by Melissa Komar
Although the Chicago-based Celtic punk band has been rockin’ out and spreading the Irish-American experience through music for over twenty years, The Tossers are still going strong and there’s more to come.
When I caught up with lead vocalist Tony Duggins, he was at his son’s Spanish class. While music is still a priority for the current line-up of Tony Duggins, Aaron Duggins, Mike Pawula, Rebecca Manthe, Bones, and Peter Muschong, life has intervened over the past two decades with family and other projects being added to the already hectic schedule of touring and music-making.
“We haven’t been hitting it as hard,” Duggins jokes when asked how they’ve managed to keep from burning out over such a long career. Their passion keeps them motivated as well. “This is what we do. We play music. We belt them out and then just sit and have a drink.”
They’ve belted songs out with the best over the years, touring and appearing together with fellow Celtic punk bands Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. Although The Tossers pre-date both bands by a couple of years, Duggins sees them as inspirational.
“They are absolutely still paving the way for us. They are huge. We’ve been lucky to tour with them.”
The Tossers, although sometimes easily lumped into the same category, try to stick completely to folk music, specifically Irish folk music Duggins admitted. The band has released eight albums, with their latest, Emerald City, debuting last March. Listeners can definitely expect another album in the future, but there is no rush.
“We have a couple of new songs we’ve been working on. We’re going to take our time to get good material together before we release the next album,” Duggins reveals.
So, how does a Celtic punk band celebrate St. Patty’s Day? Performing, of course. “It’s just getting ready for gigs,” Duggins says.
Currently, The Tossers are on their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade tour. Through back some whiskey and join them in Philly in what promises to be insane party with tin whistles, fiddles, and drums, this Saturday, March 8 at 8pm at The Legendary Dobbs.
Duggins is excited to be back in the City of Brotherly love sharing, “It’s one of the best towns we play in. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone. Cheers!”
