Crow Black Chicken at Howth Roots & Blues Festival 2026

About the event

We're thrilled to announce that Cork Blues Rock Trio Crow Black Chicken are this year's Saturday Night Headline at The Abbey Tavern. This power trio combine elements of folk and hard rock with the blues rock of bands like Gov’t mule, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zeppelin. The band was formed in 2009 in Cork city when lead singer Christy O’Hanlon met the rhythm section of Stephen McGrath ( Bass ) and Gev Barrett (Drums ). The band immediately jelled and went on to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury 2011. The band released their first raw blues rock and roll album in 2012 which was produced by Philip Magee. In 2015 the band went on to release their first live album entitled Deep South which was voted top 5 live albums of 2015 by Classic Rock Blues. In 2016 Crow Black Chicken opened for ZZ Top at the Marquee in Cork which brought them face to face with the Texan compatriots whom they often drew so many comparisons to. Always determined to create a sound all of their own the band continues to tour all over Europe and will release their 4th studio album in 2024. Doors 8.30pm. On Stage 9pm. “CBC could save rock and roll” Alvin Youngblood Hart “These guys do the nasty blues like the devil hisself was hurting and rock like they’ll skate come judgement day” Ray Wylie Hubbard