The Legend of The McCools
How it happened...
The three McCools came together when their own musical journeys led them to a chance meeting. After Paul stomped through the clubs and back streets of the late-'80s punk and indie scene from D.C. to NYC's CBGB, Brian bummed around the So-Cal ska scene from Long Beach to the Bay Area, and James rambled the dusty byways and highways from the Midwest to Greenwich Village, they found themselves in a smoky dive bar with an Irish name in Philly's Great Northeast.
It was that night, over some poorly poured pints of Guinness and a shanty band playing tunes in the back corner by the ATM, that they realized they shared a common love of Irish music, good beer, and properly scheduled shenanigans. They decided to get together and do something about it.
After a short 20-year stint in Birmingham, they are now out there playing music together. They perform traditional and popular Irish/Celtic songs while also bringing in tunes from their various influences, all done in their own unique acoustic style. The McCools are a fun and lively trio ready to entertain at pubs, parties, and anywhere looking for a good time!
The people behind the music
James (Breslin) McCool
GUITAR & Vocals
James was influenced by a heavy dose of Classic Rock, Folk, Country, and Irish Music in his youth. Mix it all together and this is what you get.
Brian (Kelly) McCool
Cajon and Percussion
Brian has been influenced by everything from Rock to Ska to Irish music. He's played various types of drums over the years ranging from acoustic to electric. Whether it's a traditional sit-down set , a stand -up cocktail kit, or even just a block of wood (Cajon) , he'll enjoy pounding it.
Paul (Wiese) McCool
Mandolin, Banjo, & Vocals
Bio
Droopy McCool
Spirit & Encouragement
A Musician from the planet Kirdo III, best known as the chindinkalu flute player for the Max Rebo Band. After surviving the explosion of Jabba's Sail Barge, he found himself slumming around with these guys.
Rooted in tradition, and we go from there...
The McCools come together from different backgrounds and influences to perform a variety of music with a Celtic flair and an energetic, yet soulful, performance. Playing folk, Irish, Shanty-Punk, Alt-folk, Folk-Punk, and whatever we feel like doing at that moment. It’s 2026. Let’s get weird.
Come find us live
The only way to really understand what The McCools do is to be in the room when it happens.