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Celtic Punk

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The Pogues

Island Records
Definition: Celtic punk is a subgenre of punk rock that blends traditional Irish music with contemporary punk rock. The sound began with the Pogues in London in the '80s.

Celtic punk bands often play traditional Irish songs as well as original compositions, and they often deal with themes that are predominant in traditional Irish music, such as the Irish plight, the Roman Catholic church, the labor movement and drinking songs.

Another trademark of Celtic punk bands is the addition of traditional instruments, including the fiddle, accordion, mandolin, bagpipes and tin whistle.

Pronunciation: KEL-tick PUNK
Also Known As: Irish Punk
Examples:
The Pogues may have started the Celtic punk sound, but when the Dropkick Murphys added bagpipes and hardcore influences, they put the punk in Celtic punk.

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