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Music

13th Mar 2013

Seven of the Best: Irish bands

Ireland has a brilliant reputation for producing classic bands who have made some of the most memorable tunes we've ever heard, so we've decided to celebrate by looking back at seven of the best.

JOE

Ireland has a brilliant reputation for producing classic bands who have made some of the most memorable tunes we’ve ever heard, so we’ve decided to celebrate by looking back at seven of the best.

We’re known for a few things in Ireland, our story telling, our fondness for the beer and the good old-fashioned sing song, no matter when or where.

Given that we’ve got that natural ability for music and with Paddy’s Day just around the corner, we’re taking a look at seven of the most stand out Irish acts of all time with our friends at 7UP Free.

Van Morrison

A hugely influential musician, Van the Man has been consistently churning out hits since the 1960s, including this gem which we imagine absolutely everyone in the world knows.

Horslips

No montage of Irish football from the 1980s or ’90s is complete without the music of the iconic Horslips, and if this song doesn’t remind you of Paul McGrath or the Packie Bonner grimace, then you might just need your passport revoked.

The Frames

With a great range of songs, form the big sounds of ‘Revelate’ to the softer acoustic tracks like ‘Star Star’, The Frames have represented the Irish music scene with pride across the world. Beside, you don’t get much bigger than appearing in The Simpsons and winning an Oscar, like Glen Hansard did.

The Stunning

The Stunning hit it big with another track that everyone can at least hum along to, ‘Brewing Up a Storm’, and their members have left an imprint on Irish music by going on to set up The Walls, as well as joining acts like The Saw Doctors and legendary trad group Altan.

The Dubliners

With hugely respected musicians like Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, this list wouldn’t be complete without The Dubliners, who have done a huge amount to spread Irish traditional music around the globe.

Stiff Little Fingers

Forming during the Troubles in Belfast, The Stiff Little Fingers have been one of the most influential punk bands of all time, from our own fair shores to America and beyond.

U2

What list of Irish bands would be complete without what is possibly the biggest band on the planet? Whatever your feelings on Bono, the music that U2 have produced is simply fantastic, and their live shows are stunning as well.

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge

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