When you know that 80 million people globally identify as having Irish heritage - including 300,000 in Australia - it's easy to understand the growing popularity of the all-star music group ''Ireland Rocks'', which is playing the Brass Monkey Cronulla on July 20.
With sell-out gigs over the past 12 months, Ireland Rocks is fronted by former INXS singer and Grammy nominated songwriter, Ciaran Gribbin, and features a broad selection of classic Irish songs from every era of Ireland's rich musical history.
Songs performed include those from U2, Sinead O'Connor, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison, The Dubliners, The Cranberries and The Commitments.
The high energy show has unique song arrangements achieved by blending traditional Irish instruments like the bodhran, accordion and fiddle with rock guitars, bass and drums.
THE BAND
Vocals and acoustic guitar: Ciaran Gribbin is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and performer who, in addition to working with world-class artists like Madonna, U2, Paul McCartney, Snow Patrol and Al Pacino, has toured the world as the singer of INXS.
Electric guitar: Peter Northcote is the most recorded guitarist in Australian history, and one of Australia's most respected, performing with stars including Dragon, Darryl Braithwaite, Rick Price and The Monkeys.
Bass: Zoltan John Budai has performed with many of Australia's op acts including 10 years with Richard Clapton and 10 years with Mental As Anything.
Fiddle: Lindsay Martin is a sought after session player in the folk scene, Lindsay has toured the world with many traditional Irish bands.
Accordion: Garry Steel is one of the busiest musicians in Australia after learning his craft in the rough and tumble town of Kalgoorlie in WA.
Ireland Rocks will perform at the Brass Monkey Cronulla on Saturday, July 20.
Tickets: brassmonkey.com.au