Shane Barry & The Night Post to play at iconic Kilkenny venue

One of Waterford’s most accomplished songwriters returns to Kilkenny with a new band, and a new set of songs. Shane Barry & the Night Post will bring the sound of Americana and roots to Barry’s latest batch of compositions.

No stranger to Ryan’s, where Shane regularly plays with Green River, he will be complimented by Conor Walsh on drums, Cian Dalton on double bass, Gerry Madden on mandolin, and Fintan Kavanagh on violin.

Shane Barry & the Night Post will unveil songs about being jailed for Jesus, hen nights gone wrong, kids’ first days at school, a new anthem for commuting workers, and many more. There’s even a song about an infamous night in Ryans!

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Having made his name under Shane Barry & the Distractions over 15 years ago with the album ‘Radio Friction’, Shane has been releasing music and performing his own songs with various lineups since, culminating recently in the 12-piece band performances of his solo album ‘Songs from the Silver South’, described by Hotpress as ‘an outstanding debut, filled with indie spirit’.

The new lineup is specifically chosen for their musical expertise and experience to allow Shane to present his most recent narrative-driven songs in a more acoustic, looser, Americana setting.

Last year saw the release of Shane’s live album, ‘A Thursday Night Live, an intimate recording with a string section. Taking inspiration from the acoustic, pared-back arrangements, Shane set out to establish an acoustic band. This will be a warm-up for the their upcoming Rhythm n’ Roots gig.

Support on the night is from UK indie band Rooftop Fox. Once described as “Tom Waits meets Radiohead,” this alternative-rock project Rooftop Fox weaves frontman Chris Dunne’s vocals through a spectrum that shifts from melodic folk to lush, psychedelic rock.

Recent EP, ‘Problem Solving For an Ever Evolving Problem’ was written and recorded by Christopher in
London in his own flat with the help of talented friends and collaborators from Cork and Clare in Ireland. This EP marks a new chapter in the Rooftop Fox journey. Determined to create a more raw and organic sound, Christopher turned to live drums, recorded at Brendan Fennessy’s (O Emperor) studio in Cork, and enlisted the expertise of renowned guitarist Alan Comerford (O Emperor, Mick Flannery) to elevate the electric textures.

Energised by the response to the live sound of their second EP, Christopher was inspired to form his first band in over a decade in early 2025. The four-piece has since played multiple shows across London and they are eager to bring their sound home to audiences in Ireland.

Come along to Ryan’s on Friary Street on February 8 for a great, free night of original music, and experience
something different!
For more info go to shanebmusic or rooftopfoxmusic on Instagram