Episode Four:
Irish Rock has had a massive influence on Metal music worldwide so it’s no surprise that the scene has been thriving, albeit underground, in Ireland since the 70s. Today’s Metallers are proud of their scene’s Irish roots with Thin Lizzy still being worshipped as Gods. In this episode – father and son Kevin and ‘Rocky’ Whelan discuss their bond created by a mutual love of Irish Rock. Kildare woman Lorraine Ferguson developed a love of Hair Rock in the 1980s, with bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Guns n Roses which started her on a road to Metal music. Drummer with acclaimed Irish Metal group Primordial, Simon Ó Laoghaire says his group’s style is very influenced by Celtic music, creating a hybrid sound that originates with Horslips and Thin Lizzy, a style that is still popular today. In Carlow young student Cian Sweeney connected with the subgenre Hardcore – a heavy rock sound that features positive, uplifting lyrics that Cian believes are good for his mental health. Galwegians Rónán Ó hArrachtáin and Ciarán De Búrca bonded through their shared love of fusing Irish Trad with Metal in their band Na Cruithne. Young drummer Claire Percival says that meditation to her is drumming with her Metal band Dead Label, and that this scene has become like her family.
My Tribe – Mo Threibh, with narration by Peter Coonan, takes the viewer behind the sensationalist newspaper headlines to discover the real Hip Hop crews, Indie kids, Ravers and Metallers and the passion, dedication and sense of belonging that their tribe gives them. These are worlds that are rarely seen or experienced on Irish television, lifting the lid on the underground scenes of these fascinating subcultures.
Produced by Mind the Gap Films for RTÉOne with funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme.
Producer: Jennifer Healy
Director: Conor O’Mahony
Director of Photography: Andrew Cummins
Editor: Mary Crumlish