Ireland’s most unruly folk exports are heading back Down Under. The Mary Wallopers have announced an Australian tour and their first-ever New Zealand show for May 2027, bringing their politically charged, gloriously rowdy take on traditional Irish music to five cities.
Fresh from releasing their new album Paddywhackery, the Dundalk six-piece kick things off at Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre on May 15 before crossing the Tasman for shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
Led by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy, The Mary Wallopers have spent the past few years dragging traditional Irish folk music into decidedly less polite territory. Their songs mix centuries-old melodies with biting political commentary, sharp humour and the energy of a punk gig. Think folk music with its sleeves rolled up and absolutely no interest in behaving itself.
Their rise has been built on relentless touring, from festival stages at Electric Picnic to packed rooms across Europe and North America. Appearances on Later… with Jools Holland, support from BBC Radio 6 Music and a placement in Netflix’s House of Guinness have helped spread the word, but it’s the band’s live reputation that continues to do the heavy lifting.
Produced by James Skelly of The Coral, Paddywhackery pushes their sound further into rock territory without losing its folk foundations. ‘Kit Kat Club’ brings a heavy rockabilly riff to a tale of drinking and excess, while ‘Crowns Of England’ takes aim at British establishment politics. New single ‘The Big Mixer’ turns its attention to working people and the relentless demands of an economy that rarely gives them much back.
The band have a busy few months ahead, with UK arena dates and a 21-show North American run before their return to this part of the world. For Australian fans, it’s another chance to catch a group whose live shows have become a collision of folk tradition, political dissent and communal singalongs.
And for New Zealand, it’s about time. The Mary Wallopers are finally crossing the Tasman, bringing a little Dundalk disorder with them.
TOUR DATES
Saturday 15 May
James Hay Theatre | Christchurch, NZ
18+
ticketmaster.co.nz
Tuesday 18 May
The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD
18+
ticketmaster.com.au
Friday 21 May
Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW
18+
Ticketek.com.au
Saturday 22 May
The Forum | Melbourne, VIC
18+
Ticketek.com.au
Friday 25 May
Metropolis Fremantle | Perth, WA
18+
oztix.com.au
Frontier Members presale: Friday 9 October, 11am local time.
General public tickets: Monday 12 October, 12pm local time.
