The Biffos were formed in March of 2007. Immediately following, they released their debut album, "Suffering Is Optional" on St. Patrick's Day. The band is comprised of past members of O'Carroll's Gate and the Keltic Cowboys. Fronted by singer/songwriter Brian O'Carroll (Guitar, Vocals), the band features Robyn Fisher (Fiddle), Rich Merriman (Upright Bass), and Tony Maslowicz (Drums). As of January, 2008, proud father Tony is taking a leave of absence to enjoy the beginning months of his new baby girl. We are pleased to announce that The McMorrows' drummer, Ryan Bowman, will be filling in until Tony returns.

 

If you've never seen The Biffos they are a must see! Not only are they huge in the local Irish music scene, but also the entire Arizona music scene. With covers of U2, Steve Earle and The Pouges, The Biffos really gets things rockin' with audience participation.

And what exactly can you expect to do at a Biffos show?

You may have preconceived notions of an Irish band and an Irish show, but the band's skilfully blessed fiddle player points out that there is more to the Irish scene than just drinking. "It's a social atmosphere that is not so based on who you are or what you look like," Robyn explains.

Some of the more popular originals that you will hear at The Biffos show include "Sound of a Gun", "Chasing, Running, Stop," and the most popular Biffos song to date, "The Ballad of John Malone." 

Indeed, people do get excited at the shows. I have witnessed everything from dancing on tables to drinking games being played during the tunes.

So, whether you are looking for a great band to get you up and dancing or maybe some responsible drinking time shared with friends, The Biffos show should be highlighted and circled several times on your list of things to do. Please feel free to buy the band a round or two.

 		  

 

 

Brian O’Carroll

Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboard

 

Brian O’Carroll is one of Phoenix’s most talented and diverse performers. Brian's skill as a song writer cannot be exaggerated. The lyrics of each song has a story which reflect the tone of the music. Brian manages to express his distinct style while avoiding the common problem of having every song sounding the same. He has been a prominent member of the bands Black Ashling, The Keltic Cowboys, Carroll Macgreggor, and as a successful Soloist has been voted Entertainer of the Year, Soloist of the Year, and Nominated for Songwriter of the Year in Arizona as well as being featured in Billboard Magazine, Dirty Linen, Soundboard, The Village Voice as well as many local publications.

 

Brian has also spent several years touring America, Canada, Europe, South America and Japan and has shared the stage with Ray Manzerak, Maura O’Connell, The Young Dubliners, The Monkees, Rock Salt and Nails and performed at three Fiesta Bowls and The NFL Experience for Super Bowl Thirty.

  

 

 

Robyn Fisher

Electric & Classic Fiddle, Vocals

 

Robyn Fisher grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She was first taught violin by her grandmother and plays with one of the violins given to her with The Biffos. Her brother, Richard Alwyn, is a singer, songwriter currently living in New York. The majority of Robyn's musical training was in classical music, from solo/ensemble to symphonic literature. She was awarded Outstanding Senior Performer in Strings at Central Missouri State University.

 

Robyn has been concertmaster of at least one group at every school she has attended and she is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music fraternity for women. In 1995 Robyn moved to Phoenix to attend ASU, and was introduced to the Irish music scene. Of all the musical groups Robyn has performed with, she cannot think of one she enjoys as much as The Biffos.

 

 

 

Rich Merriman

Bass Guitar


Rich has not indulged us with any information about his past.  Every time we ask him about it he just walks away humming the theme song from The Quick and the Dead.

 

  

 

 

Tony Maslowicz

Percussion, Vocals


A native of the British Isles, Tony grew up playing drums in various London-based rock bands. After moving to the USA he began listening and playing various forms of Irish music. In the mid-1990's he became one of the founding members of the original Keltic Cowboys. It was here that he first encountered Brian O'Carroll. After numerous high-jinx and adventures they went their separate ways. A chance encounter recently brought Tony into The Biffos where he's already starting to feel very much at home.

 

Over the years Tony has played hundreds of shows including Lollapalooza, The Fiesta Bowl and the famous Molly Malones in LA. He has shared the stage with both The Young Dubliners and Flogging Molly amongst many others.