Amy Taylor & Viagra Boys cover John Prine at FORWARDS Bristol 2026
When punk rock collides with country wisdom, the results are often wonderfully unexpected. Recently, this collision took center stage as Amy Taylor of Amyl & The Sniffers joined the enigmatic Viagra Boys for a live performance of John Prine’s classic, ‘In Spite Of Ourselves’.
The moment the collaboration hit the stage at FORWARDS Bristol 2026, it felt like a genuine musical treaty between two very different worlds. This marked the first time the two acts had performed their unique cover live, bringing a fresh, lo-fi energy to Prine’s timeless melody.
Amy Taylor, the frontwoman of Amyl & The Sniffers, brought a distinct energy to the performance. After the set, she shared her enthusiasm, quoting a line from the song that perfectly summed up the shared spirit: “Against all odds honey you’re the big door prize.”
The synergy between the groups was clear. Sebastian Murphy, the frontman of Viagra Boys, expressed his pleasure in the musical exchange, noting the enjoyment of singing alongside Taylor. For Murphy, the moment seemed to reignite a shared appreciation for music, adding, “I hope we can do more in the future!”
Taylor revealed that the connection to Prine was personal, too. She explained that Sebastian, as a country music fan, shared a similar appreciation for the song, making the duet feel naturally sweet. “Now I’m a fan,” she admitted, reflecting on the unexpected harmony between punk and country.
The journey of this musical intersection is rich. John Prine originally released ‘In Spite Of Ourselves’ back in 1999, and Viagra Boys had previously tackled the song in 2020, releasing a livelier, lo-fi version that appeared on their album Welfare Jazz.
While the live performance was a delightful snapshot, the artists continue to expand their creative horizons. Amyl & The Sniffers have recently announced their project Truth Or Consequence. Filmed in 2025, this project features country-influenced versions of their songs, alongside a cover of Slim Dusty’s ‘Lights On The Hill’, promising a rich visual and auditory experience.
Meanwhile, Viagra Boys are still busy in the studio. Following their 2025 album release, they are currently working on new material, recording demos and riffs for their next record. Frontman Sebastian Murphy described the work as “eclectic rock’n’roll,” though he cautioned that it is still too early to say for certain.
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