A Wexford musician who was told not to play rebel songs by a pub manager has said if people don't like his music, they are free to leave.

Wexford musician Luke Whitty explained he plays rebel songs at the end of “nearly all” of his performances in pubs, including at the Crown Bar last weekend. 

“On Saturday, I was playing a mixture of everything,” he told Lunchtime Live. 

“A crowd from Dublin came in enjoying the music and they asked for ‘Grace’, they asked for ‘Black and Tans’. 

“The place was buzzing; it was a great atmosphere.” 

Rebel music 'offensive'

Despite having what he thought was a successful weekend, Mr Whitty then received a call from one of the Crown managers, who told him two customers had complained about the rebel music. 

“The manager decided from two people being offended, he decided rebel music is offensive,” Mr Whitty said. 

“[He said] I could continue with my gigs and have no rebel songs, but I told him I’m not going to do that – I'm a proud Irishman, I’m going to sing the songs I want. 

“He said, ‘if that’s what you believe, you’re no longer welcome here’.” 

After posting about his experience online, the Crown Bar initially described Mr Whitty’s story as “inaccurate”. 

The bar later issued an apology, however, explaining the manager “fully appreciates he overreacted during the conversation, and he regrets the offence caused”. 

“We would love the opportunity to speak to you in person,” it said. “Clearly it was not our intention to cause any annoyance, but now fully understand how we did so.” 

'If you don't like it, leave'

Mr Whitty said he will never be told what he can and can’t play. 

“If you go into the pub and you don’t like the music, you can leave,” he said. 

“I don’t like heavy metal – I'm not going to go to a heavy metal concert then complain to the management that I want Irish rebel songs to be sung.” 

The only exception the musician will make is for private parties when he’s told in advance to avoid traditional rebel songs. 

“I try please everyone - I want everyone to have something,” he said. “A bit of Miley Cyrus, Elton Johb, a bit of Garth Brooks.” 

'Irishness'

Ger Hough from J. J. Houghs Singing Pub, Co Offaly, said rebel songs “help us remember the past”. 

“Most of us don't speak our mother tongue, so song and dance and story are the heart of Irishness and Irish identity,” he said. 

"We are living up to the ideals of the republic that we aspire to have for centuries."

“It's paramount in a globalised world that we keep our own identity.”