The Mary Wallopers

The Mary Wallopers bring their raw-edged folk from Dundalk to O2 Academy Brixton on 30 October 2026. Formed by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy with their friend Sean McKenna, the group first took shape as an acoustic trio reworking Irish ballads in local pubs. Their sound leans on close voices, driving guitar, nimble banjo and the easy swing of tavern airs, with lyrics that weave popular tales, social snapshots and a dry sense of humour. On stage the project has expanded beyond the core trio, adding players who thicken the pulse while keeping the direct, fireside feel of a session.

The set moves between reimagined traditionals and their own songs, built for call-and-response and big choruses. After the early EP A Mouthful of The Mary Wallopers (2019), the band released a self-titled album in 2022 and Irish Rock ’n’ Roll in 2023, broadening their repertoire without losing the bite that drew their first audience. Storytelling, road-worn ballads and a communal singalong spirit shape a show that sticks close to the living tradition they champion.