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Hometown: Dublin, D, IE
Label: Humble Productions
Management: Alan Begley
Website: spiritriders.net
Sounds Like: Merle Haggard, Asleep at the Wheel, Waylon Jennings, Guy Clark, JJ Cale
Genre: Country
Alan Begley - songs, vocals, acoustic guitar
Mick O'Doherty - electric guitar, vocals
Colin Griffith - bass
Paul Madden - drums, vocals
Joe Ryan - pedal steel, dobro
Mick McNally - keys/accordion & vocals
We were a Dublin based alternative country 6 piece playing a mixed set of originals and old-school country rock. Our natural habitat would have been pubs, clubs and outdoor festivals. We were not trying to change the world or be the next big thing, we didn't give a toss about fashion, current trends or the media bullshit - we had no ambitions other than to be a great pub band, to have a little FUN and to earn enough to continue playing the music we love. We didn't use backing tracks, loops or computers to enhance our stage sound, we played it 'live' warts and all!
We had lots of talent, lots of attitude and our own distinct sound - we were fucking legends - the only thing we didn't have lots of was. . . . . TIME. Alas, due to covid, lock-down and the lack of gigs our disbandment became inevitable. Our thanks to the venues & promoters, but more especially to the fans who supported us over the 14 years of our existence.
With the exceptions of Walking the Streets & Shame which are studio recordings - all tracks here are recorded in 1 take with no overdubs and only the minimum of mixing and editing making them as near to our live sound as possible. The videos show us actually doing it.
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Our thanks & gratitude to all our friends & fans who supported us! Adios.
These days SpiritRiders front man Alan continues to make music with the Begley Brothers check them out!
Reverbnation.com/thebegleybrothers
“Spirit Riders – KnockanStockan – July 28th, 2013
Spirit Riders are a five piece good ole’ country and western band. They played the Shack of Diamonds stage at KnocanStockan. It started to rain just as they played their second track, but the people still danced on. They are a mature yet youthful gang of guys, one proudly sporting a “Texas Steel Guitar Association“ t shirt. Everyone smiled as they entertained with “Bon Voyage” and calls of “Baton Rouge”. Their infectious beat and country twangs made everybody smile. The guy in the gold bomber jacket turned up and line danced up the stage. They played mostly their own music with one cover dedicated to a late musician friend. They sound like they are from Nashville. They are really from Dublin. Watch out for them on the pub scene.”
Ciara Sheahan - dublinconcerts.ie
“Its brilliant song-writing delivered by a great band.
I'll be playing one of your songs every week on the show.”
Dusty Miller - 'A Big Country' radio show @www.splashradio.org
“Outstanding vocals and story on your song "Shame" Amazing painting of sound textures and emotions in your music as well!!!”
John Revitte - Track review @IMRadio
“1. Review: The Spirit Riders are just Fabulous and Walking the Streets proves it. Great song lyrically and the melody sets the mood. One of my favorites, truly. The left Er
Song Name: Walking the Streets
Date: 2010-07-05 14:30:07”
Phil the left ER - Review at IM Radio
“We had fantastic feedback from everyone for your set...we'll have to schedule to have you back later in the year...our sound guy Rory loved you and said the crowd did too....we'll be in touch about having you back!”
Caroline - Point Village Live Gigs
“This band is easy on the ears, with lovely harmonies and a mix of half original songs and half covers.
Totally committed to their songs, each is sung with conviction and is top standard.”
Angela Macari O’Looney - musicreviewunsigned.com
“It's like taking a "shame"-fully awakening bus ride thru that poverty-driven and grafitti-littered "other" part of town that we know is there, but that we just keep turning our eyes and ears away from. A return of music with a disparaging social commentary... A work of Art!”
Magic Potion - Noisehead track comment
“Very powerful dramatic song by Alan Begley.'Shame' jumps out at you like a culturally explosive, satirical expose on our aimless, greedy society...”
Magic Potion - Noisehead track comment
“Just listened while reading the comments on this track... I agree with all of them. You have a winner here!”
moondog - Noisehead |-+ Track Comments | |-+ Country | | |-+ 'Walking the Streets' by
“This is a winner”
alessio - Noisehead comment
“another fantastic song! very emotional and moving.. like your style so much..xxx...x”
romanyrain - Noisehead comment
“Awesome Dobro..wish I lived in your neighourhood...Just heard a 'Woman Like You' on an other site...Song Planet...beautiful stuff and fine musicianship..you should consider touring Texas once a year...they'd love you big time......God Bless...Billy The Mountain.”
Noisehead track comments
