Dallahan is one of the most distinct forces in the international folk music scene.

Forged in Scotland and Ireland’s traditional music community, but drawing on the traditional music styles of the Balkans and North America, they create an original and seamless musical montage, blending their contemporary influences from jazz, funk, and pop music. Dallahan take their listeners on a journey, traversing styles and countries of the world in a dazzling live show, creating their own unique brand of World-folk delivered with stunning virtuosity.

The lineup consists of Jack Badcock on guitar and vocals, Ciaran Ryan on banjo, mandolin and fiddle, Andrew Waite on accordion and Benedict Morris on fiddle. Following the release of their debut album When The Day Is On The Turn in 2014, which was highly praised by audiences and critics alike, described by fRoots magazine as “the most exciting Irish music I’ve heard in a long time… Lunasa for the new generation” the band toured extensively in North America and Europe, establishing themselves internationally as one of the most enthralling live shows, captivating audiences at such prestigious international events as Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Connections, Tonder Festival and countless others.

In 2015, the band was nominated for ‘Folk Band of The Year’ and their debut album shortlisted for ‘Album of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards. The following year, 2016 saw the Dallahan’s continued ascent with the release of their second album, Matter Of Time, and a most intensely busy touring schedule, playing 103 gigs across 7 countries, including travelling to Kathmandu, Nepal to on behalf of the British Council to perform at the British/Nepalese bicentenary celebrations. In 2016 their second album was shortlisted for ‘Album of the Year’ at the Scots Trad Music Awards and they were awarded ‘Instrumental Cut of The Year’ at the LiveIreland Awards 2016 (USA).

Their touring history has included such onstage collaborations as with songwriting legend Dougie MacLean, a commissioned composition and collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra at a WWI commemorative concert and also a concert in Kathmandu with Nepal’s folk music exponents, Kutumba.

2019 saw the release of the bands third album, their label debut with Westpark Records; Smallworld, with songs that explore themes ranging from unrequited love, famine, racial inequality and big birds and instrumentals that transcend from traditional Irish tunes to Roma Gypsy melodies to genre-defying originals.

Dates & Times

Last session: Thu 4 May 2023 at 8:00 PM - This event has now passed
Derby Hall @ The Met
£17 (inc fees)

Covid Safety at The Met

This will be a full-capacity event with a non-socially distanced audience; we will however still be utilising many Covid safety measures for your safety and the safety of our staff.

Learn about our COVID safety measures

Reviews

“Some of the most exciting trad musicians to emerge in recent years.”

Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

“This is original, bold and brave music making.”

fRoots

“wild and free yet precise and flawless...a bold stroke on the teeming trad folk landscape.”

Bright Young Folk

Dallahan

Related events

Music -

Jon Boden and The Remnant Kings

Jon Boden and The Remnant Kings return to The Met with their unique brand of post-apocalyptic folk, following the release of new album Parlour Ballads.

Book
Music -

Elvis: As It Was

The sensational Tommy Holland and The Rising Sun band bring you some of Elvis’ most dynamic and memorable performances.

Book
Music -

Gnoss

Triple Scots Trad Music Awards nominees Gnoss have built a following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows.

Book