Band to go Hell For Leather in Russia

The Siege of Ennis is set to replace the polka as a band from Co Cork prepares to encourage Russians to wet the shamrock.

And, unlike the worldwide exodus of ministers to celebrate the patron saint’s day, it won’t cost the taxpayer a cent.

Oleg Konstantin, the Russian owner of a bar in the city of Belgorod — 600 miles from Moscow — tracked down the four-piece band Hell for Leather after hearing an album.

He liked Hell for Leather’s music so much he invited the outfit to show his customers a good time, Irish style. “We’re determined to have them dancing at the crossroads,” said singer Michael Carey from Ladysbridge.

Both he and fellow band members Kenneth Landers (Carrigtwohill), Peter O’Keeffe (Lisgoold) and Richard Carey (Dripsey) play Irish trad, folk and rock which they hope will propel the masses of the Russian city into a frenzy of Irishness. “We’re determined to get them to dance the Siege of Ennis, and if we have to get off the stage to show them how it’s done, that’s exactly what we’ll do,” Michael added.

The lads, aged in their 20s and 30s, will fly out today to Amsterdam and then on to Moscow. From there, they will driven to Belgorod to play three gigs.

“With a name like Hell For Leather, we aim to give as much energy and passion to our gigs and the Irish music as possible,” Richard said.

The band is popular in Munster, but to get a gig on the Russian circuit was beyond their wildest dreams. “The upcoming trip to Russia came about from a query that was made to the Claycastle Recording Studio in Youghal. We recorded an album there called Lamping Rabbits and the studio was contacted by the bar owner as a result,” Richard added.

“It’s great and we are really looking forward to it. The Russians like to party like we do and the bar has imported furniture from all over Ireland and Irish whiskey,” Michael said.