The Strypes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 in Cavan, Ireland |
| Headquarters | Cavan , Ireland |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
The Strypes emerged as a quartet rock ensemble originating from Cavan, Ireland in 2010. The group was composed of Ross Farrelly (lead vocals and harmonica), Josh McClorey (lead guitar and vocals), Peter O'Hanlon (bass guitar and harmonica), and Evan Walsh (drums). Their musical style was shaped through local performances, heavily influenced by the 1960s blues boom and the 1970s pub rock scenes, drawing inspiration from bands such as Dr. Feelgood, Eddie and the Hot Rods, The Rolling Stones, and The Yardbirds. Additionally, they paid homage to foundational blues and rock 'n' roll figures including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter.
United by a mutual enthusiasm for blues and rhythm and blues, the ensemble swiftly progressed from performing at local venues to playing in clubs throughout Ireland. Their setlists featured a blend of original compositions alongside classic R&B covers, earning them a reputation for vibrant live shows across the country.
Their initial EP, Young, Gifted & Blue, released in 2012, unexpectedly reached the top position on the iTunes Blues charts. Following a contract with Elton John's record label, they launched their first full-length album, Snapshot, in 2013, which brought them widespread national attention.
Renowned for their energetic stage presence, The Strypes toured as support for prominent artists including the Arctic Monkeys, Johnny Marr, and Paul Weller.
Their second studio album, Little Victories, marked a shift towards an indie-rock sound. While reviews were varied, the album facilitated an international tour.
In 2017, they released Spitting Image, which received critical acclaim but did not achieve significant commercial success.
The band publicly announced their disbandment on social media in November 2018. Following the breakup, McClorey took on leadership of Soft Launch, O'Hanlon began touring with Lord Friday the 13th, and Walsh became frontman for The Savage Hearts.
Formation and early years
Originating from Cavan, Ireland, the initial lineup featured McClorey, Walsh, O'Hanlon (on vocals), Jack Hayden, and Conor Bates (guitar). After Bates departed, Ross Farrelly joined as vocalist and harmonica player. Their first performance took place at a primary school Christmas event. In November 2010, their appearance on The Late Late Toy Show marked a significant milestone that propelled their career forward. Hayden exited the group in 2011, after which O'Hanlon transitioned to playing bass guitar.
2012–2015: Breakthrough and Debut Album
In April 2012, the band independently released an EP titled Young, Gifted & Blue, which comprised blues cover tracks such as Bo Diddley’s "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover". Created while the members were still attending school, this EP quickly ascended to the top position on the iTunes Blues Chart, maintaining that spot for six consecutive weeks and drawing attention from record labels. Following this success, they began performing at various London venues and secured a management deal with Rocket Music Management, led by Sir Elton John. By December 2012, they had signed a contract with Mercury Records.
After signing with Mercury, the group toured numerous UK locations and garnered coverage in prominent publications like NME, Mojo, and major national newspapers. Their admirers include notable musicians such as Jeff Beck, Alice Cooper, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Dave Grohl, Roger Daltrey, and Miles Kane. Elton John himself commended their expertise in R&B and blues during a 2013 television interview hosted by Dave Grohl.
The band’s debut single under Mercury, "Blue Collar Jane," was released on 28 March 2013 to favorable reviews and reached number 11 on the iTunes Alternative Charts. A special edition vinyl version was issued in celebration of Record Store Day. They showcased their live performance skills on BBC2’s Later... with Jools Holland, sharing the stage with artists such as Suede and Laura Mvula. Additional singles including "Hometown Girls" and "What a Shame" followed in mid-2013.
In June 2013, they served as support for British indie-rock band Arctic Monkeys during their European tour, subsequently joining The Courteeners at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl alongside Miles Kane.
Their first full-length album, Snapshot, was released on 9 September 2013. The record was produced by Chris Thomas, renowned for his work with legendary acts like Beatles and Sex Pistols.
March 2014 saw them perform at SXSW, backing BP Fallon during a Lou Reed tribute concert, where they were honored with The Grulke Prize for Developing Non-US Act. On 26 March 2014, they made their most significant U.S. television appearance to date by performing "What A Shame" on Late Show with David Letterman. In July of the same year, the band toured Australia with shows in Melbourne and Sydney.
Early in their career, they received guidance from Chris Difford of Squeeze, who is credited in the liner notes of Snapshot.
2015–2017: Little Victories
The Strypes released their sophomore album, Little Victories, in 2015. This album achieved the number one spot on the Irish Charts and peaked at number 17 within the UK. To support this release, they embarked on an international tour. In November 2015, they issued a live recording titled Live in Tokyo 2015, captured during their Japanese tour dates. Additionally, the band performed in Brazil at the Cultura Inglesa Festival as the opening act for Johnny Marr.
In November 2016, The Strypes introduced a limited edition pressing of 500 vinyl singles available exclusively via their official store. Proceeds from this release benefited Canteen, a charity dedicated to supporting teenagers with cancer. Released through Reckless Records, this double-A-side single featured Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" alongside Stefan Murphy's "Down at the Radiotron."
2017-2018: Spitting Image
During March 2017, The Strypes performed in smaller venues across Ireland to trial new tracks for their third album, which was officially revealed on 25 April under the title Spitting Image. The album was released on 16 June and supported by a tour, which was captured in Pete O'Hanlon's YouTube series "Surprisingly Dull Adventures of The Strypes."
In July 2017, the band played as opening acts for The Killers and Elbow at the fully sold-out BST Hyde Park festival in London. Additionally, they joined Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher on their headline tours as supporting performers.
2018-present: Disbandment and Later Endeavors
On 14 November 2018, seven months after halting the remaining dates of their Spitting Image tour due to health complications affecting drummer Evan Walsh, The Strypes announced their dissolution via Instagram. Walsh later disclosed in a 2020 interview that the breakup stemmed from divergent musical ambitions among members, further influenced by record label demands to adhere to a particular sound.
Following the split, guitarist Josh McClorey embarked on a solo path with the release of his single "Everything Was Easy" in 2020. Concurrently, vocalist Ross Farrelly, bassist Pete O'Hanlon, and drummer Evan Walsh formed a new group named The Zen Arcade, which debuted with the single "Don't Say A Word" in 2020 before eventually disbanding.
As of April 2024, McClorey fronts the indie ensemble Soft Launch as lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. O'Hanlon performs bass for Texas-based glam rock outfit Lord Friday the 13th on tour, while Walsh leads Cavan's rock band The Savage Hearts, who have issued two 7" vinyl singles through Galway's Blowtorch Records.
The Strypes also made an appearance in the 2019 biographical film Rocketman, portraying Elton John's backing musicians.
Influences
The Strypes have acknowledged Dr. Feelgood and The Yardbirds as significant inspirations. Their influences also include The Beatles, The Who, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, Bo Diddley, The Jam, Willie Dixon, Little Richard, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, New York Dolls, The Undertones, Squeeze, Rockpile, The Housemartins, Dave Edmunds, Royal Blood, Lew Lewis, Johnny Marr, The Animals, Johnny Thunder, Nine Below Zero, Thin Lizzy, Eddie Cochran, Jimmy Reed, Dave Evans, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf,Them, The Fratellis,The Pirates, Blur, Elmore James, AC/DC, Nick Lowe, Muddy Waters, The Cars, Sonny Boy Williamson II, The Bohicas,John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Kaiser Chiefs, Jamie T, Slim Harpo, Robert Johnson, Billy Boy Arnold, Lead Belly, Kendrick Lamar,John Lee Hooker and Jerry Lee Lewis. Guitarist Josh McClorey mentioned that "What A Shame" drew influence from Arctic Monkeys, while "Heavenly Soul" was inspired by Nirvana.
Band members
- Ross Farrelly – lead vocals, harmonica (2010–2018)
- Josh McClorey – lead guitar, backing vocals (2010–2018)
- Peter O'Hanlon – bass (2010–2018)
- Evan Walsh – drums, percussion (2010–2018)
Past members
- Jack Hayden – bass guitar (2010)
- Izzy Stradlin – guitar (2010)
Studio albums
| Album title | Release information | Highest chart rankings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRL | FRA | JPN | NLD | UK | ||
| Snapshot |
|
2 | 75 | 13 | 45 | 5 |
| Little Victories |
|
1 | — | 22 | 57 | 17 |
| Spitting Image |
|
8 | — | 45 | — | — |
| "—" indicates the album did not enter the chart. | ||||||
Extended plays
| Year released | EP title | Highest chart position | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| iTunes Blues Chart | |||
| 2012 | Young Gifted & Blue | 1 | Four-track home-recorded covers EP that garnered interest from record companies |
| 2013 | Blue Collar Jane EP | — | Limited edition two-disc vinyl issued for Record Store Day featuring "Blue Collar Jane" and a reissue of Young, Gifted & Blue |
| 2014 | 4 Track Mind EP | — | Released alongside UK tour with four new songs; later rebranded in Japan as Hard To Say No EP |
| 2015 | Flat Out EP | — | Three fresh tracks launched to coincide with UK tour commencement |
| 2017 | Almost True | — | Contains three studio recordings plus one live track |
| "—" denotes no chart placement. | |||
Singles
| Release year | Single title | B-side track(s) | Highest UK chart position | Associated album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UK |
- | |||
| 2013 | "Blue Collar Jane" | "What the People Don't See", "I Wish You Would" | 125 | Snapshot |
| "Hometown Girls" | "C. C. Rider (live)", "Stormy Monday Blues (live)" | 140 | ||
| "What a Shame" | "Beautiful Delilah", "I Can Tell (live)" | — | ||
| "Come Together" | — | — | Template:Non-album single | |
| "Mystery Man" | — | — | Snapshot | |
| "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover" | "You Keep Me Waiting", "Saved Me (From Myself)" | — | ||
| "—" indicates no chart ranking. | ||||