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Not your stereotypical “finger in the ear” folkies. “We have played rock pubs, country pubs, city pubs & working men’s clubs. We wouldn’t have lasted five minutes if we sang thirty verses about dead fishermen”.

The band members despair of the way folk music is usually performed. The only emotion ever conveyed is a pathetic self-pity. This music was the rock music of its day! The Onion Band perform songs full of passion, anger, love and humour. They play dance tunes in a way that actually makes you want to dance. Their repertoire of traditional and contemporary material has been designed to entertain, not impress and their stage presence is that of a rock band. Their combination of instruments is unique; it shouldn’t work, but it does – magnificently. They play with confidence born of more than 20 years gigging.

The Onion Band are:

Nick Andrews (melodeons) Nick is a highly respected musician in Morris Dance circles. He has been playing melodeon for more years than anyone wants to remember. His vast experience and superb technique make him one of the few men who can pick up a melodeon without causing people to rush for the exit.

Tony O’Neil (Acoustic and electric mandolins, & backing vocals) Tony is a real musician’s musician – brilliant and original. He rehearses rarely, preferring to improvise instead. It is unusual for him to play anything the same way twice. This not only keeps the other two on their toes but also means that the band’s material is constantly evolving.

Pug Rayner (vocals, bouzouki & acoustic guitars) Pug is the band’s frontman but often says little on stage. He’s usually too busy changing instruments, replacing strings or re-hydrating himself. When he does speak it’s usually to join in one of the surreal yarns being spun by Tony. He has previously sung in punk and heavy rock bands, his style hasn’t altered much.

Miranda Rayner joins them as “caller” for ceilidhs and barn dances. Miranda is a qualified fitness instructor - Morrisercise anyone?