Members
Select a Blaggards band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Blaggards is a dynamic musical group originating from Houston, Texas, celebrated for their spirited blend of Celtic rock, folk punk, and sea shanties. Formed in 2004, the band combines traditional Irish music with a rock 'n' roll edge, an approach they aptly describe as "Stout Irish Rock." The group consists of Patrick Devlin (guitar, vocals), Chad Smalley (bass, vocals), Kevin “Turbo” Newton (drums), and features Heide Riggs (fiddle). Known for their vigorous touring schedule, Blaggards have taken their energetic live performances across Texas, the United States, and even Ireland.
How to Sound Like Blaggards
Blaggards' sound is characterized by its raw, energetic fusion of traditional Celtic melodies with the gritty texture of rock and punk. This vibrant sonic palette is achieved through distorted electric guitars, which inject a robust, driving force into their arrangements, often backed by powerful, rhythmic drumming that propels their music forward with relentless energy. The fiddle adds a traditional folk element, creating a melodic counterpoint to the band’s rock-driven roots. Vocals are delivered with a spirited, sometimes raucous intensity, capturing the essence of both pub anthems and punk rock. To emulate their sound, musicians might explore the use of overdrive pedals for guitar crunch, alongside dynamic drumming techniques and rich, melodic fiddle lines to balance the raw energy with traditional Celtic influences.