Newport musicians back on stage
Newport-based band Old Crab Road will make their long-awaited return to the stage in Limerick this Friday night.
The characterful Charlie Malones of Wolfe Tone St is the venue for the return performance from the original trio. Based in Newport and composed of devotees of both The Treaty and Premier counties, this group was formed by previous members of well-known Limerick and Tipperary original bands. These include They Do it With Mirrors, Mammadoo, Black Road and Beautiful Apes.
As such, Old Crab Road brings a wealth of experience from the region's original scene over the years to the stage. Their style fuses influences from Irish folk music, Americana, Roots, Country, Folk, Blues, Bluegrass and Rock.
These three-piece perform primarily acoustically, but do not be fooled, as these veteran campaigners are recognised for belting it out.
The band have been busy since their inception and have played several gigs in the region. Most recently (August 2025) Old Crab Road were crowned winners of the prestigious Cosmic Garden Fests Battle of the Bands in Co Clare and subsequently performed live on Clare FM.
The band are just about to embark upon a recording session in Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, and hope to release their first single in the New Year.
This band draws deeply not only from the well of their own life experiences but also on their musical influences when creating, whilst all the while keeping a firm hold of their own originality.
Their immediate influences can be heard in the likes of Irish folk artists such as Christy Moore and Daori Farrell, The Mary Wallopers and Makem & Clancy. Heard too will be old school Country and Bluegrass influences such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and newer artists such as Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, and The Turnpike Troubadours.
Their predominantly original set tackles issues such as love, lust, loss, conflict, history, the experiences of the Irish diaspora, heartache, happiness and rampage. You will find their lyrics both introspective and acerbic. You will find them thoughtful and introspective.
The audience member should expect a melding of styles and an entertaining and engaging performance with original songs, stories and a few select cover versions from the artists who have inspired the band over the years. For those eager to hear a little of this new and interesting band before the gig, they can be found on the usual socials.
Friday, September 26, Charlie Malones at 9pm - put it in your diary or lament at will after the fact.