Formed in early 2000 by percussionist Brian Reilly and guitarist Johnny O'Donnell, plans were laid for the unique sound for which Reilly is now known. Following the tragic death of Brian Reilly in August of 2000 and a subsequent loss of band personnel, O'Donnell sought to keep the torch burning, and enlisted guitarist/vocalist Patrick Moores and multi-instrumentalist Jim Kiley to help rebuild the group. After another parting of personnel, bassist/vocalist Chris Carter and drummer Brian Bruendl joined the fold, seeking to form the group's trademark booming rhythm section. Following St. Patrick's Day 2001 Bruce Dean joined on a"ccordion-with-attitude" to complete the sound. Carter left the group in late 2002 to pursue other interests and was aptly replaced by fellow Irishman and scene veteran Michael "Tinker" Tierney on bass and vocals. After more shuffling of personel, Kimberly Unger joined the group along with Joe Neumann on bass guitar, allowing Tierney to move over to the guitar slot.
A few hundred pub gigs later, Reilly released their debut CD, "Beyond the Pale" in 2002 and their acclaimed folllow up "Saints of the Ocean" in 2007. Self-produced by Troeller and the band, "Beyond" and "Saints" are collections of Reilly originals and traditional Celtic tunes that have been "De-ranged" by the group in their own style, which seeks to meld the tradition and history of Ireland with the energy and instrumentation of the rock music the band is influenced by. From the Celtic-Blues of "On the Dole", to the pounding version of the Luka Bloom favorite "City of Chicago", to the new Milwaukee pub favorites "Sinner's Sermon" and "Train of Thought", Reilly's music has something for all music lovers, especially lovers of contemporary Irish music. Reilly strives to entertain crowds with both original tunes, and music by contemporary Irish artists, as well as traditional Celtic tunes performed in as much of an energetic, hand clapping and foot stomping manner as possible - and to have a good time doing it. The boys in the band seek to celebrate Ireland's musical heritage (and their own) with anyone who will listen, and will do so at any festival, pub, or celebration where such a lively musical feast can be savored.
REILLY ROCKS IRISH - and they're looking to prove it to you soon!
Notable Appearances
Milwaukee Irish Fest: 2001 – 2011
Potawatomi Casino with Gaelic Storm: 2004 and 2005
Shamrock Club of Wisconsin—New London Parade Day: 2006, 2007, 2011
Chicago Scottish Highland Games: 2007, 2008, 2010
Milwaukee Westown Association
Shamrock Club Party and Farmer’s Markets: 2002 – 2011
Racine Harbor Fest with Seven Nations
River Rhythms with Barra MacNeils and The Bridies
Wisconsin State Fair: 2007, 2010, 2011
Milwaukee Bucks and Admirals Games: 2004 – 2009
Opener for The Prodigals,Clumsy Lovers, Luka Bloom, Michael Black, Enter the Haggis
Manhattan IL Irish Fest: 2011
Illinois Institute of Technology St. Baldrick’s event: 2010, 2011
Fox 6 Wake Up News in Milwaukee: 2002 – 2009
Waukesha Gaelic Fest: 2001 – 2005
Mitchell Park Domes: 2010
North Star and Hollywood Casinos: St. Patrick’s events 2011
Port Washington Pirate Fest: 2007, 2008
Foot Stompin' Irish Music For The Masses !!
