Galway’s very own Dead Letter Devils, an energetic band comprised of members from around the globe, deliver a foot-stomping blend of bluegrass, swing, old-timey, and just a hint of folk-punk at Monroe’s Live this Saturday, May 11, as part of the venue’s ‘Isn’t It Midnight’ event.
The Devils’ sound is rooted in the spirit of busking, reflecting their diverse backgrounds and shared love for storytelling.
Having opened for Alabama 3 and the Kettleboilers, Dead Letter Devils are ready to headline the Backstage venue at Monroe’s Live.
"We're delighted to be playing in Monroe's again!" says Connell Irvine, guitarist and vocalist for the band. "We've enjoyed opening for Alabama 3 and Kettleboilers in the past, so it's great to have the stage to ourselves this time."
Formed in 2018, Dead Letter Devils grew organically from the streets of Galway with members hailing from Texas, Switzerland, Brazil, Russia, Leitrim and County Down.
Alongside Leitrim’s Connell Irvine, the current line-up of six includes Spud Kennedy on double-bass and vocals from Texas, Stephen Moles on banjo from Switzerland, Antonella on cajon from Brazil, Dimitri Nesterov on harmonica from Russia, and fiddler Richard Brown from County Down.
"We're a proper Galway melting pot and we are all blow-ins!" continues Connell, one of the founding members of the band alongside Spud on double bass.
"We were playing in Galway Street Club. The lads were very bad at coming into town early to get a busking spot, so we just started playing and filling in the time and it grew from there."
With spirited instrumentation featuring banjo, fiddle, harmonica, double bass, cajon, and guitar, Dead Letter Devils music reflects a fusion of bluegrass, samba, and traditional Irish storytelling.
Conjuring images of dusty trails, whiskey-fuelled saloons, and frontier legends, they explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of life on the wild frontier.
"Our goal is for the crowd and ourselves to have a good time and sweat" he says.
Their live performances are characterised by raw energy and unbridled passion.
Doors 11pm. Tickets €10 from www.monroes.ie
