The Punters are Atlantic Canada's rising roots-driven machine. Stem to stern, their powerfully eclectic sound and full throttle stage show has 'em hopping from Newfoundland to New York and beyond.

The Punters-Patrick Moran (fiddle, guitar & vocals) and Larry Foley (vocals, guitars & mandolin)-meld their extensive backgrounds in blues, rock, and traditional music to forge a niche in the current East Coast sound that's theirs and theirs alone. This band crosses borders with every chord change.

Having quickly garnered a following and a reputation for filling houses and rocking festival crowds on the homefront, The Punters released their debut independent CD in December of 1995. An attention grabbing showcase at the 1996 ECMA led the band into a year of touring throughout Atlantic and Western Canada, including a WA-HOO showcase at COCA National in Edmonton.

Meanwhile, the band is no stranger to television. Appearances include: CBC's Wicked Night Out, House Band for NF and Lab Arts Council Awards Show, Open Mike with Mike Bullard, Vicki Gabereau, several features on MuchEast (thanks, Mike!), CTV's W5, a feature on YTV, ASN's Breakfast Television and many A&E segments on Newfoundland's NTV and CBC news.

At summer's end The Punters, along with The Irish Descendants, represented Canada at The Lincoln Centre in New York City. While in the Big Apple both bands, along with Great Big Sea, also appeared at The Bottom Line, the famous cabaret in Greenwich Village.

Beginning in January 1997, The Punters, along with producer Dave Panting, embarked upon a six month journey toward the production of their second CD. Recorded at First City Productions in St. John's, and mastered by Chad Irschick at Inception Sound in Toronto, said she couldn't dance... and the first single, Reena, was released in St. John's on June 25th and in Halifax on July 8th.

During the recording process the band continued to develop their live stage show, and test the new material, with appearances at such high-profile events as the 1997 East Coast Music Awards, and the Hibernia Towout Gala with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. The Summer of '97 (Newfoundland's 500th since John Cabot landed on our shores), found The Punters staying close to home (closing over 20 festivals and special events). They also toured the Maritimes, received rave reviews from their appearance at the Quebec City International Summer Festival, and were featured at such international events as the Conference of Learned Societies.

*The above is from Fred's Records. It has been edited for content and length. *

This summer past The Punters signed on with New Brunswick based independent label, Loggerhead Records. That same summer saw the re-release of said she couldn't dance... through Loggerhead and a 5-week cross Canada tour to promote the record. They are now in the midst of recording their 3rd CD slated for release sometime in July 1999.

Update - August 14, 1999
The Punters have recently gone through a major member change. In May Bob was relieved by Adam Staple and bassist Chris Batstone took over for Brian. For only being together a few months the new configuration has a tight sound, possibly due to the fact that Adam and Chris have been playing together for years. Look for the new CD by The Punters to be released in November.

Update - February 11, 2000
The release date of The Punters new CD has been pushed back again. However the video for their first single from Will You Wait, their 3rd CD, has been released to tv. So be sure to keep an eye out and request Rise With the Sun on both radio and television.

Update - March 18, 2000
Just days away from the release of their 3rd CD, The Punters have re-vamped their website revealing another member change. It seems that Adam Staple has been replaced on drums by Rich Spurrell. Will You Wait is set to hit stores nationwide on March 28.

Update - August 27, 2001
Earlier this month bass player Chris Batstone left The Punters to pursue a full-time job as a DJ at Magic 97. Don Bull has taken over bass duties. His first show with the group was on July 28 in Bay d'Espoir, NF.

Update - June 12, 2002
A few months ago Rich Spurrell left The Punters and has been replaced on drums by original band member George Morgan.