Biography
Crow Black Chicken is a blues-rock power trio originating from Cork and Clonmel, Ireland, formed in 2009 by vocalist/guitarist Christy O'Hanlon, bassist Stephen McGrath, and drummer Gev Barrett. The band initially started as a covers act, drawing on classic blues and rock influences, but quickly transitioned to writing original material that showcased their gritty, southern American-inspired sound. Their early years saw them performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury in 2011, a significant milestone that helped establish their reputation on the live circuit.
Their debut album, 'Electric Soup,' was released in 2012 to critical acclaim, followed by 'Rumble Shake' in 2014, which debuted at number 12 on the Irish Albums Chart. Subsequent releases, including 'Pariah Brothers' (2016) and 'Ghost Dance' (2025), have cemented their place in the Irish and European blues-rock scenes. The band is celebrated for their relentless touring schedule, energetic live performances, and a dedicated fanbase known as the 'Crow Black Chicken Army.'
Musically, Crow Black Chicken blend hard rock with deep blues roots, channeling the spirit of acts like Gov’t Mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Led Zeppelin while incorporating their own Irish sensibility. Their sound is characterized by raw guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a tight rhythm section, earning praise from peers and critics alike for keeping the blues-rock tradition alive and relevant in the modern era.
Fun Facts
- Crow Black Chicken performed on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2011, a rare honor for an Irish blues-rock band.
- They opened for ZZ Top at the Marquee in Cork in 2016, meeting their Texan blues-rock idols in person.
- Their live album 'Deep South' was voted one of the top 5 live albums of 2015 by Classic Rock Blues magazine.
- The band has a dedicated fanbase known as the 'Crow Black Chicken Army,' reflecting their reputation as 'the hardest working band in Ireland.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Muddy Waters - Major stylistic influence on Christy O'Hanlon, who credits hearing Muddy Waters on the radio as a formative experience that led him to the blues. (General influence, cited in interviews) [O'Hanlon's youth (1980s-1990s)]
- Rory Gallagher - Band's original material has drawn frequent comparisons to Gallagher's blues-rock style, influencing their approach to guitar and songwriting. (General influence, cited in reviews) [Band's formation and ongoing]
- ray wylie hubbard - Texan Americana singer-songwriter who worked with Crow Black Chicken, influencing the roots and blues direction of their second album. (Collaboration and influence on 'Rumble Shake') [2013-2014]
Key Collaborators
- George Reiff - Legendary Austin producer who worked with the band on their second album, shaping its rootsier sound. ('Rumble Shake' (2014)) [2013-2014]
- Stephen Parker - Session musician who contributed keyboards to the band's second studio album. ('Rumble Shake' (2014)) [2014]
- Christian Volkmann - Session musician who played harmonica on the band's second studio album. ('Rumble Shake' (2014)) [2014]
- Mark Walsh - Session musician who played lap steel guitar on the band's second studio album. ('Rumble Shake' (2014)) [2014]
- Philip Magee - Producer of the band's debut album, known for work with Kodaline, Aslan, and The Blizzards. ('Electric Soup' (2012)) [2012]
Artists Influenced
- Irish blues-rock acts (unspecified) - Crow Black Chicken are frequently cited as a leading force in the Irish blues-rock revival, inspiring emerging acts with their relentless touring and original songwriting. (General influence on Irish blues scene) [2010s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost Dance | 2025-06-13 | Album |
| Electric Soup | 2012-06-01 | Album |
| Rumble Shake | 2014-06-06 | Album |
| Pariah Brothers | 2016-07-15 | Album |
| South Roman Street | 2018-04-20 | Album |
| Deep South (Live) | 2015-06-12 | Album |
| South Roman Street | 2018-04-20 | Album |
| Pariah Brothers | 2017-02-24 | Album |
| Pariah Brothers | 2016-07-15 | Album |
| Deep South (Live) | 2015-06-12 | Album |
| Rumble Shake | 2015-06-12 | Album |
| Deep South | 2015-06-12 | Album |
| Deep South (Live) | 2015 | Album |
| Rumble Shake | 2014-06-06 | Album |
| Rumble Shake | 2014-06-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Make It Right (Make It Right)
- Hot Molasses (Ghost Dance)
- The Longest Time (Ghost Dance)
- Make It Right (Ghost Dance)
- Terlingua (Ghost Dance)
- Heavy Rain (Ghost Dance)
- Fire And Blood (Ghost Dance)
- Bottom Feeders (Ghost Dance)
- Dark Matters (Ghost Dance)
- Rumble Shake (Rumble Shake)
External Links
Tags: #blues-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Crow Black Chicken has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2, 2026 | 19:58 | pourin' down | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Sep 12, 2025 | 19:10 | Freedom | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |