Pat Byrne

“When you combine the transcendent poetry of Bob Dylan with the gritty, real-world rock-n-roll storytelling Bruce Springsteen made so famous, and add a dash of the political activism embodied by Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, you’ll have Irish singer-songwriter Pat Byrne.” -Folk Alley at 30A Songwriters Festival

Following his 2021 Into The Light album, Pat Byrne delivered strong new works in 2022. His unmistakable voice and cinematic lyrics continue to touch our universal humanity. Supported by legendary musicians from Emmylou Harris’s band he presents another gem with Only a Man. Recorded at The Next Waltz with Bruce Robison and band, Until it Isn’t is a gorgeous rendition wistfully recalling lost love. Byrne’s December 2022 release, Feels Like Living, makes palpable the working musician’s struggle and uncertainty, underpinned by a nostalgic arrangement of strings and harmonium.

Into the Light, recorded at the Sound Emporium studio in Nashville, takes the listener on an emotional journey with lyrics both touching and agonizing—heightened by Byrne’s dynamic vocal style.

“Byrne delivers 11 original tunes ranging from the buoyant pop of 'Capsize' to the anthemic rock & roll of the title track to the tender balladry of 'Precious Cargo' and 'Win Lose or Drown.' A strong supporting cast helps make Into the Light one of the best-sounding singer-songwriter albums to come out of Austin in years. What ultimately stands out the most is how strong Into the Light is from start to finish. Every track radiates, and rewards repeated listening.” -Peter Blackstock, Austin American Statesman

“I really appreciate the aggressive storytelling of Pat Byrne’s songwriting style. The overall sound draws easy comparisons to modern gritty Americana artists like David Ramirez, Ryan Adams, and Jason Isbell. Byrne deserves to be in that company with his gritty vocal and poignant lyrical style.” -Greg Jones, Ear to the Ground Music

December 2021 saw Byrne’s Into The Light named a top 10 album of the year by the Austin American Statesman. He was also awarded the Black Fret “Member’s Choice” grant as of the top three vote recipients of member vote allocation process.

Byrne migrated from Ireland to Austin, Texas in late 2017. Since then, he has melded two musical cultures known for introspective lyricism and raw, from-the-heart emotion - with spectacular results.

Tickets are $20 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin