IRELAND’S Half Arsed Half Biscuit perform the songs of English folk-punk legends Half Man Half Biscuit. They are a tribute band, sort of – although Birkenhead’s finest Half Man Half Biscuit are unlikely to ever come to Ireland for reasons that are their own, Half Arsed Half Biscuit say they, “prefer to think of themselves as proxies, emissaries, evangelists if you like. Preaching to the converted and hopefully converting the converts’ girlfriend, boyfriend or mate from work.”
Earlier that evening at 7pm, with thanks to Culture Night 2024 and Limerick City & County Council Arts Office, there’ll be a FREE walk-on-in performance featuring some HMHB favourites and some tunes you might be less likely to hear at a rowdy gig.
Half who? You say …..
Half Man Half Biscuit (HMHB) isn’t your typical indie rock band—they’re the cult heroes of Birkenhead, England, who have been dishing out biting, offbeat humour wrapped in post-punk rhythms since 1984. Led by Nigel Blackwell’s deadpan vocals and Neil Crossley’s steady basslines, HMHB stands out for their ability to turn mundane British life into absurdist anthems that hit harder than a late-night pub debate.
Their debut album, Back in the DHSS (1985), was an unexpected indie chart-topper, proving that their unique cocktail of caustic wit and lo-fi charm resonated deeply with those tired of mainstream gloss. Tracks like “Trumpton Riots” and the indie cult-classic ‘All I Want for Christmas is a Dukla Prague Away Kit’ didn’t just showcase their knack for obscure cultural digs—they became soundtracks for a generation of listeners craving something smarter, stranger, and far funnier than what was on the radio.
Despite a fiercely loyal following, HMHB never sought mainstream fame. Over the decades, Blackwell and Crossley have continued to churn out albums that mix wry commentary on everything from sports to soap operas, never losing their razor-sharp edge. They’ve perfected the art of being underground icons, and can claim to have their own tribute band / evangelists based right here in Limerick led by local punkster Niall Quinn (The Hitchers/Themetune Boy) who has shared the stage and made a guest appearance in the original HMHB.
