Black 47

Black 47 was a fiery New York City-based band that mashed up punk rock, Irish trad, hip-hop, and politics into one raucous sound. Formed in 1989 by frontman Larry Kirwan (a playwright, author, and sharp-tongued lyricist) and saxophonist Chris Byrne, they became legends of the downtown pub scene, blending rebellious energy with storytelling about Irish-American life, immigration, and social justice. Their name nodded to 1847, the darkest year of the Irish Famine, and their music often tackled historical grit and modern struggles with equal punch. Over 25 years, they released 10 studio albums, played sweat-drenched gigs, and became a St. Patrick’s Day staple before amiably calling it quits in 2014 with their farewell album *Last Call*. Even after disbanding, their legacy lives on through collaborations (like tracks with Celtic punk pals The Gobshites) and their unapologetic fusion of rebel spirit and Big City attitude.

Genres

Celtic Rock

Celtic

Latest Release

After Hours, Vol. 2

Black 47

Album - 7 Tracks - Released March 4, 2022