The Saw Doctors are an Irish rock band that rose to prominence in the early 1990s. They are best known for hits like “I Useta Lover,” “N17,” and “To Win Just Once.” The band originally formed in Tuam, County Galway in the west of Ireland. The core original members were Davy Carton, Leo Moran, Pearse Doherty, John “Turps” Burke, and Conor Floyd. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, but Carton and Moran have remained at the center of the group.
The Band’s Origins
The story of the Saw Doctors begins back in the 1970s and 1980s in the small town of Tuam, County Galway. It was here that future bandmates Davy Carton and Leo Moran first met. Carton was born in England in the early 1960s but grew up in Tuam from a young age. Moran was a native Galwegian. The two bonded over their shared love of punk, new wave, and rock music. In the late 1970s, they started a punk band called Blaze X. Over the next decade, they played together in various local bands and projects.
By the late 1980s, Carton was working as a secondary school teacher while playing music on the side. Moran was employed as an accountant. At one fateful gig in Galway in 1987, their passion for music became reignited. Carton and Moran began making plans to form a proper band. They recruited some other local musicians, including Pearse Doherty on vocals, John “Turps” Burke on keyboards/vocals, and Conor Floyd on drums.
The band was initially called The Patron Saints of Nothing. But according to legend, they acquired the name “Saw Doctors” after Carton began working part-time in a hospital to raise extra money. There he saw men performing the grim duty of amputating limbs, earning them the nickname “the saw doctors.” The rest of the band decided it would make a great name for the new group.
First Musical Steps
The Saw Doctors began gigging around Galway and other parts of western Ireland. Their energetic live shows featuring a mix of original songs and quirky cover versions quickly earned them a reputation as an exciting new band. In 1988, they self-released their debut single “N17,” a song about escaping small-town life by traveling the N17 national road out to Tuam. It captured the imagination of the local music scene.
The next year, the Saw Doctors got their big break when they appeared on RTÉ Television’s folk music show The Session. The exposure led to a record deal with the London-based indie label Blanco y Negro Records. In September 1990, the Saw Doctors released their debut studio album If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back. It included re-recorded versions of early singles like “N17” and “Hay Wrap.”
While the album received positive reviews, it was only a modest commercial success. However, extensive touring around Ireland helped grow the band’s fanbase. Over the next couple years, they continued to tour and released new singles. Their reputation as a spectacular live act kept gaining momentum.
Breakthrough Success
In 1992, the Saw Doctors achieved their big breakthrough. It came via an unlikely source – a quirky romantic comedy song called “I Useta Lover.” Penned by Carton and Moran, the tune encapsulated the band’s warm, witty, and poetic writing style. Against the odds, it became a huge hit in Ireland, topping the national charts for nine weeks.
The runaway success of “I Useta Lover” made the Saw Doctors a household name. Now with major label backing from Mercury Records, they capitalized with their second studio album All the Way from Tuam. It reached #1 in Ireland and earned triple platinum sales. The infectious songs “Hay Wrap,” “The Green and Red of Mayo,” and “To Win Just Once” also became radio staples.
For the rest of the 1990s, the Saw Doctors remained one of the biggest bands in Ireland. They scored more chart hits with the likes of “World of Good,” “Clare Island,” and “How’s It Goin’.” Their accessible, good-time brand of Celtic rock and pop won over legions of fans who loyally turned out for their legendary live shows.
Later Career
While the Saw Doctors have never again matched the commercial heights of the early 1990s, they have maintained their status as Irish rock icons. They continue recording and releasing new music regularly. Albums like Sing a Powerful Song (2008), That Album (2015) and Out of Our Heads (2019) have kept their discography growing. Occasional singles like 2011’s “Tommy K” and 2016’s “The Dad Joke” suggest their knack for whimsical storytelling and wit remains sharp.
The bands live shows also remain as energetic as ever. They still tour heavily throughout Ireland, treating fans to classics like “N17” and “I Useta Lover” alongside new material. Shows at Irish stadiums and festivals routinely sell out. The Saw Doctors also enjoy touring the United States, where they have a dedicated following among expatriates and fans of Celtic music.
Over the decades, the Saw Doctors have seen their lineup evolve and change. But the core duo of Davy Carton and Leo Moran anchors the group. After forming the group as young men in late 1980s Galway, they’ve never stopped leading the charge. Though no longer young, their passion for performing endures. The Saw Doctors still have plenty of miles left in them.
Hometown Heroes
Part of the Saw Doctors’ enduring appeal lies in their authenticity. They are beloved not just for their music, but as representatives of the Irish West. Their songs unashamedly celebrate small town and rural Irish life. Lyrical references to local landmarks are common. Carton and Moran still live in the west of Ireland themselves and maintain strong local ties.
The iconic status of the Saw Doctors in their home region was formally recognized in 2011. A granite sculpture commemorating the band was erected in their hometown of Tuam, County Galway. Attendees at the unveiling ceremony included Ireland’s President, Taoiseach, and other dignitaries. Few musical artists anywhere have been so publicly honored in their hometowns.
In 2016, the Saw Doctors played a series of 30th anniversary concerts in Tuam to commemorate their formation in the town. Old photos, instruments, clothing, and other memorabilia were displayed at the local museum. Clearly, these local boys done good are still the pride of their community.
Musical Style and Themes
The Saw Doctors’ musical style mixes folk, rock, pop, and traditional Irish influences. Their early punk leanings receded as they embraced a more radio-friendly sound. Melodic, uptempo rhythms and a lively performance style are characteristic. Lyrically, they gravitate to fun, humorous, and ironic themes that celebrate everyday Irish life.
Lead vocal duties are shared between Carton, Moran, and other members. But Carton and Moran emerge as the primary songwriters. Their lyrics brim with colloquial Irish language and frequent references to Irish culture and iconography. “Red Cortina” (about a desirable car), “Bless Me Father” (about confessing youthful sins) and “Horse Outside” (about courting a woman) exemplify their playful, conversational tone.
The Saw Doctors’ embrace of traditional Irish instruments like tin whistle, bodhrán drum, and mandolin connects them to Celtic folk music lineage. Yet their jangly guitar riffs and pop song structures give their sound a very contemporary feeling. They skillfully blend old and new by filtering traditional themes through modern rock and pop aesthetics.
Membership Timeline
The Saw Doctors have seen their lineup evolve over the years while maintaining continuity and stability:
- 1987: Formed in Tuam, County Galway with original members Davy Carton (vocals/guitar), Leo Moran (vocals/guitar), Pearse Doherty (vocals), John “Turps” Burke (keyboards/vocals) and Conor Floyd (drums).
- 1989: Release debut single “N17” and appear on The Session TV show.
- 1990: Sign to Blanco y Negro Records and release debut album If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back.
- 1992: Pierce Doherty leaves group. Remaining members release mega-hit “I Useta Lover.”
- 1993: New members join – Johnny Donnelly (vocals/bodhrán) and Joe Jewell (keyboards).
- 1994: Conor Floyd leaves group, replaced by Fran Breen (drums).
- 1996: John “Turps” Burke leaves group.
- 1997: Tony Lambert joins briefly on bass before leaveing.
- 1998: First Saw Doctor’s album without Burke – Hayride to Hell.
- 1999: New bassist Keith ‘Blackie’ O’Connell joins.
- 2003: Guitarist Davey Carton releases solo album.
- 2007: Johnny Donnelly leaves group.
- 2011: Rhoda Byrne joins temporarily on accordion/fiddle.
- 2012: Éimhín Cradock becomes permanent accordion/keyboard player.
- 2019: Release most recent album, Out of Our Heads.
- 2022: Still touring and recording with core lineup of Carton, Moran, Breen, O’Connell and Cradock.
This timeline summarizes over 35 years of the Saw Doctors’ musical evolution while highlighting the core continuity between earliest lineups and today.
Davy Carton: Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
David “Davy” Carton is the Saw Doctor’s founder, principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist. Some key facts about his life and work:
- Born September 14, 1960 in England. Moved to Ireland as a child.
- Grew up in Tuam, County Galway with future bandmate Leo Moran.
- Formed first band Blaze X with Moran in the late 1970s.
- Worked as a schoolteacher in the 1980s while playing local gigs.
- Co-wrote the band’s early hits including “N17,” “I Useta Lover” and “Hay Wrap.”
- Shared lead vocal duties with Moran and other singers.
- Remains the band’s principal songwriter and guitarist.
- Still bases himself in Tuam when not touring.
- Also a painter and writer. Published two books.
- Solo album The Devil’s Dinner released in 2003.
Davy Carton’s creativity and dedication has been essential to the Saw Doctors success. His songs chronicled small town Irish life with wit and wisdom.
Leo Moran: Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
Alongside Davy Carton, Leo Moran is the other constant member of the Saw Doctors. Some key facts about his life and work:
- Born September 2, 1959 in County Galway, Ireland.
- Childhood friend of Carton’s in Tuam. Played in school bands together.
- Worked as accountant in 1980s while playing local music gigs.
- Co-founded the Saw Doctors with Carton in 1987.
- Sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar.
- Occasional songwriter, but mainly collaborates with Carton.
- Remains in the twin lineup of Carton and Moran.
- Also a horse racing enthusiast and owner.
Leo Moran’s guitar skills and vocal talents perfectly complement Davy Carton. His partnership with Carton across 35+ years steers the Saw Doctor’s signature sound.
Touring History
Some highlights of the Saw Doctors extensive touring history include:
- Early tours of small pubs and venues around western Ireland.
- Opening for The Hothouse Flowers in the late 1980s, gaining exposure.
- Toured throughout UK and Ireland on back of “I Useta Lover” success in early 1990s.
- US tour in 1994 after “To Win Just Once” charted in America.
- Returned to US and UK regularly throughout 1990s at peak of fame.
- Special shows in Tuam for 30th anniversary in 2017.
- Continued touring of Ireland almost every year since 1987.
- Annual New Years Eve concert in Galway.
- Still do regular US festival and venue tours catering to expat fanbase.
- Notable for extremely energetic live performances.
The Saw Doctors emerged from the vibrant Galway pub scene and have never lost the knack for electrifying live gigs.
Selected Discography
Some highlights from the Saw Doctors extensive catalog of studio albums:
- If This Is Rock and Roll, I Want My Old Job Back (1991) – Debut studio release.
- All the Way From Tuam (1992) – Breakthrough second album including “I Useta Lover” and other hits.
- Same Oul’ Town (1996) – First #1 album in Ireland, propelled by hit ballad “World of Good.”
- Songs From Sun Street (2000) – Collection of cover versions.
- Play It Again Sham! (2006) – First album in own recording studio. Yielded hit “Tommy K.”
- That’s All We’ve Got to Say About That (2011) – Experimental release dividing critics.
- Live and In Colour (2013) – Energetic live album and video.
- From Galway to Graceland (2017) – Contained 30th anniversary Tuam concerts recordings.
- Out of Our Heads (2019) – Most recent studio album.
Over 35 years, the Saw Doctors have amassed an extensive song catalog spanning pop hits, rousing ballads, comedy songs and concert staples.
Impact on Irish Culture
The cultural impact of the Saw Doctors includes:
- Through international fame, brought Galway/Western Ireland identity to global consciousness.
- Joined Gaelic bands in modernizing Irish folk/traditional music.
- Lyrical focus on Irish life made them figureheads of rural Irish culture.
- Expressive of post-recession working class Irish experience in the 1990s.
- Represent a generation who blended old Irish traditions with rock aesthetics.
- Major national stars at a key time in the development of Irish popular music.
- Inspired later Celtic folk rock bands like The Hothouse Flowers.
- Hugely influential for mixing Irish traditional themes with contemporary pop, rock and humor.
- Helped make pub rock a cultural institution in Ireland.
By fusing modern rock with Celtic folk, the Saw Doctors made traditional Irish culture resonant for young audiences nationally and globally.
Conclusion
The Saw Doctors emerged in late 1980s Galway to become one of Ireland’s most celebrated rock acts. With their mix of lively rock, pop, and traditional Irish influences, witty lyricism and energetic live shows, they captured the zeitgeist of post-recession rural Ireland. Hits like “I Useta Lover” and “N17” made them national stars, while tours built an international fanbase. Though their commercial peak has passed, they remain icons of Irish culture. The Saw Doctors’ fusion of old and new still inspires today’s thriving Celtic folk rock scene.
