The Scratch
Four acoustic guitars played like a metal band: Dublin lads with thrash in their hands, trad in their bones and a filthy sense of humour.
Where to see The Scratch
- All Out Festival: The Scratch, Gurriers & SprintsTickets
- Y Not? On the billTicketsOn sale Nov 14
About The Scratch
The Scratch is a folk metal band from Dublin, Ireland.
The Scratch formed in Perrystown, Dublin, in 2016, when three members of the metal band Red Enemy, Jordan O'Leary, Daniel Lang and Conor Dockery, regrouped as an acoustic outfit and were joined by bassist Cathal McKenna. The metal and hardcore backgrounds stayed audible even after the electric guitars were swapped out.
Two or three acoustic guitars work at once, one holding a riff while another picks out a reel or jig figure over the top, with percussion and vocals arriving in bursts rather than running through every track. A good portion of the set is instrumental.
Their debut album, Couldn't Give a Rats, came out in 2020, followed by Mind Yourself in 2023, which was nominated for the Choice Music Prize. Bassist Peter Keogh, an original member, left in 2022 and was replaced by McKenna.
Jordan O'Leary departed the band in December 2024 after eight years and was replaced on guitar by Gary Regan. Live, the band talks between songs as much as it plays, and the slagging and storytelling remain as much a part of a Scratch set as the tunes.
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Questions about The Scratch
What festivals is The Scratch playing in 2027?
The Scratch is booked at 1 festival we cover: Y Not? 2027.
Is The Scratch on tour?
Yes. The Scratch has 7 shows listed, from Zürich, Switzerland on Nov 30, 2026 to London, UK on Feb 5, 2027, plus 1 festival on the page above.
Is The Scratch playing Y Not? 2027?
Yes, The Scratch is on the Y Not? 2027 lineup, July 29 – August 1, 2027 at Pikehall, Derbyshire, UK.
Where is The Scratch from?
The Scratch is from Dublin, Ireland.
Who is in The Scratch?
The Scratch is Conor Dockery (guitar, background vocals), Daniel Lang (lead vocals, percussion), Cathal McKenna (bass, background vocals) and Gary Regan (guitar, background vocals). Former members include Peter Keogh and Jordan O’Leary.
What was The Scratch's first album?
The Scratch's first album was Couldn't Give a Rats (2020). The latest is Pull Like a Dog (2026).
What kind of music does The Scratch play?
The Scratch plays folk metal, acoustic and Irish.
What festivals has The Scratch played before?
The Scratch has played Electric Picnic 2026.