I have no problem with Paul Brady performing rock songs instead of trad songs - I just probably won't listen to the rock songs. But if we want to ask "why" what about trad songs being performed AS rock songs? I'm not talking about groups like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span who rocked the songs up a little but still respected the material - I'm talking about some of the "celtic rock" bands that are so prevalent here in the US now. I recently heard "The Broome o' the Cowdenowes" performed with screeching electric guitars - heavy percussion, and a squalling female vocalist. WHY??????? It offended my sensibilities and annoyed me - like chalk screeching on a chalkboard.   I'm just venting. I realize I could have just walked away (well in this case I couldn't because I was working as a festival volunteer and my post happened to be near that dreadful band). But if everything is just going to be loud screeching and drums anyway, why ruin a great song like that????? A festival organizer told me that although he personally didn't care for "Celtic Rock" they'd noticed that beer sales were much better if they booked that type of band. Oh well...