Modena City Ramblers

In 1991 the Modena City Ramblers first assembled as an informal ensemble whose sole aim was to amuse relatives and acquaintances with Irish folk songs. Frequent jam sessions soon prompted the group to compose original material, drawing inspiration from Celtic-tinged acts such as the Pogues and the Waterboys. Two years after their debut, the band captured its first demo tape, Combat Folk. The recording mixed punk-inflected Irish folk numbers with Italian resistance ballads and ultimately moved more than 3,000 copies, generating widespread grassroots attention across Italy. Independent label Helter Skelter signed the Ramblers, and their debut album, Riportando Tutto a Casa, appeared in 1994. Later licensed to Mercury, the record ultimately sold 185,000 units. In the ensuing period the Modena City Ramblers solidified their standing as an electrifying live unit, touring extensively throughout Europe alongside the Chieftains and Irish rock vocalist Bob Geldof. Their second album, La Grande Famiglia, matched the commercial performance of its predecessor, after which Terra e Liberta ushered in a phase of international exposure that included concerts in Bolivia, Spain, Cuba, and additional countries. The band’s progressive political outlook led to alliances with like-minded artists such as Manu Chao and appearances at events including the Independent Days Festival in Bologna and the Awesome Africa Festival in South Africa. Their 2002 release Radio Rebelde brought further offers to play in Algeria, the Czech Republic, Amsterdam, and Mexico. Issued in 2004, Viva la Vida! Viva la Muerte!—a phrase drawn from Zapatista leaders—entered the Italian Top Ten and paved the way for a 120-city tour. Today the Modena City Ramblers remain fixtures of both the Italian rock circuit and the broader leftist musical community.