Marc Gunn doesn't just sing drinking songs—he summons them, with the swagger of a bard and the soul of a storyteller. Armed with an autoharp and a rebel yell, he electrifies Celtic folk music with a blast of rock energy and rhythm & blues fire.
Gunn cut his teeth on Irish drinking songs at Renaissance festivals, where he learned that the key to a great show isn’t just the music — it’s the joy you unleash in the crowd. Inspired by Elvis Presley’s command to “put on a show,” Marc turns every gig into a raucous, heartfelt celebration. Expect clapping, singing, laughter—and maybe a few tears if the whiskey hits right.
But this isn’t your granddad’s Celtic music. Marc blends the rich traditions of Irish and Scottish folk with the mythic worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, and Firefly. His songs aren’t just about characters — they’re about us. Love, loss, rebellion, laughter, and hope — set to tunes that demand a raised glass and a chorus of voices.
Marc Gunn’s journey began with a bold choice: wearing a kilt across the campus of the University of Texas. That single act of rebellion hinted at what was to come. As one half of the Brobdingnagian Bards, alongside Andrew McKee, Gunn built a cult following through daily campus shows that quickly grew into appearances at Celtic festivals, Renaissance faires, and sci-fi conventions—where their geek-folk fusion caught fire.
When the Bards parted ways in 2008, Gunn didn’t slow down—he hit warp speed. Trading Austin for the open road, he poured his creative energy into solo work, releasing more than 25 albums (and counting) under his independent Mage Records label. Fan-favorite releases include Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits, Firefly Drinking Songs, Scottish Songs of Drinking & Rebellion, and Sci Fi Drinking Songs. Altogether, his catalog spans over 50 albums of wildly imaginative, fiercely independent music.
His latest release, Come Adventure With Me, continues the journey. Inspired by the word “selcouth”—something strange and wonderful—it captures Gunn’s signature blend of Celtic tradition and speculative storytelling. It’s music made for wanderers and weirdos, rebels and romantics, inspired by Firefly, Lord of the Rings and Celtic culture.
In 2014, Gunn launched the Gunn Runners Club on Patreon, inviting fans to directly support his musical adventures. He saw what was coming: the old music industry was fading, and the new one would be powered by real connection—artist to audience. He’s been ahead of the curve ever since.
But Marc Gunn isn’t just a performer—he’s a builder. In 2005, he transformed his Celtic Music Magazine into one of the first-ever music podcasts. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast has become a global hub for indie folk, winning four Podcast Awards for Best Music Podcast (most recently in 2022) and reaching millions of ears across the world.
And because adventure calls louder than applause, Gunn created Celtic Invasion Vacations—small-group travel experiences that dive deep into the history, culture, and legends of Celtic nations. Inspired by childhood D&D sessions and life-changing travel (like when his mom moved to Italy in 1985), Gunn now leads fellow adventurers across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and beyond.
Marc Gunn is not just surviving the new era of music—he’s shaping it. With an autoharp in hand, a bard’s soul, and an innovator’s mind, he’s charting the path from verse to virtual, past to present, tradition to transformation.
If you’re a fan of fandom, if you crave a community singalong with soul, or if you just want a damn good time with a Celtic twist, Marc Gunn is your man.
Listen…
Requirements
- For the performance: microphone, mic stand, DI
- Hotel for each night of the event
- Travel expenses
- Table to sell CDs
Promotion
- Click the link to download large photos.
- Stage Plot / Technical Rider (19 KB)
- Past venues.
Watch
How Much Does It Cost?
There are always a bunch of variables when booking Marc Gunn.
- Base Cost = Daily rate + travel + hotel (if needed)
Per day could be as little as 1 show or multiple. If you want me to join you, that's where we start. This number can go up or down depending on these variables:
- How far is the event from Atlanta, Georgia
- How many people will attend the event?
- How many days do you want booked?
- How many shows will I perform?
- Will the venue will be good for selling CDs or not?
- What gear will I need to bring?
I can also perform as a duo with either drum or fiddle or as a trio with drum and fiddle.
