The Mary Wallopers

The Mary Wallopers Live at Barrowland, Glasgow - Sunday, 21st December 2025

Get ready to experience a raucous and unforgettable night as the electrifying sounds of The Mary Wallopers descend upon Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom. On Sunday, 21st December 2025, prepare for an evening that promises to be a true celebration of traditional Irish music, infused with a punk-rock spirit and delivered with infectious energy. This isn’t just a gig; it’s an immersion into a vibrant, contemporary take on folk heritage that has captivated audiences across the UK and beyond. The Barrowland, a venue steeped in musical history and renowned for its unique atmosphere, provides the perfect canvas for The Mary Wallopers’ raw and exhilarating performance. Expect an evening where the past and present collide, where singalongs are mandatory, and where the spirit of ceilidh meets the fury of a mosh pit.

About The Mary Wallopers

Emerging from the fertile musical landscape of County Louth, The Mary Wallopers have rapidly carved out a unique niche for themselves in the contemporary folk scene. Formed around the core songwriting partnership of siblings Kate and Conal Herron, the band has built a formidable reputation for their electrifying live shows and their fearless reinterpretation of traditional Irish folk songs. They aren’t content to simply dust off old tunes; they breathe new life into them, infusing them with a punk-infused urgency, a rollicking sense of abandon, and a healthy dose of modern-day wit.

Their journey began with a series of electrifying performances in intimate venues, where their raw energy and undeniable stage presence quickly garnered attention. This led to the release of their self-titled debut album in 2021, a critically acclaimed record that showcased their ability to blend poignant storytelling with foot-stomping melodies. Tracks like “Eileen Óg” and “The Blarney Stone” immediately became fan favourites, demonstrating their knack for crafting anthems that felt both timeless and fiercely contemporary. Their sophomore album, The Great Irish Fight, released in 2023, further cemented their status, delivering a potent blend of original material and traditional pieces, each delivered with their signature ferocity. Notable hits that have resonated with their growing fanbase include the defiant “Soldier’s Joy” and the rousing “Oh! The Miseries of War,” which highlight their ability to tackle weighty themes with a lightness of touch that never undermines their power. The Mary Wallopers represent a vital new wave of artists dedicated to preserving and evolving folk traditions, proving that these ancient stories still have a powerful resonance in the 21st century.

Venue Information

The Barrowland Ballroom, nestled in the heart of Glasgow’s East End, is more than just a music venue; it’s a legendary institution. With its distinctive starry ceiling and unparalleled atmosphere, it has hosted countless iconic performances from artists spanning every genre imaginable. Known for its intimate feel despite its capacity, the venue offers a truly special experience for both performers and audiences. Its sprung dancefloor is legendary, inviting enthusiastic revelers to dance the night away. The passionate Glasgow crowds are renowned for their energy and appreciation for live music, making any gig at the Barrowland an event to remember. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an electrifying and thoroughly immersive performance from The Mary Wallopers. Their live shows are the stuff of legend, a potent blend of high-octane energy, raw passion, and a deeply ingrained love for traditional music. You can expect a setlist that masterfully weaves together their own compositions with beloved Irish folk anthems, all delivered with a ferocity and joy that is utterly infectious. They have a remarkable ability to transform well-known tunes into something entirely new and exhilarating. Think of classic songs given a punk-rock makeover, with driving rhythms, insistent percussion, and the distinctive, often anarchic, vocal interplay between band members.

The performance style of The Mary Wallopers is characterised by its untamed energy. They are not a band that stands still; they are a whirlwind of motion, throwing themselves into every song with unbridled enthusiasm. The stage becomes a space for communal celebration, where the lines between performer and audience blur. Expect powerful singalongs to erupt organically, driven by the sheer force of the music and the shared experience. While their repertoire leans heavily on traditional folk, don’t expect a sedate acoustic set. Instead, picture traditional instruments like the banjo, accordion, and tin whistle being played with a punk urgency, underpinned by a solid and driving rhythm section. Their sets are typically around 90 minutes to two hours in length, packed with enough energy to leave you breathless and exhilarated. They are known for their unexpected moments, their witty banter, and their ability to create a truly memorable night of music and revelry. This is a performance that will get under your skin, stir your soul, and leave you with a smile on your face and a ringing in your ears.

FAQs

Q1: Are The Mary Wallopers a traditional folk band, or do they incorporate other genres? The Mary Wallopers are deeply rooted in traditional Irish folk music, but they are far from a purist act. They infuse their performances and recordings with a significant amount of punk rock energy, a driving rhythm section, and a contemporary sensibility. This fusion creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new, making their take on folk music accessible and exciting for a wide audience.

Q2: What kind of atmosphere can I expect at a Mary Wallopers gig? Expect a high-energy, joyous, and often raucous atmosphere. Their live shows are renowned for their communal feel, encouraging singalongs and spontaneous dancing. It’s a celebration of music and culture, where the band’s infectious enthusiasm is matched by the crowd’s lively engagement. Think of a ceilidh that’s been injected with punk rock adrenaline.

Q3: Will they be playing songs from both their albums, or will it be a mix of traditional tunes? The Mary Wallopers typically perform a dynamic setlist that expertly balances their own acclaimed original songs with their electrifying renditions of traditional Irish folk songs. You can expect to hear fan favourites from both their debut album and The Great Irish Fight, interspersed with traditional pieces that they have made their own.

Q4: Is it suitable for all ages? While the music is rooted in folk traditions, the high energy and often raucous nature of their performances, coupled with the late hour of the gig, make it generally more suited for adults. It’s advisable to check with the venue directly regarding their specific age restrictions for this event.

Q5: How long do The Mary Wallopers typically play for? The Mary Wallopers’ sets are usually around 90 minutes to two hours in duration. They pack a tremendous amount of energy and musical content into their performances, ensuring a full and satisfying experience for the audience.

Q6: What is the best way to prepare for a Mary Wallopers show? The best preparation is to embrace the spirit of the music! Familiarise yourself with some of their well-known songs if you can, but most importantly, go with an open mind and be ready to sing, dance, and lose yourself in the infectious energy of the performance. Comfortable shoes are recommended!