The Tossers formed on Chicago's South Side in the early '90s, predating such popular Irish punk bands as
the Dropkick Murphys and
Flogging Molly. Comprising members
Mike Pawula (guitar),
T. Duggins (vocals, mandolin),
Aaron Duggins (tin whistle),
Dan Shaw (bass),
Bones (drums), Rebecca Manthe (violin), and
Clayton Hansen (banjo), the seven-piece band blends Celtic rock, punk, pub singalongs, traditional folk, and a tangible love of beer.
The Tossers released four albums --
We'll Never Be Sober Again (1996),
Long Dim Road (2000),
Communication & Conviction: Last Seven Years (2001), and
Purgatory (2003) -- before signing to the sizable indie label Victory Records, with whose backing they issued
The Valley of the Shadow of Death in 2005 and Agony in 2007. After touring alongside groups like
Shane MacGowan,
Stiff Little Fingers,
Dropkick Murphys, and
Murphy's Law,
the Tossers showcased their own energetic live act with 2008's Live on St. Patricks Day.
–
Kenyon Hopkin, Rovi