Biography

The ShamRogues were put together by Irishman Jim Phelan, who grew up in County Laois. After a night's drinking with Rod Stewart back in 1996 Jim decided that the music business could be a fun pastime and he formed 'The Exploding Appletarts' back in Ireland. Shortly after emigrating to the United States Jim saw an opening for a good Irish Traditional group in the Baltimore region so he set about putting The ShamRogues together. You are now looking at the results.... Contact jim@theshamrogues.net

First to come along and join Jim was the lovely Rachel (no Irish band is worth a damn without something pretty to look at, thats why U2 have a woman as their Lead singer...) Luckily our Rai has a much prettier face than that eejit Bonnie, or whatever her name is. Rai is a native of Bel Air and a very talented musician who can try her hand at almost any instrument, not least the Penny Whistle and Viola, both of which she plays with The ShamRogues. After interviewing her for The ShamRogues, Jim decided the best way to keep Rai in the band was to marry her, the rest is history...Contact rai@theshamrogues.net

St. Patrick himself must have been looking down on the group when Jim happened to meet up with the very talented Barry O'Brien. Barry is one of those original 70's rockers who, luckily for the group, has calmed down over the years and now provides a solid backbone rhythm for The ShamRogues. Along with his expertise on acoustic guitar Barry has introduced the Harmonica into some of the band's set which adds that little extra to some of the livlier tunes. Contact barry@theshamrogues.net

The most recent addition to The ShamRogues is the very talented Casey Kranz - Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Bassist, Published Artist, Sound Tech and general all-round professional musician. Casey has been in the music business all his life and has recorded several solo albums, along with many recordings with various other bands. With a voice that links traditional ballads to a modern interpretation of what Irish music has become, Casey adds a vibe to The ShamRogues that has made the band even more popular than ever before. Add to that the fact that Barry now has a fellow bald band member - sure what more could ya ask for !!!! Contact casey@theshamrogues.net

Not only did Barry bring his talents to The Shamrogues but he also produced his son, brilliant Bass player Andrew. Andrew is a very talented Bassist and musician in general and has even been known to pick up a whistle on the odd occasion! Andrew is also the man behind the sound - which is lucky because Jim doesn't even know how to switch the feckin mixer on !! Contact andrew@theshamrogues.net

Last but by no means least is Steve Miller on Bodhran who Jim was fortunate enough to find one evening at a session in J. Patricks Irish bar in Baltimore. Steve has been playing Bodhran for many years and is a regular session player. Animal Rights should be called in, the way this man bates that goat of his... Contact steve@theshamrogues.net

Custom Glitter Text