Rick Meagher of One Eyed Reilly has the goods on Irish music, Listening Lyrics, Nov. 22, 2024

Listening Lyrics

Listening Lyrics had a great conversation with Rick Meagher (pictured)! The blend of traditional Irish sounds and personal expression that he brings to his music with One Eyed Reilly is special. It’s always exciting to hear from someone so passionate about their craft, especially in a genre as rich and storied as Irish music. Rick shared some insights into the band's approach to Irish folk in his original compositions.

One Eyed Reilly blends well-crafted original songs with modern Celtic rock, Americana, and wildly energetic, occasionally over-caffeinated versions of traditional Irish classics but even more so the original songs this band generates. Live performances are a whirlwind of Irish-themed originals, with a cheeky sprinkle of covers by Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and even the odd bit of Bob Dylan or the Grateful Dead—because why not throw some rootsy rock in with your pint of Guinness? It’s like an Irish pub jam session with a rock 'n' roll attitude—just with more fiddles and less actual eye-patches than you’d expect!