Band Bio

Having formed nearly twelve years ago, The Druids have become an intrinsic part of the Irish Folk Scene. Winners of the Best Live Act at the 2017 Irish Folk Awards, regular tours throughout Europe and the United States and an ever-growing but extremely loyal fan base, the band continue to go from strength to strength. 

2020 signalled a new era for The Druids. With the addition of Gary O’Brien and Denis Moran, along with the old guard of Zak Moran, Gary Lawlor and Mick O’Brien, the band has developed a new look and a new sound.

Although Covid-19 brought a devastating halt to the live music scene worldwide, the band have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, together when it was safe to do so but separately when guidelines dictated, and are now more than ready to bring their new show to music fans around the world.

Scroll down to find out a bit more about the band members......

Zak is the youngest member of the band, but this in no way means he lacks any musical experience. Working as a musician since the tender age of 11, he played his first gig with The Druids at just 13 years old. He is passionate about Irish music but can turn his hand to any genre. He has been a full-time member of the band since 2018, and as well as being a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist he has also taken on responsibility for song arrangements. A supremely gifted musician, Zak commands the respect of his peers up and down the country. When he is not touring with The Druids he can be found gigging in Dublin’s Temple Bar, world renowned for its live music scene.

Zak is the youngest member of the band, but this in no way means he lacks any musical experience. Working as a musician since the tender age of 11, he played his first gig with The Druids at just 13 years old. He is passionate about Irish music but can turn his hand to any genre. He has been a full-time member of the band since 2018, and as well as being a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist he has also taken on responsibility for song arrangements. A supremely gifted musician, Zak commands the respect of his peers up and down the country. When he is not touring with The Druids he can be found gigging in Dublin’s Temple Bar, world renowned for its live music scene.

As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Denis is a drummer of note. He is an uncle of Zak’s so it’s fair to say musical talent runs deep in the Moran family. Denis has played in many bands over the years including The Highway Men with Gary O'Brien’s father, and Emerald with Gary himself. Denis brings years of experience, along with passion and commitment to the band.

As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Denis is a drummer of note. He is an uncle of Zak’s so it’s fair to say musical talent runs deep in the Moran family. Denis has played in many bands over the years including The Highway Men with Gary O'Brien’s father, and Emerald with Gary himself. Denis brings years of experience, along with passion and commitment to the band.

Musical families seem to be a theme for The Druids band members! Gary also comes from good musical stock; his father Colm is a very well-known Kildare balladeer. Gary has studied music at 3rd level and can no doubt read the dots. Previously, he played in bands with both Gary Lawlor and Zak, before forming the highly successful Emerald with Denis. Playing on and off with The Druids down the years, it was inevitable that he would join the band at some point. As well as being a talented singer Gary can play guitar, bass, harmonica, whistles, banjo and mandolin. He brings a plethora of talent to the group.

Musical families seem to be a theme for The Druids band members! Gary also comes from good musical stock; his father Colm is a very well-known Kildare balladeer. Gary has studied music at 3rd level and can no doubt read the dots. Previously, he played in bands with both Gary Lawlor and Zak, before forming the highly successful Emerald with Denis. Playing on and off with The Druids down the years, it was inevitable that he would join the band at some point. As well as being a talented singer Gary can play guitar, bass, harmonica, whistles, banjo and mandolin. He brings a plethora of talent to the group.

Mick is one of the founding members of the band. Originally from Ballycanew in Co. Wexford, but now living in Newbridge, Mick has been around the block in terms of music. He has travelled the world with many groups and has developed his own style of storytelling. A vital part of The Druids show, his audience interaction is second to none. At home on stage, the ease with which he captivates an audience comes from years of experience and a genuine love of Irish songs and culture. When he’s not carrying out his role as front man of the band Mick can be heard on Sine É, the world’s longest running Irish Folk Music radio show.

Mick is one of the founding members of the band. Originally from Ballycanew in Co. Wexford, but now living in Newbridge, Mick has been around the block in terms of music. He has travelled the world with many groups and has developed his own style of storytelling. A vital part of The Druids show, his audience interaction is second to none. At home on stage, the ease with which he captivates an audience comes from years of experience and a genuine love of Irish songs and culture. When he’s not carrying out his role as front man of the band Mick can be heard on Sine É, the world’s longest running Irish Folk Music radio show.

Gary is another band member who comes from a long line of musical talent. His father Mick Lawlor is a well-regarded musician in Kildare and beyond. Gary has been described as one of the leading and most powerful singers on the Irish music circuit and it is without doubt a justified description. He is the engine room of the band with an amazing vocal range and a natural stage presence. Gary’s voice can mesmerize an audience into complete silence one minute or send them in to a n uncontrollable frenzy the next. He brings a raw emotion to the songs he sings, and listeners hang on his every word. He is a founding member of The Druids and integral part of the line-up.

Gary is another band member who comes from a long line of musical talent. His father Mick Lawlor is a well-regarded musician in Kildare and beyond. Gary has been described as one of the leading and most powerful singers on the Irish music circuit and it is without doubt a justified description. He is the engine room of the band with an amazing vocal range and a natural stage presence. Gary’s voice can mesmerize an audience into complete silence one minute or send them in to a n uncontrollable frenzy the next. He brings a raw emotion to the songs he sings, and listeners hang on his every word. He is a founding member of The Druids and integral part of the line-up.