Irish rebel music is a sub genre of Irish folk music, with much the same instrumentation, but with lyrics predominantly concerned with Irish nationalism, and especially the struggle for independence from British rule.
The tradition of rebel music in Ireland dates back many centuries, dealing with historical events such as uprisings, describing the hardships of living under oppressive rule, but also strong sentiments of solidarity, loyalty, determination, as well as praise of valiant heroes.
As well as a deep-rooted sense of tradition, rebel songs have nonetheless remained contemporary, and since 1922, the focus has moved onto the nationalist cause in Northern Ireland, including support for the IRA and Sinn Féin. However, the subject matter is not confined to Irish history, and includes the exploits of the Irish Brigades who fought for both France and Spain, and also those who fought during the American civil war.
Over the years, a number of bands have performed "crossover" music, that is, Irish rebel lyrics and instrumentation mixed with other, more pop styles like hip hop. Bands like Seanchai and the Unity Squad perform hip-hop-influenced music.
Irish rebel music has occasionally gained international attention. The Wolfe Tones' version of A Nation Once Again was voted the number one song in the world by BBC World Service listeners in 2002.Many of the more popular groups recently such as Innisfáíl from Donegal, fronted by the inimitable Hughie McGarvey from Ranafast. Saoirse, éire Óg, Athenrye, Shebeen, Mise Éire and Pádraig Mór are from Glasgow. The Bog Savages of San Francisco are fronted by an escapee from Belfast's Long Kesh prison who made his break in the September 1983 "Great Escape" by the IRA.
The parody band Ding Dong Denny O'Reilly and the Hairy Bowsies satirize this musical genre with songs such as The Craic We Had the Day We Died For Ireland
