If you thought Celtic rock started with Dropkick Murphys or Flogging Molly spitting Murphys over a Marshall stack, it’s time to get a proper history lesson. Long before the current crop of tatted-up, flat-cap-wearing hooligans were even a glint in their da’s eye, Horslips were original prog-trotting pioneers. They took pristine, ancient Irish melodies, ran them through a meat grinder of heavy progressive rock, and dragged traditional music kicking and screaming into the 1970s.
Dropped as a limited-edition, crystal-clear vinyl exclusive for Record Store Day 2026, Tell ’Em About It Johnny captures a rare, unissued live performance from San Francisco’s legendary Winterland Ballroom in April 1978. At this point in history, the band was touring their Aliens record and trying to conquer America. To do it, they shed some of their polite folk sensibilities and replaced them with a raw, powerful, almost primal rock energy heavily infected by the new wave explosion happening across the Atlantic.
The result? A total, neck-snapping rouser.
The Verdict: Fast, Furious, and Tight as a Scotsman’s Wallet
From the opening notes of The Wrath of the Rain, this record is an absolute powerhouse. Johnny Fean’s guitar isn’t just playing riffs; it’s treating the fretboard like a weapon of mass destruction. Jim Lockhart’s keyboard and flute weave in and out of the heavy sonic explosion like a manic trad session crashing a heavy metal brawl.
- The Highlights: The Wrath Of The Rain, and Sword Of Light, are played with a “cut the crap” attitude. It’s got that synchronized, high-octane energy that will get the punks pogoin’ and the rockers step-dancing.
- The Atmosphere: Unlike a sterile studio album, this live recording smells like cigarettes, cheap American beer, sweat, and absolute chaos. It captures a band firing on all cylinders, blending melancholic Celtic roots with a bruising, primitive drive.
If you have any love for aggressive, melody-driven Celtic rock, this is an absolute must-have. It’s top-notch proof that the old guard could make a huge racket and match the fury of any modern Celtic punk band. Go track down a copy before the scalpers drain your wallet.
Tracklisting:
Side 1
1. Presenter Intro
2. The Wrath Of The Rain
3. New York Wakes
4. The Power & The Glory
5. The Rocks Remain
6. Sword Of Light
Side 2
1. Speed The Plough
2. Sure The Boy Was Green
3. Trouble ( With A Capital ‘T’ )
4. King Of The Fairies
5. Dearg Doom
6. Presenter Outro
Shite'n'Onions 