All about Grass Mud horse
Grass Mud Horse...
Somewhere in between folk and Celtic Punk.
Grass Mud Horse, led by Chris Barry, is a band that combines punk intensity with traditional Celtic music.
An award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Chris started the band with drummer Will Wyld. The pair formed the basis of the first line-up and went on to collaborate with various musicians in order to be able to bring their music to live audiences and create a huge wall of sound. Celtic punk thrives on crowd connection, and Grass Mud Horse delivers an unparalleled live experience. Their performances are charged with energy, seamlessly blending punk intensity with traditional Celtic folk. Remarkably, they capture the same electrifying essence in the studio, channeling their spontaneity and instinct.
This is partly because Chris loves to take a hands-on approach to music. He goes the DIY route, recording all the tracks in his home studio and handling various instruments himself.
To date, Grass Mud Horse has released one album, many singles and an acoustic EP. The material for which was recorded during the 2020 lockdown while Chris was based in Inner Mongolia, China. While China may not be the first setting that comes to mind for Celtic Punk, Grass Mud Horse defied all odds, not only recording new music at a very difficult time for all artists but also thriving in this new setting. The band toured across China and even joined the online Celtic punk festival "One Night Stand" for a virtual performance alongside some of the most respected bands in the scene.
Recently, Chris moved to Canada and reformed the band with members from Ireland, the UK, and Canada. The international line-up brought a breath of fresh air to Grass Mud Horse and enabled the group to hit the stage once more. Thus far, the band has played many gigs, continually sharpening their teeth as a live act. They have also become regulars at the Irish Harp Pub in Niagara on the Lake; and played the main stage at the Niagara Falls Irish Festival in summer 2023.
Currently, the group is at work on a brand new album titled "Canuck Yourself," which takes the Celtic punk and folk blend to a whole new dimension, focusing on the folkier side of the equation as well as paying homage to the band's new North American settings. Even as they take the opportunity to stray a little from their most punk side, Grass Mud Horse's sound retains its raw attitude and authentic edge.
The band's music captures the versatility and innovation of iconic groups such as The Clash while also embodying the timeless sound of bands like The Pogues and The Dubliners.
Rapidly gaining recognition, Grass Mud Horse is quickly becoming a formidable presence in the Celtic Folk and Punk scenes; showcasing so much variety in the process of expanding its sound and being unafraid to take chances with the music.
Sinead McElhone
Violin
Sinead is from Cobh in the Republic of Ireland. She is an incredible violinist and when she joins Grass Mud Horse on Stage, we get an amazing new element to our sound!
Ceilidh Gibson
Vocals, Guitar, Merch
Ceilidh is a fantastic singer who joins us regularly on stage. She also helps sling our merchandise at gigs!
Melody Van Schaik
Bass, Vocals, Harp
Melody is from St. Catharines Canada. She is an extremely talented bassist, and also sings and plays the harp!
Members of the band…
Christopher Ian Barry
Vocals, Banjo, Tin Whistle, Guitar
"Chris" founded Grass Mud Horse, whilst living in China. He's from a Liverpool-Irish family. Chris is a multi-instrumentalist, award-winning songwriter and actor
Paddy Treacy
Guitar, Vocals
Paddy hails from Clonfert in the Republic of Ireland. He is a co-founder of both Irish Music Niagara & The Niagara Falls Irish Festival.
Eddie Maunders
Guitar, Vocals
Eddie is from Cheddar in the UK. Eddie has a secret talent for fixing and making instruments.
Patrick LeTourneau
Drummer
Patrick is our French-Canadian drummer. He hits things.