Name: The Rumjacks
Country: Australia
Formed in: 2008
Status: Active
Formed in 2008 by Will Swan, The Rumjacks combine a variety of musical influences, including elements of punk rock and traditional celtic folk. The band wasted little time releasing their debut EP “Hung, Drawn & Portered” quickly followed by their second EP “Sound as a Pound” released later in the year. The Rumjacks never a work shy group quickly developed a strong local following, through their constant touring and energetic performances they became a must-see group of the Sydney and Australian music scene. With their strong local support and burgeoning international awareness The Rumjacks quickly secured international supports with punk legends U.K Subs, GBH and Gypsy punk legends Gogol Bordello amongst others.
After some early line up changes, the band settled on and maintained their line up of McLaughlin, McKelvey, drummer Anthony Matters, guitarist Gabriel Whitbourne and banjo/mandolin/bouzouki player Adam Kenny, recording three critically acclaimed albums together “Gangs of New Holland” (2010), “Sober and Godless” (2015) and recently released “Sleeping Rough” (2016) before Anthony’s departure following their sold out 2016 European tour.
The music video for their 2011 single “An Irish Pub Song” from the 2010 album “Gangs of New Holland” exploded on-line, amassing over 54 million views and counting on YouTube, and is the catalyst to the groups growing success and popularity in Europe and the U.S.A. In 2014, the band featured in “Nicky’s Detox”, an EP by The Moorings, the song being titled Shandon Bells.
In addition to performing shows in many Australian cities, The Rumjacks have embarked upon two sold out European tours. The first European tour in 2015 featured the legendary Jarocin Festival in Poland and the enigmatic Boomtown Fair UK. Quickly followed by their mammoth 2016 Euro tour, that saw The Rumjacks featuring on the Main stages of; Woodstock Poland, Mighty Sounds, Punk Rock Holiday and Lowlands Festival to name a few. With 2016 drawing to a close The Rumjacks have announced their first ever U.S tour, commencing March 2017 and featuring at San Diego’s Shamrocked Fest. and Austin’s renowned SXSW Music Festival. Currently on Tour in Europe through 2019.
Wikipedia
Band members
- Frankie McLaughlin – vocal, tin whistle, guitar, bodhran
- Johnny McKelvey – bass, vocal
- Gabriel Whitbourne – guitars, wokal
- Adam Kenny – mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran, acoustic guitar, vocal
- Pietro Della Sala – drums, vocal
Discography
Albums:
- Gangs of New Holland (2010)
- Sober & Godless (2015)
- Sleepin’ Rough (2016)
- Saints Preserve Us (2018)
EPs:
- Hung, Drawn & Portered (2009)
- Sound as a Pound (2009)