Exploring Irish folk music w/ The Mary Wallopers // GemsOnVHS™

Some of y'all may remember my trips to Ireland, and the resulting field recordings so far released (watch them here; • GemsOnVHS in Ireland ). Back in 2021, I was planning a big return trip to the country with my mate Matt Heckler ( • Matt Heckler, "Swannan... ). Unfortunately, Matt had to back out, but he introduced me to a group of talented young folk musicians, Charles and Andrew, who played rowdy old tunes under the name "The Mary Wallopers". I decided to go and check them out myself, and the resulting adventures were legendary. I let the camera roll as they showed me their town, Dundalk, up near the border between north and south. The lads are a riot, always up to something crazy, and it's hard not to be laughing 24/7 when you're with them. Despite the lighthearted nature of the moment to moment interactions, they have a serious tilt to their music, using folk songs as they were intended; tools of the working class. Cutting social commentary and real, down to earth subject matter, they come from a long tradition of brilliant performers. Woody Guthrie would be right at home with them.
We also put this movie out on ACTUAL VHS. Yes, it is no longer just a name, GemsOnVHS is real now. It started as a joke, and many hours of tinkering later we created these 100% homemade tapes. Break out your VCR and order one from us, it'll help keep Gems going. Fair warning through, it might be 25 minutes of this movie, then Die Hard or something for the rest of the tape. (gemsonvhs.myshopify.com/produ...)
Thank you to everyone who made time to record with me in Ireland, to Cian for responding to my endless emails, to the Wallopers for opening their life to me for a bit, Robbie and Jack for sending me funny memes, Tadhg Mulligan for his reckless inspiration, Sean McMahon for 2nd camera on that last video in the pub (RIP to my SD card lol). I'll be back sooner than later, and you're all welcome in Tennessee anytime.
Find more of the Mary Wallopers here;
/ marywallopers
www.marywallopers.com/
I hope you all enjoy the longer, more elaborate documentary style recording. It is something i've always wanted to do, but our Patreon supporters made it possible to finally make into reality. This is the type of documentary i've always loved; real people, real music. It is the opposite of what our culture and technology encourages. No fake posing, no social media dancing, no clickbait. It is a slow, winding slice of life in this decade, and I hope you can appreciate it for that. Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, VJ Arizpe, and Rusty Shackleford.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
We're on instagram (@gemsonvhs or @anthonysimpkins)
Like us on FB too! ( / gemsonvhs )
www.gemsonvhs.com

[@GemsOnVHS]

We're on ACTUAL VHS now; . Yes, it is no longer just a name, GemsOnVHS is real now. It started as a joke, and many hours of tinkering later we created these 100% homemade tapes. Break out your VCR and order one from us, it'll help keep Gems going. Fair warning through, it might be 25 minutes of this movie, then Die Hard or something for the rest of the tape. gemsonvhs.myshopify.com/products/vhs-field-recordings-in-ireland-with-the-mary-wallopers

[@galaxyanimal]

Finally the VHS, but no BlockBuster though.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

Cheers Anthony for another great show on the Mary Wallopers . Your Gems on VHS has turned me on to loads of great American folk music. So glad you’re featuring the Wallopers again. Big love and respect from a fan in Northern England.

[@Mizzium_]

Restock them if you can!

[@celticheartbeat3337]

Sure and it might also be some porno from the 80s like, ye never know what ye might get... brilliant idea sweet lad, a bag of mystery like , one minute it's the Mary Wallopers and the next minute it's Peter Norths big 1980s walloper... fucking fantastic ... I might even actually buy one like...:P

[@Jesusisnothere]

hopefully more doc VHS will come. would be interesting to know more about Brodie Buttons for example. wouldnt mind you come to Norway, my country to interview Stein Torleif Bjella either. But that might be to local :P

[@deegsdeegan3272]

These guys are the embodiment of Irish Humor.

[@basstrammel1322]

These guys are the embodiment of -Irish- Humor.

[@Cab00se90]

Here’s to you lads, from a Scotsman who wishes there was a sea between England and me.

[@Cab00se90]

Tbf like they used tae call the Forth the Scottish sea cause they were shite scared a crossin it

[@bootdownthedoor324]

“Get him, he looks Irish.” 😂😂 I’m so glad I got to see more of this.

[@McVillervay]

I could have watched this for hours. Splendid work. The Mary Wallopers are really something else.

[@HKTeacup]

Am a massive fan of The Mary Wallopers, and this was fantastic! Could've very happily watched a three hour documentary of your adventures together. What great lads, what music. Thank you for posting this! From an exile in England.

[@jacklandismusic]

Great to see these boys playing Irish folk music as it was mean to be done! This is the type of stuff I grew up on-The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers, and all those guys. The Mary Wallopers have the spirit of Luke Kelly and all the rest of them, and I’m glad to hear it.

[@lokoiutfftty]

03:18 The Sea Around Us 09:18 Eileen Óg 17:56 God Bless England 21:50 All For Me Grog

[@Noziac]

thanks for the timestamps pelo

[@Sharpest_]

This could have been 8 hours long and I'd be enthralled the whole time. Love these guys!

[@GemsOnVHS]

guess i should've made it longer lol

[@TheDarkArt657]

Eileen Og made me so happy I cried. Love you boys, from an old scouser whose family originated in Armargh. I will visit before I die.

[@PatJamesRicketts]

Ye hauls da Irish out of dis Newfoundlander, by Jesus! This is heart and soul at its finest! Thanks for flying over to grab this sound!

[@cab1n]

Savage band. A pure taste of ireland 🇮🇪

[@euls868]

I almost find their album to polished and I love these raw versions, they're powerful and unique

[@Bottyization]

They're sensational live, definitely recommend seeing them!

[@AccomplishedMonk]

I've come back to watch this so many times what a gang of legends!

[@alexmortimer1032]

Ive got an absolute face ache watching that!!! Couldn't stop smiling the whole way through!!! They just seem to capture the spirit of Ireland, the humour of Ireland and what it means to be Irish in all of their music! I just love these guys 😍🍀

[@Banksteroflove]

God I’m so obsessed with these guys

[@jamesfagan7823]

Happy go lucky chap's having a great time, fair play to you lads and up Ireland 🇮🇪

[@musicinmyear1]

I'm unsure how many folks are involved in creating these recordings, but outside of great editing skills and being a good interviewer and host for the channel, the attention and skill displayed in the audio recording really cant be understated.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Thank you, means a lot. Production wise this is pretty much all me (Anthony) on this one. My guy Nicholas Briggs helped bring the VHS tape to life, and Sean McMahon was 2nd cam at the pub at the end. But yeah, lot of time spent in front of the computer!

[@droidmansky7354]

as the last person said there..... really good job, Anthony, it can be loud lol.. bigggtimeee @@GemsOnVHS

[@davidgaughran5450]

Wonderful video. Dundalk is a town of poets, balladeers and storytellers.

[@micko6393]

Dundalk...aka 'El Paso'. (Google it...😉).

[@Free_Bird420]

This was so well made, Anthony. I really enjoy the format of you putting the VHS into the player at the beginning and end. I hope you'll do more like this.

[@WindingDreams]

I kept checking the time on the video like "surely they'll fit another song in there". This video was great.

[@GemsOnVHS]

threw in as many as i could lol. still do have a couple left tho... hm

[@SnackHeadCowboy]

Saw them last year in Manchester, crowd surfed at 32 when I thought those days were behind me. Seeing them for my 33rd. X

[@spudelrudel2979]

You really killed it with this one, the whole format is perfect:)

[@ruadhbran]

I really love the longer format. Also the Mary Wallopers are just the peak of music, and I'm so glad y'all introduced them to us. Thank you for this video. I found myself beaming and tapping along to the music at multiple points, even though I've heard other recordings of many of these songs!

[@GemsOnVHS]

hey thank you. i'll have to make a few more longer like this.

[@briancrowe7343]

Lads ......thanks for bringing the music back , unreal boys ❤

[@greenair18]

Been waiting for a long time for this to be released! Thanks for your work. These guys are the absolute best and the future of Irish music looks brighter than ever

[@ThunderboltWisdom]

I loved every minute of it. And the format is great... I've still got my VHS player from 1996, and it's still working. Ah, they knew how to make things properly back then.😁😉

[@jamespanther7991]

The best entertainment there is out there right now! Loved every second!

[@davidsiedschlag6961]

I can't believe you came back! No one would have ever heard from me again.

[@GemsOnVHS]

ah mate if i didnt have so much more music to record, id have stayed for sure.

[@davidsiedschlag6961]

OH MY GAWD MAN...I been on a deep dive since this...what the world needs is a live version of As I Roved Out...thank you for all that you do you are soooo goood. if I wasnt listening to the artists I discovered on Gems On VHS I would have missed out on all the things I LOVE thank you my brother. @@GemsOnVHS

[@to13726]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Been following this band since I saw your vid for "Smuggling the Tin." Thanks for that.

[@Lucyavamaria]

Thank you, love these guys, could watch this for hrs x

[@brysondotexe]

i am blown alway to figure out these guys are also TPM! had no idea how versatile these brothers were and i’m so stoked to know they make folk music as well

[@Haaaayley]

Please make another one of these!! This video wasn’t long enough! This band is absolutely fantastic and have brilliant personalities to match, can’t get enough of them

[@_Marshall_7677]

I discovered the Mary Wallopers and Pat Kelly's shed from your channel. Made it a point to visit when I was in Ireland back in April. I already can't wait to go back, looking forward to checking this out!

[@GemsOnVHS]

thats hilarious and awesome! you actually visited Pat's shed? he is such a trip.

[@_Marshall_7677]

@@GemsOnVHS yup, looked him up and called ahead then stopped by. When he asked how we heard of him I had brought up your channel and the boys, he got out his phone and started to call them! We told him he didn't need to do that then he offered to give me their cell #s 😂. It was bad timing as they were touring the US and were in Philly while we were in Ireland, I'll see them live sometime soon 🤞🏻 Love what you're doing man, been a supporter on Patreon for a while

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@_Marshall_7677 he is such a a freakin legend. Did he tell you about the horse trailer? Thank you for the support, definitely the only reason this is possible lol

[@_Marshall_7677]

@@GemsOnVHS yes! Ended up being there over 2 hours, definitely a cool experience

[@SGBD8933]

Eileen Og was powerful ❤ Top quality from the Wallopers!

[@keithellis1628]

See them as soon as you can ! They have an energy and boy can they sing and play.☘

[@interestedpart2650]

Excellent! Go on de boys!

[@dgsdfkm]

love how to Irish folks the assumption is that the rifle is a prop, and the cameraman had fear in his heart when that brit-buster turned his way. Chuck's gas pointing guns at yanks.

[@GemsOnVHS]

yeah, they had a good laugh at me dodging the aim of the rifle. but imagine how dumb my obituary would read, killed by charles hendy in pat kelly's shed by a turn of the century rifle.

[@dgsdfkm]

they are very good people, I know them well. once met Charles in town with my drag queen friend (drunk) and went to a silent disco. typical dublin@@GemsOnVHS​

[@andyskiffington]

From way across the pond in Newfoundland Canada (The closest thing to being in Ireland you can get, without actually being in Ireland) The Mary Wallopers are the best thing since Guinness cracked the first Keg!. Love those guys! Come to Newfoundland me by's!!!

[@cline3290]

I discovered the Mary Wallopers because of the original video you posted of them performing Smuggling Tin. Im novice guitarist and have since been able to pull that vid up and play along! These guys are awesome!

[@ShapeyFiend]

That was fantastic nice work all involved.

[@EricPricePK]

this was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen thank you so much for this video

[@robbert4540]

They are so entertaining when playing and when not, I could watch their craic for hours. Thanks

[@FunGuy-yo5ex]

this was great!! i loved this mini documentary style, you should do this more of this with different artists!! im also a huge fan of irish folk music so it was awesome see a glimpse into the life of an irish folk musician and experience their culture for a short while. keep up the great work :)

[@eimhin_]

This is incredible, I wish it went a bit longer!

[@maxford8175]

17:40 killed me 😂. Despite being a Brit, these lads are the best! couldn't stop laughing. Got to see them live

[@coryboggs6031]

Been following this channel for years and this is the best content yet. Stands up there with the best field recordings and profiles of folk musicians. Brilliant, hope to see more! @MaryWollopers come to Kentucky!!!!

[@ianshortall3356]

Love these guys so much!!!!

[@arnowillekes7979]

Luvly and great craic!!

[@bushratbeachbum]

Seeing them tomorrow night. Fekkin STOKED!!!!!!

[@Harrier_DuBois]

First time hearing these guys, very entertaining, many thanks!

[@DerKaiserBrazil]

Great video my friend, congratulations !🇩🇪🇧🇷🙋🏻‍♂️

[@samsham8218]

Beautiful. Well done Lads.

[@cjmc123]

I love a night out that starts with " where will we go".

[@dowdallerno1]

Good lads, glad to see them doing well. 🍀☘️

[@pg232323]

Haven’t even watched this yet but I already know it’s class!

[@gageiiiiitttt]

Classic. Love these guys.

[@etniesdub1]

Ha was watching Your Matt Heckler videos all day when working from home today.. then this popped up this evening.. going to see them on Sunday for the not so secret gig 😂

[@GemsOnVHS]

enjoy it! good stuff.

[@joerecoveryjoerecovery5781]

Now that's a proper mullet.

[@stereotypedpanda4874]

wow a new youtube channel AND a new band today was a good day

[@GemsOnVHS]

hi thanks for finding us be sure to sub oxoxo

[@joakimandersson4985]

this was so good!

[@TheHarrip]

Interesting they took you to that museum. Fascinating even.

[@stevoflohu1]

Soo great! ❤

[@Tobaccodrummer]

Beautifully done ❤

[@joeycarter8691]

Absolutely loved this

[@concars1234]

this is so real. Down to ragging on your boy of course

[@Lambby]

Thanks for this special, they're in their own league

[@rationalanalysis960]

Love it ... making up the words of lyrics they have forgotten; I do it also especially late at night. Hello from Navan!

[@tweekuncut41]

Hot damn, Eileen Óg slaps, and slaps hard! I need to see more of these fellas

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks for watching!

[@noahbrook9781]

Thank you for this! Thanks to you I’m going to see them in Cleveland this April!

[@Startovr]

Mullet guy is off the chain 😂

[@frassedylan]

My god. Best one yet. Fantastic.

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks bud. glad you dig it

[@mcb6108]

Really enjoyed it and hope to see more documentaries!

[@GemsOnVHS]

if we keep a good base of patreon supporters, more documentaries will flow for sure.

[@mcb6108]

@@GemsOnVHS I’ve been a Patron for about 18 months now and plan on being for the foreseeable future!

[@mojoproductions6799]

Thank you for finding this 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ShakesTracey]

Great stuff lads

[@murthunt1047]

Been waiting for this to come out for months. Fantastic. Love these guys. Brilliant

[@rossbing8487]

I loved this

[@droidmansky7354]

feckin class, lads we lub ya !! xxox ... the townnnn

[@user-jf5jb4gk1w]

More of this, it was enthralling

[@red4life848]

Can't wait to see them in Dublin again love them

[@katoness]

Oh the lads are well clued up!!

[@Georgeontheboard]

Great video, love Irish folk, love folk music. Subscribing 😎

[@FatherGregorian]

Would love to see these guys in concert!!

[@barryburkeura]

They're touring the states in September

[@dayyans]

so good!

[@seanmuldoon38]

Rick Browne! The man, the legend.

[@hugheskc]

Great craic lads 🍻

[@Projekt237]

Bloody hell, I'm addicted ti you guys eversince I stumbled upon your first video. Next time I visit old Éire I need to see you live!

[@euls868]

amazing 😍

[@RollCageMary]

So fkn good!

[@sethmountain]

Great video, great jacket.

[@dimitriwolfs9370]

God bless old Dundalk for producing such charming characters! Lol😂

[@JG-kn7ew]

Loved it

[@tlcchaos]

Nice lads, see you back in the Lumpers for a pint of Jesus….mothers milk to some. Good to see you exportng the craic around the world... God knows they need it. Slan abhaile. TLC x

[@Thekidfromcalifornia2.0]

That Ernest tub shirt is a hoot.

[@GemsOnVHS]

i love that shirt

[@Friendlybanjos]

Gems..this should win an award.

[@GemsOnVHS]

Here we come, Golden Globes!

[@templarcheeze5415]

Excellent!!!

[@davidoreilly3213]

Brilliant

[@Tony_02]

Some jokes and segments in this video aged very well now that the queen is dead 😂

[@GemsOnVHS]

I almost released that song when the queen died lmao

[@Tony_02]

@@GemsOnVHS that would have been legendary

[@cedarchoppincartographer]

Wish these dudes were my friends!

[@pineapple5248]

Ah pure class