Artist description Dubbed by Houston press as "one of the hottest, cutting-edge bands in Celtic music today," The Killdares are comprised of seasoned performers from the Dallas area who have come together to produce a hard driving, multi-talented sound of progressive Celtic music. With one listen to the smoothly infectious fiddle lines played effortlessly by Roberta Rast, coupled nicely with Roy Fletcher's electric guitar, it is no wonder that The Killdares are bringing a new and electrifying style of music all their own to the stage. As the percussive frontman of the band, lead singer and drummer Tim Smith also sings demanding pop-Celtic vocal melodies, while at the same time rounding out the bottom end led by bassist Ed Walewski.

Music Style Rock rhythms and pop melodies, with healthy doses of punk attitude and traditional Celtic flavors.

Musical Influences The Levellers, Oyster Band, The Clash, Jethro Tull, The Ramones

Similar Artists Oyster Band, The Levellers, Jethro Tull

Artist History Originally formed in 1996 by founding member Tim Smith, THE KILLDARES have gone from local performer to headliner status, and have shared stages with a variety of artists, including legendary British Celt-rockers Steeleye Span, surf rocker Dick Dale and swing master Johnny Reno. Even die-hard fans of purely traditional Celtic music have embraced the band's powerful blend of Celtic music and rock rhythms. True evidence that the band's lyrics and music are universal, and appeal to a wide range of cultures and audiences. 1999 was an incredible breakout year for THE KILLDARES, beginning with their signing of a very vital distribution deal. This deal placed their self-released debut CD "Broken With A Word" in record stores across the South. With 150 performances throughout 1999, THE KILLDARES continued to reinforce their name on the map of alternative Celtic music. Also in the fall of 2000, the band made their second annual appearance at the State Fair of Texas, performing a total of 120 shows in 24 days. Sharing their unique brand of music with over 3 million people, THE KILLDARES showed the largest fair in the nation that "Celtic" is cool and fiddles rock!With the 2001 release of their brand new album "A PLACE TO STAND", the band is living up to the title of "ultimate Celtic Rock band of the Southwest." The album was produced by Chris Bell, who has earned multiple-platinum albums and Grammy® award nominations through his work with Erykah Badu and Kirk Franklin, and has worked with many other prominent rock acts such as U2, Buddy Miles, Fuel and Oleander. As a member of the Board of Governors for the Texas Branch of NARAS, Bell submitted "A Place to Stand" as a Grammy® nomination for 2001. After many exciting changes, the year 2002 is proving to be the most evolutionary to date for the band. Presenting a perfect blend of rock, pop and Celtic, THE KILLDARES have established themselves as an ultimate crossover band - stretching the boundaries of rock 'n' roll alternatives, while bridging the gap between the traditional and the cutting edge.

Group Members Tim Smith: Drums, Lead Vocals - Roberta Rast: Fiddle - Matt Rogers: Guitars - Jim Folstad: Bagpipes, Rhythm Guitar, Backup Vocals - Ed Walewski: Bass

Instruments Fiddle, Guitar, Electric Bass, Bagpipes, Drums

Albums LIVE (2002), A Place To Stand (2001); Broken With a Word (1998)

Press Reviews Dallas Morning News "The Killdares play a genre of music that fits few other bands. Broken With A Word is a lovely piece of music, passionate, and, best of all, simply not like anything else." Teresa GubbinsRichland Chronicle"The music is a cross between Celtic traditional and hard rock. The band masterfully blends old-style reeling and hard-line guitar... Michael Flatley has nothing on these jams......The Killdares' CD, Broken With A Word, rocks, There is no other way to say it......this is truly a band on the rise." David GurneyThe Ceili (Mar.2001), publication of the Southwest Celtic Music Association:A completely different energy can be found in The Killdares' newest release A Place To Stand. Founded by seasoned musicians Tim Smith (percussion and lead vocals) and Linda Relph (fiddle and vocals) in 1996, The Killdares have "rocked" the celtic community ever since. A Place To Stand is the next step in their relentless drive to national acclaim, and is a solid piece of work, showcasing the band's originality in both songwriting and arranging. Although having its roots in both traditional Irish and good, old-fashioned American rock, The Killdares can only be described as a band unto themselves.

Additional Info This band is fast becoming one of the most popular bands in the relatively new genre called CELTIC ROCK. Their blends of traditional, rock and original styles make them unique, while their energetic live shows cause audiences to have trouble keeping in their chairs!!

Location Dallas, Texas - USA

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