Gang of Three (since 1998)

The Gang of Three is a four piece band that has been a central part of the Perth folk scene for the past 20 years. Their music spans traditional Irish, Celtic and Australian ballads and reels through to modern classics by artists such as U2, Van Morrison and The Whitlams.

They also feature a strong selection of original songs written in a traditional style.

Jo Byrne is a lively and talented fiddler and vocalist and has performed with numerous Perth traditional bands over the past two decades. Gus Kunnen is a veteran of the Perth music scene and features on bass. Les Bajko plays accordion, while Tom Percy features on guitar and vocals and is the primary songwriter behind much of the band’s original material.

The band has performed together and separately at venues across Ireland, the USA, Asia and Europe, as well as interstate and throughout regional Western Australia.

Over the past two decades, Gang of Three have backed a wide range of respected international artists including Eric Bogle, Cold Chisel, Violent Femmes, The Proclaimers, Bob Dylan and Bryan Ferry.

The band held a long-running Friday night residency at the Irish Club in Subiaco and were also regular performers at the Paddington Alehouse for ten years. Other notable venues include Fibber McGee’s (Leederville), The Rosemount (North Perth), The Grosvenor (Perth) and Paddy Hannan’s Bar at Crown Casino. They have also enjoyed extended and successful stints at J.B. O’Reilly’s, Rosie O’Grady’s and the Oxford Hotel.

Their debut album ‘Round’ (1999) was critically acclaimed for its mix of original and traditional material and received significant radio airplay, an uncommon achievement for the genre. Their 2011 release ‘Bronzewing’ received widespread acclaim across Australia, earning a five-star review in the Hobart Mercury and feature articles in The Melbourne Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. The album is available internationally via Amazon and iTunes.

Often described as a band whose energy and entertainment value rivals their musicianship, Gang of Three have built a loyal following through consistently engaging live performances.

Event types you are happy to play at

Pubs, Taverns, Functions, Festivals, Small Bars, a speciality, can also do Funerals

Set time capability

3 x 45min sets – 3 hours

Locations you are available to play at 

Metropolitan, country, Rottnest Island or interstate, if required