The Bad Shepherds

The Bad Shepherds

The Bad Shepherds are a British folk group from the United Kingdom, active since 2008. The band is formed by Adrian Edmondson and is known for performing punk and related songs on traditional folk instruments.

Style and repertoire

The group plays songs associated with acts such as The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Jam, Sham 69, The Undertones, Talking Heads, Squeeze and Kraftwerk, adapting them into arrangements with a Celtic feel. Their versions often include reels and jigs, and at times they play with a more forceful, thrashing approach. Their idea is to treat the material as strong songs rather than as parody.

Members and collaborators

The core line-up includes Adrian Edmondson on vocals, mandolins and mandola, Troy Donockley on uilleann pipes, cittern, whistles and vocals, and Andy Dinan on fiddle. Other musicians who appear on recordings and performances include Carol Dawson and Eimear Bradley on fiddle, Keith Angel and Mark Woolley on percussion, and Martin Allcock, Brad Lang and Tim Harries on bass.

Recordings

The band’s albums include Yan, Tyan, Tethera, Methera! and By Hook or By Crook.