Fresh off their North American tour in the fall of 2024, Celtic punk The Rumjacks have announced their next big move: a new single, “An Irish Goodbye on St. Valentine’s Day”. This track, accompanied by a music video, is the second teaser for their highly anticipated sixth album, set for release in early 2025 under the FOUR FOUR label. Following the successful drop of “Come Hell or High Water”, The Rumjacks’ latest offering promises more of the intense storytelling and raucous energy that fans have come to love.
With the release of these new singles, it’s clear that the Sydney-born-and-bred band has evolved over time while holding onto their signature loud, high-energy, party-time essence. For a band that’s been rocking the scene for 17 years, it’s natural to see some growth, but the heart of The Rumjacks’ sound – raw Celtic punk – remains intact. This consistency has been evident across their five studio albums, two live albums, and numerous EPs and singles. Their best-known track, “An Irish Pub Song”, continues to resonate with fans old and new, boasting over 91 million views on YouTube alone.
The song’s narrative centers around a failed romance. According to lead singer Mike Rivkees, it’s about “a couple that can’t seem to make it work”. The story plays out on Valentine’s Day, with a boyfriend showing up late to a bar, only to find his partner done with his excuses. Rivkees explains, “He goes to the bathroom after ripping a few shots, and she heads out the door”. The lyrics, like “Now I’m standing here in the freezing rain / and you’re already home / And I only showed up to this place so I wouldn’t die alone”, paint a vivid picture of heartbreak and bad timing.
The new album, which is still under wraps, follows their 2021 release “Hestia“, praised by Kerrang! as “the complete package” filled with raw emotion, social critique, and gripping tales. The upcoming LP was recorded in Asbury Park, New Jersey, with co-production by Rivkees and Pete Steinkopf, a founding member of The Bouncing Souls known for his work with artists like The Menzingers and Brian Fallon.
As they gear up for 2025, The Rumjacks have also revealed plans for an extensive UK and European tour, along with a confirmed spot at the Red Bridge Festival in Quebec next June. It’s shaping up to be a year where The Rumjacks keep the Celtic punk flame burning bright.
Catch the new single and stay tuned for tour dates at therumjacks.com/shows.
Tour Dates 2025
31/01 - Florence, Italy @ VHS Club
01/02 - Mantova, Italy @ Acri Tom Club
02/02 - Milan, Italy @ Legend Club
04/02 - Barcelona, Spain @ Sala Upload
05/02 - Valencia, Spain @ 16 Toneladas
06/02 - Madrid, Spain @ Gruta 77
07/02 - Santiago de Compostela, Spain @ Sala Malatesta
08/02 - Oviedo, Spain @ Cerveceria GONG
09/02 - Bilbao, Spain @ Zorrotzako Gaztetxea
26/02 - Hannover, Germany @ MusikZentrum
27/02 - Antwerp, Belgium @ TRIX
28/02 - Parthenay, France @ DIFF’ART
01/03 - Tarbes, France @ La Gespe
04/03 - Munich, Germany @ Backstage Club
05/03 - Zurich, Switzerland @ Dynamo
07/03 - Vienna, Austria @ Flex
08/03 - Prague, Czech Republic @ Lucerna Music Bar
09/03 - Warsaw, Poland @ Klub Proxima
10/03 - Dresden, Germany @ Beatpol
11/03 - Hamburg, Germany @ Logo
13/03 - Berlin, Germany @ SO36
14/03 - Cologne, Germany @ Luxor
15/03 - Paris, France @ Le Trianon
16/03 - Frankfurt, Germany @ Das Bett
17/03 - Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg
