Biography

Hailing from Scituate, MA, Peter Montgomery’s path as a singer, songwriter, and musician has been one of constant evolution — never predictable, but always, undeniably, him. Known for his boisterous rock songs, Peter spent decades perfecting a blend of intricate musical arrangements with irreverent lyrics. Whether under the names The Montgomerys, The Irresponsibles, Peter Montgomery, or The Buggs, Peter’s music captures a boisterous ride through life, love, and loss.

Early Years: The Irresponsibles

In the late 1980s Peter formed his first band, The Irresponsibles. Known for their high energy performances and mischievous lyrics, the band quickly gained traction in Boston’s local music scene. Their debut album, Aggravator (1992) was the first step in a career that would weave through multiple genres and musical styles.

As The Irresponsibles released more albums, (Woody’s Head in 1995, Big Orange in 1996), they began to make waves on a national level. In 1996, the band’s big break came when they won Musician Magazine’s Best Unsigned Band competition. This led to a relationship with Adrian Belew (King Crimson, Talking Heads, David Bowie), who produced their EP Backwards Boy (1997) and full-length album When Pigs Fly (1999).

Peter describes joining Belew on his Salad Days tour as one of the most exhilarating times of his life. With a string section in tow, The Irresponsible’s performances paired with Peter’s witty lyrics with rock anthems, balancing rowdiness and musical sophistication. Their final album, Quality of Life was released in 2001, and Peter continued to develop new songs and prepare for his next musical direction.

The Montgomerys: A More Complex Sound

In 2005, Peter founded The Montgomerys, bringing together the best musicians Boston had to offer. The Montgomerys marked a maturation in Peter’s songwriting — the irreverent edge remained, but the music had a newfound depth. Their first two albums, Unnatural Selection (2005) and Walkie Talkie (2009) not only reflect Peter’s talents as a songwriter, they beautifully showcase some of Boston’s finest musicians.

From Children’s Songs to Deeply Personal Work

In 2010, as a father of two young sons, Peter and his then-partner, Maura Young, released Bugging Out — an album of children’s songs. It was a sharp contrast to his earlier work, but reflected the joy and innocence of fatherhood.

The next step in Peter’s musical journey reflected a more serious sound. His 2017 album Baby Sunshine (released under his full name, Peter Montgomery), is often described as his rawest work. Vulnerable, exquisite, and haunting, Baby Sunshine stands as a testament to Peter’s willingness to bare his soul.

A Return to Exuberance: First World Blues (2019)

In 2019, Peter returned to The Montgomerys with the release of First World Blues, an album that shines with joy, humor, and hope. Joined by Elliot Easton of The Cars, the album found Peter returning to his roots: catchy indie rock with an unmistakable bite.

One of the standout moments of the album is the cover of “Something Good” from The Sound of Music, sung as a duet with Eva Walsh. On paper, it might seem like an odd fit for a rock album, but Peter’s unique sensibility and childhood love of musicals give the song an unexpected sweetness, seamlessly blending with the rest of the album’s offerings.

Mount Hope Improvement Society: A Turn Towards Roots

Peter’s latest album, Mount Hope Improvement Society (2025), marks a return to his musical and personal roots. Named after a one-room schoolhouse in his hometown, this album is rooted in rock and roll, yet it flirts with Americana. Peter calls it his best work yet — a romp through his hometown that reflects his life as a townie, a dedicated father, and a fixture in his community.

The songs in Mount Hope are a celebration of life’s simple joys and hard-won wisdom. Peter’s sense of humor and irreverence are still there, but they’re paired with a deeper sense of connection to the place he calls home and the people he holds dear.

Life Beyond Music

Living in his hometown of Scituate, Peter has worked as a caretaker of the famed Glades property, a carpenter, a “Manny” (male nanny), and even an occasional pizza slinger at the local VFW.

He is also a 3-time Boston Marathon veteran and a passionate movie buff, claiming to have seen “every movie ever made”. These films not only influence his music, but fuel his greatest dream — that one of his songs might someday make it onto a movie soundtrack!

Peter Montgomery’s music is more than just a collection of albums — it’s an ongoing story. Through The Irresponsibles, The Montgomerys, and his solo work, Peter is an artist driven by truth, irreverence, and a deep love of life. Peter’s voice has remained unapologetically his own, capturing the highs and lows of life’s journey with humor, insight, and artistry.