Spring 2025 Tour

The Whiskey Rebellion is here! Hailing from Leicester, this busload of brigands, ragamuffins and downright scoundrels is hellbent on a warpath straight to your eardrums. Performing their blend of sweat-soaked upbeat folk – with a dash of gypsy spice – the band have been making waves and gaining slaves across the midlands.

Encompassing a plethora of unusual instruments – the act includes accordion, mandolin, violin, banjo, and cello, in addition to the standard staples of bass and guitar – TWR certainly makes a splash onstage. Indeed, whilst they have only been together since January, the group has already acquitted themselves with a substantial body of material, performing with the immensely popular Irish folk-punk pedlars Ferocious Dog, and at Y Not and Ragged Bear festivals, to name but a few.

Originally the brainchild of acclaimed mandolinist and musical comedian Jonathan Eve, all of the members are accomplished musicians within their own right. Max Hing, banjoist, cellist, and backing vocalist is himself an innovative composer and professor of music technology. Robin Grace, who graces the bass, is an extremely talented sound engineer. Irish influence and eloquence is instilled with the inclusion of Ciaran Danaher, the resident violinist. Lon Fisher, their gifted guitarist, also performs as part of critically acclaimed duo, Elysian. A prodigious element is added by Adam Cygan, 18 year old multi-instrumentalist who provides both accordion, and percussion. Last but not least, vocalist Liz Marriott is also an established acoustic songwriter.

This range and versatility makes for a layered and nuanced production: the many influences and intricate musicianship combine to create music that is a genuine audible pleasure. However, the band never forgets that these aren't just sounds, but songs: the virtuoso skills of each member are never exhibited at the expense of driving dynamics, solid structure, and incredibly catchy melodies. It is therefore easy to understand why the band has “a rich vibe, an ear-grabbing sound and all the resonance and traction you need for a top set of throbbingly good tunes”, according to Trevor Glyn Locke, founder and primary reporter of the popular Music In Leicester publication.

So what's does the future hold, for The Whiskey Rebellion? With many more gigs lined up next year, and a full album of swinging shanties well in the works, these maverick musicians surely have great things to come. Watch this space – or better yet, propel your posterior down to their latest gig, where you can leave your seat and get on your feet, to some sweet cyrillic harmonies.

WEBSITE: www.thewhiskeyrebellio.wixsite.com/whiskeyrebellion

SOUNDCLOUD: www.soundcloud.com/thewhiskeyrebellionmusic

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/the.whiskey.rebellion.music