In today’s interview, we find out all about The Groggy Dogs who took on our A-Z challenge!
A song that made you want to make music?
The Worker’s Song by Dropkick Murphys. The first time I heard that chorus I got chills. It made me want to grab a guitar, shout with my friends, and start a band the same day.
Best rider you’ve had?
Castlefest in the Netherlands. Unlimited good beer, great food, and everyone treated us like kings. Proper hospitality. Totally unforgettable.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
We were playing one of the heaviest, most aggressive parts of our set at a big festival in the Netherlands and suddenly the whole crowd, dressed as pirates, started dancing La Macarena. Thousands of pirates doing that dance. We couldn’t even play straight from laughing.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“The Sea for the Free,” out April 23rd. It’s one of our simplest and angriest lyrics. No poetry, just pure frustration and truth. Sometimes the most direct words hit the hardest.
Easiest song you wrote?
“Roll the Grog Around.” It just popped into my head while I was at my boring non-pirate day job. By the time rehearsal started, the song was basically finished.
Favourite song in your set?
“The Coast of High Barbary.” Hands down. Every time we play it the whole place turns into one big gang vocal. That’s exactly why we do this.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Ken Casey. Full Celtic punk madness. That would feel like getting knighted.
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Money and sleep. Mostly the lack of both.
Interesting fact about one of your members?
Only one of us doesn’t drink at all and he’s the one dressed like a dead man on stage. Coincidence? Probably not.
Jokes you have in the band?
We call ourselves “The Gordy Grogs” sometimes. Gordy means fatty. After all these years, we’ve probably spent more time eating together than actually rehearsing.
Key to writing a song?
If you’re not rushing to the bar for another beer while shouting the chorus, the song’s missing something.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
The Azores. Five flights in two days for a 70-minute show. Completely exhausting. Completely worth it.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
Tool live. Not just a concert, more like a ritual. Massive sound, insane visuals. It blew my mind.
New band you’d recommend?
Raebellion. They’re cooking up a killer album and people should keep an eye on them.
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Dropkick Murphys. That would feel like coming full circle for us.
Place you’d most like to tour?
Japan. I’ve always wanted to play in Asia, and Japanese crowds go crazy for live music. Sounds like a dream.
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Play loud, stay honest, drink rum, fight fascism, take care of your crew.
Reason for the title of your recent/forthcoming release?
Because there’s definitely no glory without grog. No victories without the chaos, the sweat, and the hangovers that come with the journey.
See us live at?
This year we’re hitting the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France and Spain. If we’re anywhere near you, come shout with us and grab a beer after the show.
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Not at all. Punk, rock and metal never died. You just have to look for the good stuff. There are amazing new bands coming out all the time.
Unusual merchandise?
Pirate eye patches. Completely useless, completely essential.
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
We want to make proper acoustic, sea shanty style versions. Same songs, but around a table with drinks and everyone singing.
What do your fans mean to you?
Without them it’s just five idiots making noise in a room. They’re the ones who turn it into something real.
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Our fiddler Fátima has a history of falling mid-show. No X-rays needed so far. We live dangerously.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Definitely Fátima. She either fell, lost something, or is stepping out of the shower two minutes before we leave saying, “Relax, we have time.”
Zoo animal that best describes the personality of your band?
Monkeys. Loud, chaotic, stealing everything, and somehow always finding rum.