Whiskey of the Dammed

Hardcore Hoe-down at the Hard Rock in Chicago.




Wow! This was an awesome night. We had just witnessed Whiskey of the Dammed preform at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago.  But first, let me tell you about Anthony Stagg. Who in the Hell is that guy, you may ask? Well, when you have a magazine editor covering the bar bill, it's good ettiquite to know the hired hands in this blue-collar town filled with white-collar crime.  Stagg's just received his two year employee pin at the Rock, and escorted Miss Gina and I at our reserved table. "Everything is on the house Mr. Pelletier," explained Stagg. Your magazine said to run a tab and not worry about a thing. "Great," I said. Just give us a few minutes and we'll be ready to order."


We ordered our drinks first, and began to talk about Maiden Chicago. Yeah, I like those guys, said Stagg. They're big-time and that music ain't easy to play."  "Well," I replied with a smile, the bass player is a friend mine and likes that Trooper beer. Stagg paused momentarily, taking our order. Yeah, I wasn't aware of the Trooper beer until that night Maiden Chicago played that night," he said. I told Anthony Stagg about Bill Swanson giving me a Trooper beer and ordered another Guinesss.

Ah- but that Maiden story was written years ago.  Now the time has come to cover Whiskey of the Dammed, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  A genre of  Celtic Rock, feel good music for the entire family. The show was full throttle in the beginning with a nice steady tempo and raw sound. Members of this Irish Nun flogging ensemble include: Eoin McCarthy (Guitar/ Vox) Matt Schuetz (bass) Brian Link (Accordion) and drummer, David Web. The never ending flow of toe tapping music, Guinness stout and moonshine madness consumed this drunken pirate. "RRRR, Mate, bring us more drink," I said, as the the night went on.

There were not fancy stage lights, no mosh pits and the crowd seemed a little subdued. Web's energy was eccentric as he banged away at two sliver beer kegs during one of the songs.  Schuetz offered a solid foundation as Link filled in the rest of these drunken sailor tunes. The mood was winding down as the stage lights dimmed.  The once fast and heavy Celtic rock, sound was now that of a quiet whisper and it was time to go home.

In any case, the bar bill was well over $200.00 and the party was over. I asked the Whiskey of the Damned if they had a set-list. "Nope," said Eoin. With that, I wished them a safe and successful tour.

If all goes well, Whiskey of the Dammed should be ending a summer tour in Murrieta, California, in late September. If you like Paddys' as much as I do, you'll dig this group for sure.