The Mary Wallopers - Live Review

The Mary Wallopers at the O2 Academy Oxford: A Riotous Night of Folk and Fun

The Mary Wallopers brought their raucous blend of Irish folk and humor to the O2 Academy Oxford, delivering a show that felt more like a lively pub session than a traditional concert. With their signature mix of traditional ballads, sharp wit, and infectious energy, the Dundalk - based band had the crowd singing, clapping, and laughing along from start to finish.

The Mary Wallopers have always been a band that thrives on camaraderie, both on stage and off. That sense of brotherhood was evident throughout the night, even as the band acknowledged a recent change in their lineup. A few weeks ago, founding member Sean McKenna left the group, a departure that could have cast a shadow over the tour. But instead of dwelling on it, the band addressed it with their trademark humor and warmth.

“We’re still great friends with Sean,” frontman Charles Hendy told the crowd. “We’ll have a pint with him soon - maybe even two if he’s buying!” The audience laughed, and the moment felt like a testament to the band’s resilience and good-natured spirit.

The Mary Wallopers’ setlist was a treasure trove of traditional Irish folk songs, covers, and a few of their own originals, each one delivered with a mix of reverence and irreverence. They opened with Bould O'Donahue, a classic that immediately set the tone for the evening: rowdy, heartfelt, and steeped in tradition.

Each song felt like a story, whether it was the cheeky humor of Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice or the poignant nostalgia of The Holy Ground. The band’s ability to breathe new life into these traditional tunes is what makes them so special - they’re not just preserving Irish folk music; they’re making it feel alive and relevant.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Charles Hendy broke not one, but multiple guitar strings during the performance. The mishap didn’t slow the band down for a second in fact, it only added to the chaotic charm of the evening.

The Mary Wallopers are a band that thrives on spontaneity, and their ability to roll with the punches is part of what makes their live shows so entertaining. Whether it’s a broken string or a forgotten lyric, they turn every potential mishap into a moment of connection with the audience.

What sets The Mary Wallopers apart is their ability to make every show feel like a gathering of old friends. Their banter between songs is as much a part of the experience as the music itself, with Charles and his brother Andrew Hendy trading jokes and stories that had the crowd in stitches.

The Mary Wallopers’ show at the O2 Academy Oxford was a joyous celebration of Irish folk music, delivered with humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos. For a band that’s undergone recent changes, they seemed as tight-knit as ever, and their ability to turn a concert into a communal experience is something truly special.

If you get the chance to see The Mary Wallopers live, don’t hesitate. Whether you’re a die-hard folk fan or just looking for a night of great music and good craic, they’re a band that knows how to put on a show.