The Guzzlers got fired from a ferry gig for drinking too much, so they wrote a song about it. That is the origin story of “20 Pints To Cherbourg,” the debut single from Limerick-born, Liverpool-based brothers Tom and Cian O’Dowd, and it tells you everything you need to know about what this duo is built from. Listen here.
The single is a lively, authentic shanty born on the Dublin to Cherbourg ferry where the brothers were employed playing Irish songs for passengers. One particularly riotous trip, too many pints and a near miss making the boat back, became the song. As the brothers put it: “Some bands write heartbreak songs, we wrote one about drinking 20 pints. It’s all related to love.”
The release came loaded with a campaign of live performances at their favourite pubs, playing a different Liverpool venue every day for 20 days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, closing with a special night at The Jacaranda. They are now running the same campaign across Glasgow. Check their Instagram for locations and catch them at a pub near you.
The Guzzlers’ Liverpool rise has been fast and earned. Busking outside Irish bars led to residencies inside them, then stages at The Jacaranda, The Cavern Club, and The Philharmonic. They supported local legend Ian Prowse, landed a residency playing Anfield for arriving Liverpool FC fans, and guested alongside The Highstool Prophets at Liverpool Academy in January.
In December they entered the studio with producer Jon Withnall (Coldplay, Rihanna, Echo and the Bunnymen) and emerged with ‘Drinking The Dream’, a debut album packed with autobiographical songs rooted in Irish folk tradition but carrying their own unmistakable charm. The album arrives this Autumn, with further singles throughout the year and a run of December shows to close it out.
December Tour Dates:
December 11: Liverpool @ O2 Academy (with The Highstool Prophets)
December 12: London @ Shepherds Bush Empire (with The Highstool Prophets)
December 13: Manchester @ O2 Ritz (with The Highstool Prophets)

