John Murry live at Coughlan’s as part of Cork’s Roots Fest.
American singer-songwriter John Murry returns to Cork for a special full-band performance at Coughlan’s as part of the Cork’s Root Fest
Murry first came to major critical attention with the release of The Graceless Age in 2013, an album that earned exceptional reviews and quickly marked him as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary songwriting. The record drew rapturous acclaim from international press, cementing its reputation as a modern classic.
Far from being defined by a single breakthrough, Murry has since built a body of work that more than matches that early acclaim. A Short History of Decay (2017), produced by Michael Timmins, was hailed for its emotional intensity, with The Quietus describing it as “raw, honest and painful: listening to its 10 songs feels like intruding on someone’s personal grief.” The Quietus
He followed it with The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes (2021), a darker, fuzzier and more outwardly rocking record. The Irish Times called it “one of the best collections of fuzzy indie rock and desert-dry Americana you’ll hear this year,” The Irish Times and Uncut included it among their best albums of 2021. uncut.co.uk Together, these records make it clear that Murry has spent the last decade deepening, not diluting, his craft.
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Murry’s work is marked by emotional depth, sharp storytelling, and a distinctive blend of Americana, gothic country and atmospheric rock. Across his career he has collaborated with respected artists including Bob Frank, Michael Timmins, Chuck Prophet, and others. His connection to Mississippi’s literary heritage, including the influence of William Faulkner, continues to inform the tone and texture of his writing.
Murry’s story is also the subject of the award-winning documentary The Graceless Age: The Ballad of John Murry, which follows his early rise, personal collapse, and the creative rebirth that followed his relocation to Ireland. It is currently available to view on RTE Player.
On 20 September 2024, Murry released a new album, A Little Bit of Grace and Decay, the original soundtrack to The Graceless Age: The Ballad of John Murry. Written and performed by John Murry and Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies), the record features stripped-back versions of songs from A Short History of Decay, new material, and sections of the film’s score.
For this Cork date, Murry appears with a full band
Josh McClory (Soft Launch / The Strypes / CMAT)
Mick Cronin (Cronin / Shane MacGowan)
Conor Price (Soft Launch)
John Murry’s music remains renowned for its honesty, intensity and emotional power. His return to Cork promises an unforgettable afternoon within the Roots programme.
| Standing Show |
Photographs by Colm Whelan (from The Graceless Age – The Ballad of John Murry)