Whelanslive.com in assoc. with O’Haras presents
Dublin Blues Roots & Brass Fest
featuring
XANDER & THE PEACE PIRATES
Whelan’s Main Venue • Thur 31st July 2025
Keith and Stu Xander were discovered on YouTube by former Gibson Brands CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. During their subsequent performances for the company at numerous international events from LA to Dubai, the band caught the attention of not just an ever-growing collective of fans but also industry legends such as Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Rolling Stones) and Rick Allen (Def Leppard).
Defying all expectations, lead singer and guitarist Keith Xander was born without a right arm below the elbow and plays his guitar using a prosthesis and hook with a pick attached at the end. Although many who have seen Keith play believe him to be an extraordinary guitarist in light of his perceived ‘disability’, he is a virtuoso musician in his own right and his playing rivals the best in the industry.
The group had a five-year tenure as the resident house band at Liverpool’s iconic Cavern Club and later went on to support the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, The Temperance Movement, ex-Whitesnake’s Bernie Marsden and even Bon Jovi at Mancheter United’s Old Trafford Stadium.
In 2016, Xander & The Peace Pirates released their debut album, titled 11:11, on V2 Benelux Records. They recorded at the world-famous Wisseloord studios in Hilversum, outside of Amsterdam. The album went on to receive broad critical acclaim, with Classic Rock writing, “The novelty of frontman Keith Xander’s guitar approach – he lodges a plectrum in the hook of his prosthetic arm – is soon overshadowed by this band’s convincing splice of soul, blues and country.” BBC Radio 2’s Whispering Bob Harris shared, “This band are just awesome, and take me right back to my OGWT days.”
Their highly anticipated second album – Order Out of Chaos – was released in May 2022 and received glowing praise and attention from Guitar World, Total Rock Radio and Blues Rock Review. The footprint became global, and discovery continues to expand broadly on a month-to-month basis.
With haunting riffs, uniquely innovative melodies and an infectious on-stage charisma, Xander & The Peace Pirates continue to share their musical passion to standing ovations across the world, while spreading a universal message of peace, love and harmony. As Manfred Mann offered, “They are really very unusual, but most importantly, they are very good!”
“This band are just awesome and take me right back to my OGWT days.” – Whispering Bob Harris – BBC RADIO 2
“This guy is not only inspiring but lovely too!”. – Rick Allen (Def Leppard)
CONNECT
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TICKETS
€12 Early Bird / €15 General admission
Advanced tickets are available online from Whelan’s – €1 per ticket service charge applies.
Strictly over 18′s, I.D. may be required
AFTER THE GIG
Whelan’s Silent Disco from 10:30pm – 2 DJs, just pick the one you like best (€5 cover charge), plus Late Bar