I've interviewed Larry on my radio program. The man is a genius in my book. While their music may be loud, Larry Kirwan writes from a folk perspective. Political songwriting, long a mainstay of the folk revival, has been all but lost in rock music. Black 47 keeps that tradition alive.

I think many non-Irish music fans have the wrong image of the group and look at them as just another Irish bar band. Far from the truth. Sure their songs tell the stories and relate experiences that relate directly to the Irish themes and politics, but their music speaks to a wider audience. These are issues that effect us all - Living in New York and trying to make a living, dealing with prejudice and fear and celebrating freedom.