The BIFFOS:
Brian O'Carroll: Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica, Keyboards-
Robyn Fisher: 4 & 5 String Violins, Vocals, Percussion, Bass-
Rich Merriman: Upright & Electric Bass, Guitar, Vocals
Tony Maslowicks: Drums, Percussion
Ryan Bowman: Drums, Percussion
Influences
Singer Songwriters such as: Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen,Warren Zevon, Billy Joel, Shane MacGowan, Joe Strummer, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Neil Young and Steve Stills.
The Biffos were formed in March of 2007. Immediately following, they released their debut album, "Suffering Is Optional" on St. Patrick's Day.
If you've never seen The Biffos they are a must see! Not only are they huge in the local Irish music scene, but also the entire Arizona music scene. With covers of U2, Steve Earle and The Pouges, The Biffos really gets things rockin' with audience participation.
The Biffos Are:
Brian O’Carroll: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboard
Brian O’Carroll is one of Phoenix’s most talented and diverse performers. Brian's skill as a song writer cannot be exaggerated. The lyrics of each song has a story which reflect the tone of the music. Brian manages to express his distinct style while avoiding the common problem of having every song sounding the same. He has been a prominent member of the bands Black Ashling, The Keltic Cowboys, Carroll Macgreggor, and as a successful Soloist has been voted Entertainer of the Year, Soloist of the Year, and Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in Arizona as well as being featured in Billboard Magazine, Dirty Linen, Soundboard, The Village Voice as well as many local publications. Brian has also spent several years touring America, Canada, Europe, South America and Japan and has shared the stage with Ray Manzerak, Maura O’Connell, The Young Dubliners, The Monkees, Rock Salt and Nails and performed at three Fiesta Bowls and The NFL Experience for Super Bowl Thirty.
Robyn Fisher: Electric Fiddle, Vocals
Robyn Fisher grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. Her brother, Richard Alwyn, is a singer, songwriter currently living in New York. The majority of Robyn's musical training was in classical music, from solo/ensemble to symphonic literature. She was awarded Outstanding Senior Performer in Strings at Central Missouri State University. Robyn is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music fraternity for women. In 1995 Robyn moved to Phoenix to attend ASU, and was introduced to the Irish music scene. Of all the musical groups Robyn has performed with, she cannot think of one she enjoys as much as The Biffos.
Rich Merriman: Bass Guitar
Rich has not indulged us with any information about his past. Every time we ask him about it he just walks away humming the theme song from The Quick and the Dead.
Tony Maslowicz: Percussion
A native of the British Isles, Tony grew up playing drums in various London-based rock bands. After moving to the USA he began listening and playing various forms of Irish music. In the mid-1990's he became one of the founding members of the original Keltic Cowboys. It was here that he first encountered Brian O'Carroll. After numerous high-jinx and adventures they went their separate ways. A chance encounter recently brought Tony into The Biffos where he's already starting to feel very much at home. Over the years Tony has played hundreds of shows including Lollapalooza, The Fiesta Bowl and the famous Molly Malones in LA. He has shared the stage with both The Young Dubliners and Flogging Molly amongst many others.
Ryan Bowman: Percussion
Ryan Bowman is from Cleveland, Ohio. He is the honorary member of The Biffos. He joined the group as the interim drummer in Tony's absence. Ryan is also a member of famed band The McMorrows and The Brid Dower Band. He has played with many prominent bands in the Phoenix area. Ryan is also the reigning champion of the FIERCE Biffos' Dance Off!
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Hey dad. just wanted to say hello and i love you. did you get a chance to check out the band photos i did for South of Somewhere? Need to get out to do yours as well!! i miss you!!
Hello Brian & Everyone: I will be back in Phoenix November 14-16 for a rare visit and want to know what is happening- get back with me and let me know my weekend is free to see many of my old friends on this rare visit. It has been over a year and a half and who knows when or if it will happen again. Tell everyone about my coming back & let me know- what is happening?. Best regards, joel samuel joelsamuelpresents
Hello Brian: You were always one of the rare few that understood the cross promotion is the name of the game and together we are always stronger. I count you always as a friend. Best regards, joel samuel joelsamuelpresents
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