Folk-metal doesn't usually conjure images of Olympic rowers, but here we are.
The Scratch are bringing their high-voltage folk-metal sound back to Australia in April 2026, touring in support of their new album Pull Like A Dog. The Dublin four-piece hit Corner Hotel on 9 April before heading to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth across a four-date national run.
The album title comes from an unexpectedly brilliant piece of sports commentary. Irish Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan were asked about their race strategy in a 2016 interview and responded with close your eyes and pull like a dog. The phrase took on a life of its own, becoming shorthand for the straightforward determination needed to tackle just about anything. For The Scratch, it captures the mindset behind their second album, scheduled for release on 6 March 2026 via Sony Music Ireland.
The Scratch
- 9 April, Corner Hotel, Melbourne
- 10 April, Crowbar, Sydney
- 11 April, Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
- 12 April, Rosemount Hotel, Perth
- Tickets here
Check out our gig guide here.
The band’s previous album Mind Yourself hit number one on the Irish vinyl charts in 2023 and landed at number three on the IRMA weekly album chart. It scored a nomination for Irish Album of the Year at The Choice Music Prize and earned the group an appearance on The Late Late Show, Ireland’s top-rating television program. Their music recently featured in Netflix drama series House of Guinness from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
The Scratch spent recent months on the road supporting Dropkick Murphys across the United States and filling out festival slots throughout Europe. They also supported Dermot Kennedy during his Australian run and performed at the UK’s Download Festival. The band features Conor Dockery, Cathal McKenna, Daniel Lang and Gary Regan.
BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 have thrown support behind The Scratch’s material, helping build their profile beyond Irish borders. The April 2026 Australian tour follows their previous visit supporting Kennedy, bringing the four-piece back to venues including Melbourne’s Corner Hotel and Sydney’s Crowbar.
Presale access runs through 19-20 November before general tickets become available on 21 November. Presented by Troubadour.
For more information, head here.
