Irish punk bands: a field guide

Black 47

Founded in: 1989

Hometown: New York City

Claim to fame: Founded by Irish ex-pats Larry Kirwan and Chris Byrne, Black 47 was one of the first U.S.-based bands to use Irish melodies and instruments in a more modern rock band format. Their sound owes more to ‘80s New Wave than to traditional punk rock, but their lyrics and attitude have always borrowed heavily from the Pogues.

Did you know? Black 47’s sax player, Geoffrey Blythe, was previously in Dexys Midnight Runners.