There’s a raw energy pulsing through Limerick’s music scene as of late, and few bands capture the essence of it quite like homegrown Limerick band Street People. Blending otherworldly guitar solos with vocals and lyrics, rooted in everyday life, the group has become a fixture in Limerick city’s bars and venues. What began as a few school friends jamming together in Castletroy has evolved into one of the more exciting up-and-coming bands the area has to offer.
What sets them apart from the crowd is the bond between its members, forged years ago in school corridors and local hangouts. First meeting at Gaelcholaiste Luinmigh, in Limerick city, the four friends realised their shared love of music and began to play together. Their progression through the years, from experimenting at home to a fully formed band, reflects both dedication and a shared sense of purpose. Over time, the group has navigated the challenges of balancing everyday life with their growing ambitions, turning early camaraderie into a driving force that fuels their rise within Limerick’s arts and culture scene.
More than just a band, Street People are part of a growing wave of artists breathing life into Limerick’s live music scene. From performing around the city at venues such as the Commercial and Pharmacia, they have successfully built a strong following through word of mouth and electrifying performances. Fans have come to expect nothing less than show-stopping instrumentals and wild, limb-flailing enthusiasm when attending their shows. ‘Our songs are a bit weird sometimes. ‘If I had to describe our sound, I’d say we’re halfway between Billy Joel and South Garden with a bit of Queen mixed in.’ said Paul McElhinney, the lead guitarist, when I asked him to put into words how the band sounds.
As their reputation continues to grow, the lads are showing no sign of slowing down. With new tunes in production and plans to showcase their talents outside of Limerick, the band are determined to keep building on the momentum they’ve created. ‘We have a bunch of cool things in the pipeline for our future, we’re making an album once we record a few more songs,’ Cullen Toal, the bassist, told me in an interview.
For young musicians across Limerick, Street People have become a reminder that the city’s stages are there to be claimed. Their continued rise shows what can happen when local talent is nurtured, supported, and celebrated. With every performance, they’re not just entertaining the crowds; they’re inspiring the next generation of artists and performers to chase the same crazy dream.
For those eager to experience Street People in their element, the band will take to the stage in Dolan’s, Limerick city, on November 16th, where they open for The Smithereens, another young and exciting band on the rise, for a night of music and energy that promises to be an unforgettable encounter for all involved. It’s a chance to see one of Limerick’s most exciting rising acts up close and personal, a group whose passion for exceptional performance continues to captivate the spirit of the city’s historic music scene.