Opening for THE TOSSERS

[beloitpiper]

Yeah, Shillelagh Law is, in my opinion, right up there with Flogging Molly as far as musicianship. Really, really amazing stuff. I play it on my raido show all the time.

I know you can listen to their tunes on their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/peaceloveandwhiskey

(My personal favorite is "Whiskey and Roses")

[Kid Cossack]

Well I swan! We might even turn out to be kin, Turpin---I'm a Ballard as well.

[turpin]

Hey, Turpin! Do you know if any CDs are still available?

I'm pretty sure I can get you one. I'll contact James and get back to you.

Well I swan! We might even turn out to be kin, Turpin---I'm a Ballard as well.

Follow this link and click on "Pedigree". (ARF-ARF). If you find a connection, let me know.

[Big Paul]

Shillelagh Law is some great stuff!

[turpin]

For those who might be interested in a little background.

The tale of Shillelagh Law is one not simply told by Trevor. It is full of danger, heartache, betrayal, evanescent drummers, Big K orange soda, and a whole lot of cigarettes. It all began about a year back, when the bands vocalist James Ballard was in the middle of his downward spiral into the world of Irish and Scottish traditional music. Desperately searching for some sort of musical guidance, James was even more motivated to start a REAL band after he heard a young group of prepubescent, efeminite college boys in the local band Speed Queen. This was a pivotal moment in the creation of Shillelagh Law; it was not until this event that its founders realized the local music scene needed real music, music of style and soul, not hair-band butt rockers (such as the afore mentioned Speed Queen) lead by local transvestite singer Matt Finan. It had all been set in motion. With great appreciation for Celtic-punk groups such as the Real McKenzies and the almighty Pogues, and James got to thinking: "Hey, why dont I get something like this together?" As fate would have it, the bands electric guitarist, Matt Gunslinger, was having similar thoughts....
On a dark and stormy night, a night just like this one, James was at a local rock show, discussing his band-forming plans with a young lady whom he had just met. As he finished his explanation, thunder crashed, a streak of lightning lit up the sky, and this young lady said, Thats odd, my friend [Gunslinger] was just telling me about his plans to do the same thing. Hes right over there. And thus, SHILLELAGH LAW was born!, the unholy union of Celtic traditional and rock/punk music.

James and Gunslinger and Trevor began to set the wheels in motion. James searched feverishly for more instruments, beginning with his flute-playing chum Piet Walvoord the band now had vocals, a guitar, and flute. He also asked literally everyone he knew, Do you know anyone who plays accordion? He faced many rejections, but his query was not in vain, for there was one at Evanston High School with the courage and tenacity to take on the mighty squeezebox. That man was Adam Whiteley Whiteley. A self-taught accordionist, he "just kind of felt like playing it". He was in.

Soon after came Trevor Ewen (who was always there in spirit) on the bull fiddle (bass), filling in the rhythm section. But drums were another story. The obvious choice was James and Trevors long-time associate Sam Spesh Durkes, but there were...issues. Sam was already involved (with Trevor) in a ska-core band, and after a difficult month of carting drums back and forth between practice spaces, everyone came to the conclusion that it would just be too difficult. Sam was out - for now.

But the fiery Shillelagh spirit could not be quelled. The band acquired Gareth "New Zealand" Hobbs on acoustic guitar, sadly lost Piet to the evil clutches of college, and began acoustic practices in Gareths living room, honing their sound and sharpening their skills. They searched, too, for a drummer, but to no avail. And then, as quickly as they had formed, Sams ska-core band was no more. So the kind-hearted Sam, seeing Shillelagh Law drummer-less and alone, opened up his services once again. This time, he stuck.

However, Shillelagh Law needed something more. Enter Dan Fields, soon to become the evil Tex Bloodstorm (as named by Trevor the Great). A film student roaming the campus of Northwestern University, with a history of bagpiping and lewd behavior. "Kiltos" to James' sister for finding a bagpiper in the middle of Evanston, Illinois. The band was grateful, and Bloodstorm no less. Shillelagh Law had her last loud instrument. They played their first big-time show at a backyard fundraising concert, and have been looking for gigs and free beer ever since.

The rest is history.

But wait, there's more

see the link in Greg's post above.

[CameronTaylor]

Now that's some cool stuff, I've had them on my 'soace page for a little over a year and they do indeed knock the socks off.
I hope the Tossers get back out here soon.


CT - beer, kilts, music, what else ya want ?

[Ayin McFye]

That's awesome opening for the Tossers. I'm going to have to check out the SL band tonight when i get home. I'm always interested in new celtic music.