Meet The Paps!
We are The Paps, a band full of musical passion, good vibes, and a healthy dose of Irish folk rock from the far North. From banjos to bodhráns and mandolins: we play everything that makes the Irish soul sing, and we do it with great joy. Making music is an adventure for us, and we’d love to take you along for the ride. 🍻
Johan – Vocals, Banjo & Mandolin
Our frontman with a beard that could come straight from Dublin (but no, he’s from the North of the Netherlands). Johan has a voice like an Irishman, can drink like an Irishman, and of course plays like an Irishman. His love for the mandolin and banjo began in a previous Irish folk band, where he also took his first steps in singing. Today, he’s the face of The Paps, always with a smile and always ready to take the audience on a musical journey.
Theo – Bass Guitar
The most handsome man in the band (at least, that’s what we say ourselves). Theo comes from the punk and metal scene of the ’70s, but now he makes us happy with his deep bass lines and the coziest vibes. He usually plays bass guitar. He’s also a permanent band member of Krekedaon, together with Johan and Gijs. When it comes to musical friendship and laying down a groovy bass, Theo’s your man.
Gijs – Guitar & Backing Vocals
From sound engineer to guitarist: Gijs knows exactly how to find the right tone – both behind the mixing desk and with a guitar in his hands. He plays both acoustic and electric, and his backing vocals always add just that little bit of extra magic. Besides The Paps, he also plays in Krekedaon with Johan and Theo, and that creates a musical chemistry you can feel.
Daan – Drums & Bodhrán
Daan isn’t just any drummer. His passion lies in world music and powerful rhythms with a raw edge – exactly what you find in Irish Folk Rock. How lucky that Ireland also has an iconic percussion instrument: the bodhrán. At The Paps, everything comes together for Daan. He lived in County Kerry for years, where the inspiration for the band name was born (yes, named after The Paps of Anu). In the band, Daan is the engine – he brings the rhythm, the energy, and the worldly sound that bursts from the stage.
