Irish punk band The Prodigals have set a new Guinness World Record for the longest annual residency by a band, marking nearly three decades of weekly performances at Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar in Manhattan’s Kips Bay neighborhood. The achievement was officially recognized this week, although the band had secured the milestone on St. Patrick’s Day during their 29th anniversary of playing at the venue.

The Prodigals first began their residency at Paddy Reilly’s in 1997, when lead singer and accordionist Gregory Grene convinced then-owner Steve Duggan to give the group a chance. The band has since maintained a consistent presence at the pub, performing every Friday and Saturday night when not on tour. Current members include Grene, drummer Eamon Ellams, guitarist Michael Lewis, and flautist Sean Tierney.

To secure the Guinness record, The Prodigals had to compile extensive documentation including pay stubs and newspaper articles to verify their continuous weekly performances, a process that prompted reflections on their long history at the venue. The band has become an integral part of the pub’s identity, frequently drawing large, enthusiastic crowds.

Over their long tenure, The Prodigals have also achieved recognition beyond Paddy Reilly’s. The band’s music featured in the 2008 film “Pride and Glory,” starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell. The group has also played high-profile events, including a yacht party for supermodel Christy Turlington, an occasion that attracted media attention.

The pub itself holds personal significance for Grene, who met the mother of his daughter there. The daughter has since developed into a violinist. Paddy Reilly’s additionally hosts an annual fundraiser in memory of Grene’s twin brother Andrew, a former United Nations adviser who died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake; his photo hangs inside the bar.

Despite their record-breaking run, the band shows no intention of ending their residency soon. “We may think about calling quits after the next 30, but we’ll see,” Grene said, underscoring the group’s enduring connection to their audience and venue. The Prodigals’ achievement stands unmatched in the New York live music scene and highlights their lasting influence on the city’s cultural landscape.