Blackthorn (American band)

Blackthorn is an American rock band formed in Pennsylvania in 1993. Their style of music has come to be called Celtic Rock for the fusion of Irish traditional instruments and music with modern rock. They have released five albums, starting with It's an Irish Thing in 1993 and most recently Push & Pull in 2006. Their repertoire consists mostly of original rock compositions and Irish folk songs with a rock twist.

Blackthorn
OriginPennsylvania
GenresCeltic rock, folk rock
Years active1993–present
LabelsDara Records
Websitehttp://www.irishthing.com/home.html
MembersRob Dunleavy
Mike Boyce
John McGroary
John Boyce
Mike O'Callaghan

History

Mike and John Boyce are the son of Barney Boyce, an Irish immigrant from County Donegal and U.S. Army veteran.[1] Accordion player John McGroary is the only band member who was born in Ireland.[2] Paul Moore, a founding member, played acoustic guitar and lead vocals. He was considered the face of Blackthorn by most of the fan base. Blackthorm was formed in 1993 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, with influences from the Clancy Brothers and the Dubliners. Their first album, "It's an Irish Thing", and the song "Celtic Symphony" became a hit in the Philadelphia area in 1994. The band added Seamus Kelleher on guitar in 1995. Their second album Here We Go Again featured more of a rock feel owing to Kelleher's influence. "The Other Side", their third album, got major airplay on the East Coast and was the first with entirely original compositions. Singer Mike Boyce, younger brother of John Boyce, joined in 2002.[3]

In 2011, Seamus Kelleher left the band to pursue a solo career. He had been suffering from health problems ever since falling down a flight of stairs at a King of Prussia bar. Kelleher still makes guest appearances with the band on occasion.[4] Rob Dunleavy replaced him on lead guitar.[3] They were the headlining band at the 2012 Haverford Music Festival.[5] Blackthorn has frequently played at the Rose Tree Park festival.[6] They performed at the Inaugural Cheesesteak Fest in 2015.[7]

Members

Current
  • Rob Dunleavy – guitar and vocals
  • Mike Boyce – bass and vocals
  • John McGroary – accordion
  • John Boyce – keyboard and vocals
  • Mike O'Callaghan – drums and percussion

Former
  • Seamus Kelleher – lead guitar
  • Paul Moore - guitar, lead vocals, founding member

Discography
  • It's an Irish Thing (1994)
  • Here We Go Again (1996)
  • The Other Side (1998)
  • Ratty Shoes (2001)
  • Push & Pull (2006)

References
  1. DeGrassa, Peg (March 8, 2017). "U.D. man picked as grand marshal of Philly St. Patrick's Day Parade". Delaware County News Network. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  2. "Sea Isle's Nightlife Is Fun For Any Adult!". Sea Isle News. June 25, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2018. Paul Moore was a founding member and played acoustic guitar and lead vocals. He was considered the face of Blackthorn for many years.
  3. "Blackthorn Biography". Blackthorn. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  4. Foley, Denise (February 2, 2011). "Blackthorn's Lead Guitarist Says Farewell". Irish Philadelphia. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  5. "Blackthorn and John Flynn headline 2nd annual Haverford Music Festival". Delaware County Daily Times. July 31, 2012. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  6. "Rose Tree Park: Blackthorn". Pivot.Today. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  7. McCutcheon, Lauren (October 15, 2015). "Philly's first Cheesesteak Fest". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
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