Plunk Murray

Celtic Pub rock from Dallas TX

Founded in 2014, and named after founder and lead singer Johnny Zercher's Great Great Grandfather, Plunk Murray is proud of the reputation they've established as one of the most fun, slightly rowdy and exciting Celtic bands in Texas. 

While primarily a Celtic band, playing everything from traditional tunes from The Dubliners and The Irish Rovers to more modern songs by The Pogues and Flogging Molly, you're also likely to hear a wide range of "not-so" Irish songs as well.  On any given night you may here songs by George Strait, The Cure, Men at Work or the Beatles. 

In 2018 Johnny was joined by multi-instrumentalist Nate Morefield (Accordion, Banjo, Whistle & Mandolin) and guitarist Bruce Johnson.  After releasing their first recorded effort, Come and Take It, in late 2018 the group began playing local pubs, festivals and private events all over Texas and Oklahoma.  

More recently Plunk Murray added Aaron "Jonesy" Jones on bass and former nationally-ranked Irish dancer, Erin "Boom-Chick" Bliss on drums.  In 2021 the band released their much anticipated follow up recording effort, Another Drink and in 2022 released their critically acclaimed Holiday album, Christmas at the Pub.

At home on large festival stages, small pubs and just about everything in between, Plunk Murray always puts on a great performance that will have you singing along, lifting a pint and cheering for more.

Who Was Newton “Plunk” Murray
Newton Harris “Plunk” Murray (Johnny's Great Great Grandfather) was born sometime in 1847 to Ephraim Doyle Murray and Melvina Ann (Jacobs) Murray near Liberty Missouri.  

As a teenager, he joined Anderson's Partisan Rangers and fought in the Civil War.  Anderson's Partisan Rangers wintered in Sherman TX in 1863, returning to Missouri in 1864, where it's believed Plunk fought at the Battle of Centralia.

After the war, Plunk returned to Texas looking for a better life.  In 1873, when the Texas Rangers were recommissioned, Plunk signed up.  It was during this time that he became a friend to many women from Brownsville to Austin.  

Plunk was later married to Virginia Faulkner (Odiorne) Murray and they had four children together. Thomas Colvin Murray (1877), Doyle B. Murray(1881), Gilbert Johnson Murray(1882) and lastly, Johnny's Great Grandfather, John Morgan Murray(1885).

Plunk Murray passed away on Feb 3, 1890, at the age of 43 and is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Liberty, MO.  

Today the band is proud to honor Plunk and all other Americans of Scots-Irish decent, past and present, who have made America (and Texas) so great! 
 

 

Meet Plunk Murray

Johnny Zercher - Lead Vocals, Mandolin & Irish Banjo

Raised on music ranging from old-time gospel to punk rock, New Braunfels TX native, Johnny Zercher, founded Plunk Murray in 2014.  A long time fan of bands like Flogging Molly and the Pogues, Johnny envisioned a band that could combine traditional Irish songs and the many musical influences of his youth.  Although Johnny sings and plays mandolin and Irish banjo in Plunk Murray, he cut his teeth in music as an electric bassist.  After serving in the US Marines, Johnny played bass with bands like Alluvia, SideChild, and Dalom  Today, Johnny brings the same punk rock attitude of his youth to every performance as Plunk Murray's front man. 

Nate Morefield - Accordion, Whistle, Irish Banjo, Mandolin & Vocals

Nate grew up in a musical household in Long Beach CA, playing guitar and upright bass throughout high school and college.  In his 20's and early 30's Nate played electric guitar with the blues-rock band Stiletto Rain and toured on electric bass with bands like Good Fortune Band, American Jesus and The Vipers.  In 2011, Nate was asked to play upright bass with a local Irish group, Dublin Public, which forever changed the course of his musical career.  After a few years playing bass and learning the genre, he picked up mandolin, Irish banjo and then accordion and formed Alehouse Fire.  In 2017 Nate moved to Texas and quickly made friends with Johnny Zercher.  The two met over pints of Guinness and formulated what is today's Plunk Murray.