To stand out from over 700 acts, 2800 scheduled events in over 100 venues at the Tamworth Country Music Festival is a feat not easily accomplished except, it seems, for a group of well-dressed gentlemen (term loosely used) who, for many years now, have been the talk of the festival.  Whether it be their numerous shows at Joe Maguires Pub, or their jammed-packed, regular, special performances in the Tamworth Town Hall or, more recently, their performance in front of 9,000 fans at the Opening Concert in Toyota Park … you can’t help but get caught up in their wonderful Celtic songs and tunes, backed by what seems to be dozens of instruments … and even some humour … apparently.  For something completely different but popular with all age groups and such a great time for all, you won’t be disappointed with Murphy’s Pigs … Tamworth certainly isn’t!!

Barry Harley  Manager – Events & Country Music Festival, Tamworth Regional Council

I had heard about Murphy’s Pigs over the years and made the effort to catch this band, for the first time, at the opening concert on the Big Stage at Toyota Park, Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019.  They blew me away!  I hadn’t heard some of those old Celtic songs since my childhood in the late sixties when we were encouraged to sing at school.  10 big voices, all in tight harmony, an amazing array of instruments, great songs and tunes.  It’s hard not to be swept along with the emotion of this music.  It brought back fond memories.  I needed to see Murphy’s Pigs in a smaller venue, so I went to the packed-out show at Joe Maguires Pub (twice) during the festival.  Again, they nailed it and that music of theirs kept pulling me back.  But it’s more than just music; it’s a show.  It’s tribal and a fine tribute to the Celtic musical traditions and origins of Australia’s early settlers.

James Dein CEO Sound Australia (Qld) / Festival Director, Winton’s Way Out West Festival, Savannah in the Round

A ten-piece Celtic band that’s talented, entertaining, funny and good looking is always hard to find. When I found them, I combined them with the Queensland Pops Orchestra and produced the most amazing Celtic concerts you could imagine. Murphy’s Pigs’ professionalism, linked to a healthy disrespect for a conductor (or anyone in authority), ensured that the concerts were going to be unpredictable, colourful and a wonderful experience for an unsuspecting audience. Their music is infectious, their singing authentic and their approach to the Celtic traditions second to none.  It is a delight to work with this band (when we can ensure an adequate level of security backstage) and I’m thrilled to be associated with one of Australia’s finest and diverse Celtic ensembles.

Patrick Pickett CSM  Director / Conductor, Queensland Pops Orchestra

I took Murphy’s Pigs to Festival Interceltique de Lorient (world’s largest Celtic festival) in France in 2006 and again in 2016, to represent Australia and I believe they would have to be one of Australia’s leading Celtic bands.  The band played many times in the Australian pavilion and they were very, very well received.  The rapport they create with the multilingual audiences is tremendous.  Such a dynamic and powerful performance.  Beneath their self-effacing humour, onstage antics and irreverence I found them to be extremely professional and they have a great commitment to their craft.  As the festival’s Australasian delegate (1997- 2016) I have taken many Celtic bands from Australia and New Zealand to the Festival.  Murphy’s Pigs are, without doubt, one of the best.  Great fun!  Great music!  Great Australian ambassadors!

Kathleen O’Malley  Former Australasian Delegate, Festival Interceltique de Lorient

Too many folk musicians take themselves too bloody seriously.  They frown, try to look detached, and frown again.  Not so Murphy’s Pigs.  This rough-knit group of Queenslanders is here to have fun with the music and the audience.  There’s no sacred ground here and the band is just as comfortable swinging into an Irish, Scottish or American song as it is with a bush song from Australia’s yesteryears. This is meant to be fun … and Murphy’s Pigs can carry that fun with a nod and a wink.

Warren Fahey AM  Australian Folklore Unit, Founder of Larrikin Records

Murphy’s Pigs is a firm Australian Celtic Festival favourite.  Crowds pour into any venue where they are playing each and every year.  The Pigs just seem to get better as the years go by.  I love that they are taking old songs and making them new again.  The guys are great to work with, fun to be around and fantastic entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

Lara Gresham  Chair, Australian Celtic Festival

Never heard of them.  Who the @#%& are Murphy’s Pigs??

Noodles  The Offspring

Murphy’s Pigs has been performing at the Services Club annually since 2009, either as part of the Australian Celtic Festival or in stand-alone concerts and is the most popular band that has ever performed here.  The queue for the show begins hours before start time and runs around the block.  A crowd of all ages from teenagers to grandparents fill the auditorium to capacity, and their onstage banter and audience interaction has garnered a large and loyal following.  Murphy’s Pigs’ presentation is first class, their concerts are captivating, and they are one of the most professional and talented outfits that I’ve ever worked with.  This award-winning band is, without exception, a talented group of musicians who give all in their performances.  A sure-fire, memorable draw card.

Julie Clement  Events & Entertainment Manager, Glen Innes District & Services Club

I have known the music of the band Murphy’s Pigs for several years now and, as a music lover, these guys tick all the boxes for me.  A fun, energetic live show, great songs and popularity with our listeners are just a few of the things that make Murphy’s Pigs one of the standout Aussie bands. Murphy’s Pigs receive regular airplay on 98.9fm and our listeners have warmed to their unique style over the years – they are often requested.  I would highly recommend the band for any festival opportunities as they definitely know how to entertain a crowd and never disappoint.

Dan Rennie  Programme Manager / Presenter, 98.3fm Brisbane

What a concert!  I certainly wasn’t expecting this.  Backstage at The Triffid was just like a family get together with much laughter and many beers.   That loosely organised bedlam simply transferred itself onto the stage … the mixture of friends, family and fantastically crafted Celtic music – the core of any Pigs performance.  So intoxicating is Murphy’s Pigs that it’s hard to tell who’s in the audience and who’s in the band.  It was like the event was one big stage … truly sensational!

Jamie Dunn (aka Agro)  Entertainer / Presenter, 98.9fm Brisbane