The Prodigals
The Prodigals is an American Irish punk band that started in 1997.
Calling their genre of music "jig punk", the Prodigals fall within a tradition epitomized by the Pogues and Black 47, merging traditional Celtic melodic roots with rock rhythms. As of 2017, the band's lineup features the three original members: Gregory Grene (button accordion and lead vocals), Andrew Harkin (bass), Brian Tracey (drums), plus Galway's Dave Fahy (guitar and lead vocals) who has been a member since 2009. They are frequently joined by Alex Grene, nephew of Gregory, and a graduate in music composition from the University of Chicago. The band has its own distinctive sound, particularly distinguished by lead melodic roles being filled by button-key accordion and bass along with the vocals, and has received substantial critical notice through the years.
The Prodigals call Paddy Reilly's (the world's only all-draft Guinness bar) their home when in New York City. On September 18, 2026, the band celebrated their award of a Guinness World Record for the "longest annual residency by a band" by playing a special "Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day performance" at Paddy Reilly's. The band achieved a residency at Paddy Reilly's of 29 years and three days on March 17, 2026, which is Saint Patrick's Day for 2026. They continue to play a Friday and Saturday residency.
Their songs "Open Reel" and "The Bunch of Red Roses" were played in the 2008 crime drama film Pride and Glory during the bar fight scene between Edward Norton and Colin Farrell.
The Prodigals band has had many changes to its members over the years. Here is a listing of ex-Prodigals:
Alex Tobias - harmonica, fiddle, and vocals
Sean McCabe - guitar and vocals
Ray Kelly - guitar and vocals
Brendan Smith - drums
Chris Nicolo - drums
Colm O'Brien - guitar and vocals
Ed Kollar - Bass
Eamon Ellams - drums
Eamon O'Tuama - guitar and vocals
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