Bad Reputation was founded in 2007 by John Real, Ciaran Culhane, and Shane Horan with a mission to bring quality underground metal and alternative music to Limerick. Starting out with regular gigs at the much-loved Baker Place, the crew quickly carved out a space for heavy music in the city, booking a mix of rising Irish talent and international acts that rarely made it this far west. After Shane’s departure, John and Ciaran continued to grow the operation, eventually moving their primary base to Dolan’s, where many of their events now take place.

In 2008, they launched the Siege of Limerick—a free, non-profit metal festival held twice a year—which has become a cornerstone of the Irish metal calendar. But their ambition has also taken them beyond the club circuit. In recent years, Bad Reputation has staged large-scale open-air gigs at the historic King John’s Castle, hosting major international acts like Amon Amarth and delivering some of the most memorable heavy shows ever held in the city.

Since the pandemic, the team has returned stronger than ever, putting on a run of standout shows featuring artists such as Mgła, Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Gaerea, and more. These events have solidified Bad Reputation’s reputation for high-calibre, no-nonsense gigs that consistently punch above their weight.

They also adapted when live music was off the table—launching Siegecast, a series of livestreams during lockdown that raised over €6,000 for charity and helped keep the Irish metal community connected. Through every phase, Bad Reputation has stayed fiercely independent and deeply committed to supporting heavy music in Ireland—from the underground up.