The Emerald Isle’s shores are rich with the sounds of passionate guitar solos and the cheerful folk roots. Among the country’s extensive back catalogue, we’ve plucked ten influential front men who’ve shaped Irish music with their booze-soaked vocal chords. This is The Carouser‘s tribute to the many voices of Irish rock backed by the words of Phil Lynott’s ‘Dublin’.

Gary Moore

1952-2011

Born in Belfast. Solo performer, early member of Thin Lizzy & Skid Row.

Rory Gallagher

1948 – 1995

Born in Cork. Solo performer and founder of Taste.

Christy Moore

1945 –

Born in Newbridge. Frontman of Planxty.

Feargal Sharkey

1958 –

Born in Derry. Frontman of The Undertones.

Van Morrison

1945 –

Born in Belfast. Solo performer and founder of Them.

Shane McGowan

1957 –

Born in Pembury. Frontman of the punk band The Pogues.

Chris De Burgh

1948-

Raised in Bargy Castle. Solo performer.

Bob Geldof

1951-

Born in Dún Laoghaire. Lead singer of the Boomtown Rats and activist.

Henry McCullough

1943 -2016

Born in Portstewart. Member of The Spooky Tooth, The Grease Band and Wings.

Phil Lynott

1949 – 1986

Raised in Dublin. Frontman of Thin Lizzy and poet.

Listen to their music on our Irish playlist or read more in our Irish Issue.