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Apr 24, 2024 · This list ranks the greatest Celtic rock bands and solo artists of all time, with the order decided by actual fans of the best Celtic rock music. From the names Thin Lizzy and Dire Straits, to Mark Knopfler and Gary Moore, all of your favorite male and female Irish rockers are featured below (especially the 80s and 90s bands).
- The Best Celtic Bands & Artists
17.5K votes. 3.5K voters. Voting Rules. Celtic bands and...
- The Best Celtic Bands & Artists
- The Dubliners. 558 votes. The Dubliners, formed in 1962, have long been regarded as one of the most influential and iconic Celtic bands in history. With their traditional Irish folk sound and heartfelt ballads, they have struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
- The High Kings. 172 votes. The High Kings have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of traditional Irish music and modern flair since their formation in 2008.
- The Chieftains. 520 votes. Established in 1963, The Chieftains are widely recognized as ambassadors of Celtic music around the globe. Renowned for their exceptional musicianship, they have collaborated with prominent artists spanning multiple genres while remaining true to their traditional Irish roots.
- The Irish Rovers. 162 votes. Since forming in 1963, The Irish Rovers have been entertaining audiences with their lively renditions of traditional Irish songs mixed with self-penned tunes.
Jan 29, 2024 · 1. The Pogues, established in 1982, epitomize a fervent blend of Celtic punk and traditional Irish folk, earning an esteemed position in Celtic rock history. Their distinctive fusion of boisterous punk vitality and intricate instrumentation resonates through timeless tracks like “Fairytale of New York” and “Dirty Old Town.”
- The Cranberries
- U2
- The Corrs
- The Boomtown Rats
- Thin Lizzy
- The Frames
- My Bloody Valentine
- Westlife
- The Dubliners
- Horslips
It might surprise you that The Cranberries started as an all-male band with lead singer Niall Quinn in 1989. Hailing from Limerick, Ireland, the members were pals and didn’t realize that they would later become one of the most famous rock bands in the world. A year later, they added Dolores O’Riordan and changed their name to The Cranberries. She t...
U2 started in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976 and consisted of the lead singer Paul David Hewson (better known as Bono), David Evans (now known as The Edge), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. The eager but pretty talentless lads had nothing more than a passion for music and a love of showbands. You would never know their humble beginnings, as they became...
The Corrs were huge in the 90s with their blend of folk rock with some very obvious Celtic roots. Based out of County Louth, this family band first got together in 1990 and immediately focused on producing pop rock with a family-friendly nature. Their concept of rock music is certainly something you can listen to without any fear of the lyrics. Nex...
Fronted by Bob Geldof, this band pushed themselves to the front of the art-punk and rock genre in the 80s. Known primarily for their hit I Don’t Like Mondays, what I love about them is their ability to produce some incisive lyrics designed to make you delve deep into the angst that seeps out of their songs. There’s a rawness around it all, so if yo...
I think it’s fair to say that Thin Lizzy reigned supreme for hard rock acts in the 70s. However, some people remain unaware that their roots were more in Irish music before diverging into something closer to heavy metal. After all, you would hardly say Whiskey In The Jarwas a heavy metal song. Yet it was their ability to create a harmonious sound t...
The Frames are the perfect example of how some bands just don’t quite make it as big as they deserve. Based in Dublin, they have been rocking Ireland since 1990, and they continue to do so today. With a touch of folk rock to their songs, they were the support act for Bob Dylanback in 2007 when he toured Australia and New Zealand. That alone shows h...
I admit that My Bloody Valentineis not for everyone, and I think that’s because their sound often comes across as complicated. Their tendency to change and shift sounds even in individual songs blows the mind, but I love that uncertainty as to what will come next. Seriously, the disorientation you can feel also adds a whole lot of excitement to the...
You probably didn’t expect to see Westlife here, but their music genre falls into the area of jazz and pop rock. I admit it’s laid-back and is certainly never offensive, but their ability to create melodies and have you humming along (even in secret) is something you cannot dispute. It might not be hard rock, but pop rock is still one of the most p...
A band like The Dubliners offers you the chance to head back in time to the real roots of what would become Irish rock. Okay, so it clearly has a lot of Irish folk music included, but that’s hardly a bad thing. I suggest checking out In The Rare Old Timesto get a sense of the music they were capable of producing. It’s sure to get your foot tapping ...
If you want to listen to authentic Irish rock music, then the Horslips is one band you need to have on your playlist. Known as the founding fathers of Celtic rock, they easily combine different musical styles into something packed full of energy. They actually take Irish jigs as inspiration, and they produce music you just won’t hear anywhere else....
Browse the top celtic rock artists to find new music. Scrobble songs to get recommendations on tracks you'll love.
- U2. Up first, we have U2. The band was born after drummer Larry Mullen posted an ad looking for musicians, and they’ve come a long way since their early beginnings.
- Cranberries. Consisting originally of Niall Quinn, Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler, we have the Cranberries, formed in 1989. Soon after their start, Dolores O’Riordan replaced Quinn.
- Thin Lizzy. Formed in 1969, Thin Lizzy banded together with members from both sides of the Irish border. They were one of the first bands to have two lead guitarists, and their sound mix was phenomenal.
- Horslips. The 1970s saw the formation of Irish rock band Horslips. They were the pioneers of their time, interpreting rock with their Irish roots. They’re known most for the songs “Dearg Doom” and “Trouble with a Capital T,” but fans also enjoyed the movement in “King of the Fairies.”
Mar 4, 2024 · Last but by no means least in our guide to the best Irish bands is The Horslips – a Celtic Irish rock band that formed in 1970 and disbanded 10 years later. They were never hugely successful when compared to the famous Irish bands above, but their music was considered influential in the Celtic rock genre .
