MJC & The Real Villains – Photo by Rhian Cox

New Home. New Songs. New Sound

The Latest…

New EP The Future Is Then ft. singles All That Romance and Tell It to the Ghosts out 26.06.26

Pre-order the ltd. edition CD, zine & merch here.

Regular live dates and residencies in London and beyond, both solo and with The Real Villains.

Subscribe to Matty’s Newsletter to keep up.

Rhyme, rhythm & song

Matty James Cassidy is an Irish rock & roll singer-songwriter based in Camden, London, whose music combines sharp songwriting, punk urgency and the swagger, melody and spirit of classic rock, brought bang up to date.

Inspired in equal parts by the raw energy of bands like The Clash, Ramones, Thin Lizzy and The Rolling Stones, and the artistry of revered songwriters such as Bob Dylan and Nick Lowe, Cassidy’s songs tell tales of lost souls, restless hearts, outsiders and dreamers. It is a world where scathing commentary meets blind romanticism, all delivered with wit, grit and defiance.

Whether performing solo, with fiddle accompaniment or fronting the raucous Matty James Cassidy & The Real Villains, his music combines memorable choruses, dynamic live performance and an unwavering belief in the power of rock & roll.

His previous work includes a UK Official Chart Top 20 release alongside Tyla (The Dogs D’Amour), collaborations with Spike (The Quireboys), and appearances alongside artists including Nick Lowe and The Men They Couldn’t Hang.

Whether on a festival stage, in a packed club or a pub corner, Cassidy’s aim remains the same: honest songs, connection and the kind of music that leaves a mark.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Cassidy also performs regularly on drums and bass with legendary English rock & roll heritage acts such as The Dogs D’Amour and The Quireboys.

“Rock’n’roll is one of those phrases that means everything and nothing all at once. However you choose to define it though, Matty James Cassidy exudes it from every pore.” – Maximum Volume Music

“… unmistakably takes his cue from the old school rockers like Cash, Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis et al, but with lyrics and swagger that brings it bang up to date, showing that classic rock’n’roll is still relevant. Cassidy has the attitude and presence that reminds me of the late great Joe Strummer in his Mescaleros days.” – Musipedia of Metal

“Any fellow outsiders out there – pirates, cowboys, highwaymen, holy fools, loners, drinkers, writers, fuck-ups – give this a listen, your radar will twitch. He’s one of us and this is as good as outlaw music gets.” – The Midlands Rocks

“… will have you hitting the repeat button and swinging the bottle until the sun comes up!” – RPM Online

Videos

Live

Matty James Cassidy – Upcoming Gigs

Listen

Shop

Newsletter