Irish bands such as Fontaines DC and Lankum, The Mary Wallopers are part of an Irish music boom period, which will be highlighted on their upcoming world tour.
The band’s success has been attributed to their high-energy and rowdy approach to folk music which tell stories of gruesome love and political dissent. Noting that folk music has a reputation for being meek and safe, The Mary Wallopers seek to give the rowdy side of folk back to people. They believe their music has a particular resonance in the current era of frustration with inequality and unfairness.
For The Mary Wallopers, traditional songs hold a special place in Irish culture. They were brought up listening to The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners and believe it is an activity enjoyed by most Irish people. The band views the traditional songs as political statements which speak to a certain rough-and-tumble Irishness that is missing from modern cultural expressions.
The Pogues, a band that gave Irish music a kick up the arse, are one of The Mary Wallopers’ inspirations. They played alongside The Pogues’ Spider Stacy just days after the funeral of band member Shane MacGowan. The band is gearing up for a world tour that takes in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia
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