From the Jam features Bruce Foxton from the original Jam line up. He also spent 15 years playing bass with Stiff Little Fingers. Bruce is joined by Russell Hastings on lead vocal and guitar. From The Jam have gained a reputation for the kind of incendiary ‘live’ performances that sealed the reputation of The Jam all those years ago. Audiences can expect to hear classic The Jam hits such as Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World as well as some live favourites and songs from Bruce’s solo career.

The Beat formed in 1979 and released their debut single, an infectious cover of the Smokey Robinson classic Tears of A Clown on 2-Tone Records which went straight into the UK national charts at #6. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, Madness and The Selecter, The Beat became an overnight sensation. Bow Wow Wow were created by Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren in 1980 from members of the Adam and the Ants group along with vocalist Annabella Lwin. Between 1980-1983 Bow Wow Wow had acclaimed singles such as I Want Candy, C-30 C60 C-90 Go, Go Wild In The Country, Fools Rush In, Afrodisiac, Do You Wanna Hold Me, Sexy Eiffel Towers, Louis Quatorze and more.

Coming from a long lineage of folk musicians Dan started out his career in live music at an early age. Dan would go from strength to strength in this side of the industry and music soon became his full time job. Due to the Covid 19 lockdown and lack of opportunity for live music performances, Dan turned his focus to posting videos on social media platforms merely as a bit of fun and to escape the hardship and gloom of the pandemic. Little did he know that these recordings would be viewed over 12 million times online and would catch the attention of Senior producers at RTE.

Relive the sights and sounds of the 60s with the most established Beatles tribute band.

From the bowels of Disgraceland, Rock & Roll icons of the afterlife are raised from the dead! Rock & Roll meets Grunge as Elvis fronts Nirvana and gives the band the front man it’s been missing since ’94. Elvana tear through Nirvana’s catalogue whilst splicing in grunged up sections of the king of rock & rolls finest moments, culminating in an audible orgasm of overdrive & old school Rockabilly. It smells like cheeseburgers and teen spirit, daddy-o! Elvana’s short lifetime has already seen them support NYC titans ‘Tragedy: A Heavy Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees’, Drive Thru-Metal’s finest - LA’s ‘Mac Sabbath,’ as well as tearing up venues throughout the UK.

The Selecter is led by their iconic frontwoman Pauline Black and co-fronted by original member Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson. They are now re-united with original drummer Charley ‘Aitch’ Bainbridge who is back in the line-up. Pauline is one of very few women in the 2-Tone scene - often referred to as "the Queen of Ska" she was awarded an OBE in the in the 2022 New Year Honours. 2-Tone was a crucial multi-racial, multi-cultural explosion borne out of Coventry and the Midlands that remade British pop from 1979 onwards.

The original line-up of The Almighty, are back together for the first time in 32 years. Glasgow’s finest hard and heavy home boys are drummer Stumpy Monroe, bassist Floyd London, guitarist Andy “Tantrum” McCafferty together with lead vocalist and guitarist Ricky Warwick.

Hailing from the West of Ireland, The Saw Doctors, hell-bent on ‘celebrating, observing, recording and sometimes poking fun at their own locality and accent’, were discovered by Mike Scott of The Waterboys on a stormy wintry Tuesday night in Galway city. Loved and revered by their loyal fans, The Saw Doctors continue with a resilience and an effervescent energy.

Catch this chance to see viral sensations The Vintage Explosion. You will be transported back in time for a night of authentic rock n roll, swing and rhythm and blues.

Featuring the incredible voice of Rob Lamberti, this show has wowed audiences around the country and Europe and lifted them to their feet, in a dynamic show that tactfully and appropriately celebrates the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation. From Wham! all the way through to the diverse eras of George’s hugely successful solo career, including timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘I’m Your Man’, ‘Club Tropicana’, and so many more, the show tells the story of George Michael in the vast repertoire of songs that made him an icon to so many.

The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât and Pete Doherty. The band, centred on the songwriting partnership of Barât and Doherty, has also included John Hassall, and Gary Powell for most of its recording career.

MTV EMA award-winners Gun, were formed in Scotland by guitarist Giuliano Gizzi. Since returning to the stage in 2008, their army of fans has grown and grown and enjoyed new songs on new studio albums.

Public Service Broadcasting have been “teaching the lessons of the past through the music of the future” for more than a decade now. 2013’s debut album Inform – Educate – Entertain used archival samples from the British Film Institute as audio-portals to the Battle of Britain, the summit of Everest and beyond. Two years later, The Race For Space used similar methods to laud the superpowers’ rivalry and heroism in orbit and on the moon. In 2017, joined by voices including Manic Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield, Every Valley was a moving exploration of community and memory via the rise and fall of the British coal industry. Pointedly topical in its analyses, it reached number four on the UK charts. For their fourth album, Bright Magic (2021), the band take inspiration from Berlin: “It’s become an album about moving to Berlin to write an album about people who move to Berlin to write an album…”. Heralded as the band’s most varied and cerebral record, Bright Magic is an impressionist portrait of the city from the ground up, less linear and narrative than previous works, combining PSB’s use of electronics and surging guitar rock with sound samples collected in the city itself to realise the dreams of Berlin they’d constructed in their minds.

Franz Ferdinand are a band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The name of the band was originally inspired by a racehorse called Archduke Ferdinand. After seeing the horse win the Northumberland Plate in 2001, the band began to discuss Archduke Franz Ferdinand and thought it would be a good band name because of the alliteration of the name and the implications of the Archduke's death (his assassination was a significant factor in the lead up to World War I).

SJM Concerts & Live Nation present English rock band Supergrass plus support...

Initially the Bluebells enjoyed a whirlwind career spanning the early 1980’s with a recording output including three U.K. hit singles. “I’m Falling”, “Cath” and “Young at Heart” made with a procession of producers including Elvis Costello who became a mentor and teacher to the band. Guitarist and ex-fanzine publisher Robert Hodgens (aka Bobby Bluebell) wrote instantly memorable classics in collaboration with the two McCluskey Brothers who completed the Bluebells' essential troika and Kenneth McCluskey sang them in a likably unaffected voice, making every track count. With the release of their debut album “Sisters” in 1984 on London Records, The Bluebells toured widely in Europe and North America developing their live sound and signing to Seymour Stein’s Sire records in the U.S.

Sharon Van Etten is an American singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn, New York City. Her songs were described by the music website Pitchfork Media as having "some echoes of folk tradition but generally in a more personal, introspective space." NPR Music asserts: "Her songs are heartfelt without being overly earnest; her poetry is plainspoken but not overt, and her elegant voice is wrapped in enough rasp and sorrow to keep from sounding too pure or confident."

Stiff Little Fingers were formed in 1977 in Belfast, Ireland. Along with the likes of the Clash, Sex Pistols, The Jam, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Sham 69, Stranglers, et al – Stiff Little Fingers were at the forefront of the punk movement. They wrote initially about their own lives, growing up at the height of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, in songs like “Suspect Device” and “Wasted Life”. In November of ’77, they released those two songs on their own Rigid Digits label, and sent a copy to BBC Radio One DJ John Peel, who started playing it every night. These were the first of what became SLF’s signature style: lyrics that meld the personal and political, music that combines the energy of punk with infectious hooks, and delivery that rings of honesty and commitment. In 1979 they became the first band ever to hit the UK top 20 album charts on an independent label with their debut Inflammable Material. The album chronicles the band’s anger and frustration at “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland, and calls on youth to create their own reality. Over the years, their live shows continued to be special events of energy and power. Their studio albums demonstrate their passion and anger, each in its own way. In ’94 they released the Get a Life LP. The album helped renew interest in SLF just as newer bands that sited them as a major influence, such as Bad Religion, Sugar, Rancid and Therapy?, were coming to prominence. After many studio albums and countless tours, Stiff Little Fingers find themselves more in demand than ever.

One of the UK’s most exciting live performers, Nathan Carter's energetic showmanship is proving irresistible for fans, even scoring him a prestigious slot performing for Pope Francis in Croke Park in Dublin, as well as shows in Ireland at the 3Arena Dublin and SSE Arena Belfast. With tracks such as ‘Wagon Wheel’ and ‘I Wanna Dance’ receiving hit status, he is one of Ireland’s biggest artists, and with an incredible 7 top 10 albums under his belt, he is well on his way to becoming a household name.

Bearded Theory is a multi-award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the beautiful grounds of Catton Park in the heart of the National Forest.

25 years since their debut, Mogwai’s latest ‘As The Love Continues’ debuted at #1 in the UK Official Album Chart and is the band’s first top 10 in Billboard’s US Top Album Sales Chart released via their own label Rock Action Records. Mogwai have advanced without a plan since they were teenagers, there have been no secretive meetings to work out the master plan. It is rare to hear a band that has been going for this long, and have this many albums behind them - ten records in and still no disappointments or mistaken creative left turns. You may know what to expect, but you will never get the same. Both transcendent and surprising, Mogwai are still offering solace from the mundane, supplying the soundtrack to whatever movie you are making in your head.

Glasgow extreme metal band.

The Boomtown Rats are a trailblazing rock / new wave band that emerged in the late 1970s, renowned for their raw energy, thought-provoking lyrics, and ability to reinvent themselves across decades. Formed in 1975 in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, the band was founded by Bob Geldof (vocals), Garry Roberts (guitar), Johnnie Fingers (keyboards), Pete Briquette (bass), Gerry Cott (guitar), and Simon Crowe (drums). The first-ever UK No. 1 single “Rat Trap,” from an Irish Band found international acclaim, alongside hits including the iconic “I Don’t Like Mondays,” which topped charts around the world. Sir Bob’s activism took centre stage with the monumental Live Aid concert in 1985. The Boomtown Rats disbanded in 1986, then after three decades, reunited in 2013, reintroducing their catalogue to a new generation. In 2020, they released exciting new material with much anticipated album “Citizens of Boomtown”. Meet the musicians; Bob Geldof (Vocals/Guitar), Pete Briquette (Bass/Synths/Vocals), Simon Crowe (Drums/Vocals), Paul Cuddeford (Guitar/Vocals), Darren Beale (Guitar/Vocals), Alan Dunn (Keys Vocals). Age 14+ – under 16s with an adult

Father John Misty is the stage name of Joshua Tillman, American singer-songwriter and former drummer in Fleet Foxes. After years of performing as a folk artist under his own name, Tillman was reborn as Father John Misty in 2012 with the released of the critically lauded Fear Fun.

Stockholm garage punks Viagra Boys are here bringing their absurd and addictive sound straight to you. The Fader say their brilliant single Sports is "too dumb and great to be ignored", we've been vibing to it in the office, along with the rest of their album and it's positive feedback all round. So get on it and get yourself out to what's gonna be a rowdy night in the pit. Price includes £1 venue sustainability levy. Presented by Orchard. This is a 16+ event.

Throughout the music industry King King is a name synonymous with, not only great music and outstanding musicianship, but with, and perhaps even more importantly, having a damn good time every time. King King’s music is the kind of music that makes people happy. And let’s face it, especially in these all too dark and difficult times, who doesn’t want to be happy? Not convinced? It’s simple. Come along to a show and find out for yourself.

Starsailor is an English post-britpop band, formed in Wigan. By 2009, they had four charting albums and ten Top 40 singles in the UK since 2001.

Formed in 2019, this young indie rock band named themselves after a dual carriageway in the West Midlands. Their experimental style pays little attention to genres, blending violin and saxophone with guitar and keyboard for a muscular, energetic sound, which has been compared to Slint or Dirty Projectors. Many fans fell for their sardonic, zeitgeist-capturing storytelling style after hearing their first single Athens, France about dating a confident, younger girlfriend who was into Ariana Grande, followed up by Sunglasses, full of references to modern life, including NutriBullets and Danish crime dramas.

Soul singer-songwriter from Fort Worth, Texas, who received considerable airplay for his song 'Coming Home', Leon Bridges' first strides as an R&B artist prompted comparisons to legends like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, but the native Texan quickly came into his own.

High energy, punk rock powerhouses Punk Rock Factory make easy work of their special brand of punk covers. Formed in 2014 Peej (vocals, guitar), Benj (bass, vocals), Ryan (guitar) and Kob (drums, vocals), were drawn together for their love of great music. The band quickly began to combine everything we all love about 1990s/2000s punk rock with classic and hit songs like you’ve never heard before. From the epic-ness of Meat Loaf to the soaring power of a Disney ballad, nothing is off limits to them.

Forming in Hampshire in 2006, metalcore outfit Bury Tomorrow rapidly propelled the genre into the British mainstream. Following the release of their The Sleep Of The Innocents EP in 2007, and their Portraits debut full-length two years later, the six-piece signed to Nuclear Blast for their breakthrough album The Union Of Crows. Although not breaking into the official UK album chart, the record saw them land on the the UK rock and metal list, as well as on the stateside Heatseekers rundown, hinting at things to come.

Metal giants Epica & Amaranthe team up to bring audiences an explosive and captivating show that combines two of the genre's most exciting acts.

Hotly tipped for Americana stardom, South Carolina’s Shovels & Rope – the married duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst – stir together raucous juke-joint country and blues-rock with grittily literate songcraft, an award-winning mix underpinned by cathartic emotional depths on their superb third album, 2016’s Little Seeds. Master storytellers both, conjuring characters and places with both vividness and verve, they’re equally renowned for their sizzling live shows.

Turnover is an American rock band from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Change is authentic and true to Turnover as a band and as individuals. Chart a course through their discography and find a band continually reinventing themselves with a unique artistic ambition.

Montreal three-piece Men I Trust sound warm and comforting, just like their name suggests. There's something so calming about their laidback grooves and soothing basslines.

Tribute triple bill tour featuring The Kopycat Killers, Scam Fender, and the Subarctic Monkeys

The Enemy is a popular English rock band, comprised of three talented musicians who bring their professionalism and passion for music to every event they attend. Having formed in 2006, the band takes inspiration from icons such as Oasis and The Clash when creating their top hits.

English Teacher are a British music group from Leeds and Lancashire playing indie rock, who formed in 2020. They consist of vocalist Lily Fontaine, guitarist Lewis Whiting, drummer Douglas Frost, and bassist Nicholas Eden. They won the Mercury Prize for their debut album This Could Be Texas, in 2024, a year which saw them play numerous international shows, including at Glastonbury Festival, and support IDLES on their US tour.

Heaven 17 are a British synthpop band originating in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England that was formed in 1980, having much 80s success with their electronic sound. Taking their name from a fictional group mentioned in Anthony Burgess's novel A Clockwork Orange (where 'The Heaven Seventeen' are at number 4 in the charts with 'Inside'), Heaven 17 formed when Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware split from their earlier group, The Human League, and devised the production company British Electric Foundation (B.E.F.).

Originally formed in 1992 from the ashes of The La’s and Shack, Cast released four albums and had ten top 10 singles before disbanding in 2001. As one of the most traditional guitar bands to emerge during the Brit-pop era of the mid-'90s, Cast have carved out a sound that was heavily indebted to the British Invasion of the early '60s, yet it was infused with a mystical, pseudo-hippie lyrical sensibility, which lead singer John Power expanded upon in all of his interviews. What really made Cast into a success was Power's gift for simple, classic pop hooks, as demonstrated on the hit singles "Fine Time," "Alright," and "Walkaway." Cast became a very, very popular band within Britain following the success of Oasis and Blur. Labelled ‘The Who of the 90’s’, Noel Gallagher once described watching Cast play live as “a religious experience.”

Besides all the sadness and strangeness The Lathums have experienced together, their relatively short time as a band led to some pretty wild things. A number one album in How Beautiful Life Can Be, for starters. Honesty, hope & heartbreak feature in the poetry-laced music of The Lathums. Everything sung from the heart, four young men from an overlooked town in England’s north gathered as teenagers without ego or expectation and set about changing the lives of the people that gathered round them.

This show has been rescheduled for Saturday 24th January 2026. All tickets remain valid. Formidable Orcadian eight-piece The Chair celebrate their 20th anniversary with a turbocharged mash-up of folk, blues, rock, dub, klezmer and more. Since first forming in 2004 for the Orkney Folk Festival, the group has gone from strength to strength, spreading its unique “stomp” to festival tents and concert halls across the UK and Europe. Collectively, The Chair’s sound bursts with the energy of a heavy rock gig - a rampant ruckus of fiddles, banjos, accordions and drums - yet remains acoustic at heart. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Orkney born folk quartet FARA present highlights from their three critically acclaimed albums like you’ve never heard them before alongside an extended line-up. FARA’s fiery fiddles, foot-stomping piano, and enchanting three-part vocal harmony, supported by the groove and depth of drum kit and double bass, will take you on a joyful journey through their time performing at the forefront of Scotland’s folk music scene. Joining them are Gnoss, a Scottish folk band renowned for their blend of traditional music and contemporary flair. Their dynamic live shows, acclaimed albums (Drawn From Deep Water, The Light of The Moon, Stretching Skyward), and multiple Scots Trad Music Awards nominations have solidified their position as a leading force in Scottish folk music.

Self Esteem is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, and a project which began with painting and prints and video alongside her day job writing and performing as one half of Slow Club. Since her musical divergence from the band, Rebecca has revelled in unleashing a whole version of herself with no compromises, no reducing herself, no hesitating. She would go on to write the songs that had been rising up inside her all through the years — big songs, that spoke of love and sex and chaos, that brought in huge basslines, gospel choirs, the kind of polished, provocative production she admired on the biggest pop records.

The Skids formed in 1977 in their home town of Dunfermline, Scotland by Richard Jobson, Stuart Adamson, Bill Simpson & Tom Kellichan. After releasing an independent single the band were played by John Peel, supported The Clash in concert and then were signed to Virgin Records in 1978. Their first singles were ‘Sweet Surburbia’, ‘The Saints are Coming’ and ‘Into the Valley’ - the latter reaching the UK Top Ten in early 1979. Their seminal debut album ‘Scared to Dance’; came out in 1979 and was quickly followed by two chart singles – ‘Masquerade’ and ‘Working for the Yankee Dollar’. Both singles were taken from the Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe) produced second album ‘Days in Europa’. The album also featured new member Rusty Egan of Rich Kids & Visage fame after the departure of Tom Kellichan. The band released two more albums ‘The Absolute Game’ (1980) and ‘Joy’ (1981) before splitting. Stuart Adamson went on to have worldwide success with his new band Big Country. The Skids were at the heart of the punk scene in Scotland and took their music to London where they were signed by Virgin records. They made 4 albums and had numerous hit singles including Into the Valley, The Saints are Coming, Masquerade and Working for the Yankee Dollar.

Canadian composer, musician, and recording artist Dan Snaith aka Caribou is performing live at Sage Gateshead in January. Latest album Suddenly (Feb 2020) is the most surprising and unpredictable Caribou album to date. Though it retains the trademark Caribou warmth and technicolour, this album is littered with swerves and left turns; stemming from home life Suddenly refers to the moments of dramatic and unexpected change that occur at points in any life and within any family. Snaith’s drive to continue to make Caribou albums which evaluate things in such depth, and give him a chance to look at those around him and celebrate them prove his passion and joy in music making remains as fresh as ever. We can’t wait to see what he brings to the Sage Gateshead stage.

The musical group Idlewild performs mainly Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. You can hear them play early and traditional music from various cultures mixed into their program, such as English, European, and French music. We also have a great back ground in Old Time American music. David and Carol Sharp formed Idlewild nearly twenty years ago.

CMAT is Irish pop artist Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson (formerly of The Bad Sea) based in Dublin.

Quirky Manchester-formed quartet, fronted by the singer Jonathan Higgs, performs arty electro-rock infused indie-pop.

The London indie rockers tour for the final time.

Hannah Collins, also known by her TikTok handle @SceneQueenRocks, is a social media sensation within the “Bimbocore” genre. Collins is one of the rising stars from the alternative TikTok space, garnering a whopping 230,000 followers and 6 million likes. Many of her viral moments tackle misogyny and genre purists who’ve tried to belittle her. Now, she’s biting back.

Outrageously flamboyant make-up clad Swedish metallers.

Hailing from the midlands and west of Ireland, the trio take inspiration from artists such as John Prine, Paolo Nutini, Ye Vagabonds, Talos, as well as others, and despite being in their infancy, they have already gained a strong core following from playing intimate live gigs.

As most bands do, Caleb, Kieran, Ashton and Peppa came together through blooming friendships and lucky connections. A few jams later, the bond was cemented and their debut gig in Caleb's dad's backyard kicked it all off. In the year that followed, Freo's very own garage-pop outfit Spacey Jane went from backyards to bright lights, sharing the stage with the likes of Car Seat Headrest, Nothing But Thieves, Alex Lahey, The Jungle Giants & more, along with Australian festival appearances at Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Yours & Owls and WA Day's SOTA Festival.

Tribute to the infamous Oasis.

The Royston Club are a fast-rising four-piece indie rock band from Wrexham, Wales, known for their anthemic guitar-driven sound and relatable storytelling.

SJM Concerts Presents: Arthur Hill + Support

UK pop-punk kings, Neck Deep head out on the ‘Dumbstruck Dumbfk’ tour. Now on their fifth, self-titled EP, they’re one of rock music’s most successful global exports.

Limerick-based 3-piece, Kingfishr, have quickly established themselves as one of the rising prospects in Irish music. Part of the newest generation of Irish contemporaries, the band’s grand, atmospheric tone married with their propensity for catchy melodies has resonated with a wide audience.

From an early age, 2hollis displayed a natural affinity for music, experimenting with different genres and sounds. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic and diverse music scene of the past decade, he embarked on a creative journey that would lead him to craft a sound that transcends traditional genre boundaries. At just 20 years old, 2hollis has already garnered attention for his fresh approach and unparalleled creativity. His music resonates with a generation that craves innovation and authenticity. As he continues to reshape the musical landscape, 2hollis stands at the forefront of a new era in the industry, proving that age is no barrier to artistic excellence. What sets 2hollis apart is not only his ability to masterfully incorporate electronic instrumentals, and catchy pop melodies, but also his commitment to originality. Each track produced by 2hollis is a testament to his dedication to creating something entirely new, pushing the limits of what is expected.

If you sit and talk to many of the alternative rock artists dominating today’s music, you’ll find that many of them pay homage to the The Psychedelic Furs. Led by front man and songwriter Richard Butler, the Furs won over fans and critics alike by combining poetic lyrics, innovative rhythms and melodies driven by an aggressive, punk desperation. Through it all, the band scored major hits with 'Love My Way', Pretty In Pink', 'Heaven', 'The Ghost In You' and 'Heartbreak Beat' in all releasing seven studio albums and spawning several compilations, a boxed set, and a live concert DVD. The Psychedelic Furs came together in England's emerging punk scene in 1977 initially consisting of Richard Butler (vocals), Tim Butler (bass guitar), Paul Wilson (drums), Duncan Kilburn (saxophone), and Roger Morris (guitars). By 1979, this line up had expanded to a sextet with Vince Ely replacing Wilson on drums and John Ashton being added on guitar. These days, the band continues to tour around the world. The current Psychedelic Furs touring lineup remains Richard Butler (vocals), Tim Butler (bass), Rich Good (guitar), Mars Williams (saxophone), Amanda Kramer (keyboards), and Paul Garisto (drums).

Alexander Giannascoli, known professionally as Alex G or formerly (Sandy) Alex G, is an American musician, songwriter, and producer. He gained recognition for his distinctive style of indie rock, characterized by strong melodies and a sometimes raw, impulsive performance quality.

Since the release of their last CD, 'Into Your Heart' Hothouse Flowers have been playing steadily around Ireland, America, Great Britain, Japan and Europe. Their shows last between two and three hours depending on the level of fever in the room. Most recently their sound has been enhanced and reinvigorated by the return of Peter O’Toole on bass, bouzouki and vocals. Drumming with the band these last ten years is Dave Clarke. Dave has been a drummer in Dublin since the beginning. His commitment to the beat is mesmerizing. His style has been a force in the direction of Hothouse Flowers today. Also playing with the band these days is Dorset man Martin Brunsden on double bass and backing vocals. His musicality adds yet another dimension to the ever evolving sound of the band. There is an unpredictable energy in the band that harkens back to the 'Risk' days. They call upon their grand repertoire to create a show that is unique to the time and place. No two shows are the same. Improvisation can come at any point and allow the men express their brightest and their darkest influences. 'Rock and Roll is not about safety or politeness, it is not about perfection either. It is expression and it is spirit.' Humour is also never far from a Hothouse Flowers night. They do not take themselves seriously however, there is no mistaking the musical integrity among them as they open up to each other in musical dialogue. Fiachna, Liam and Peter are traditional musicians. This allows for moments of ancestral connection. What was a second before a Doors-like workout, becomes an earnest and a timeless offering to the memory of Currachaí na Tra Báine. A song inherited by Fiachna describing the blow inflicted upon a community and a family due to drowning. This moment and moments like these set the Flowers apart from almost any other band of their time and trade. They are carriers of Culture and all of what that entails. Hothouse Flowers came out of tough times. They played the streets and brought the streets to the stages of the world. Individually Fiachna and Liam are enjoying a broadening of their horizons. Fiachna has been producing and presenting radio and television programmes and working as a composer of music for television. Liam has been collaborating with the Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre Company. Still Hothouse Flowers has not yet fulfilled her destiny. The possibilities are endless. The will is there. Ni fada go bhfeicfear.

Made up of Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin, Matthew and Stephen Murtagh, The Academic grew up just outside the small rural Irish town of Mullingar, about an hour west of Dublin and set in the heart of Ireland’s midlands. Meeting in school, the quartet became firm friends through their shared of love of toasted sandwiches, Nicholas Cage movies, and of course, music, with each having their own unique influence. Bonding over a shared enthusiasm for the early 2k NYC rock revival lead by the likes of The Strokes, Interpol and Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs and the post-punk sound at that time, all made an indelible ‘watermark’ on The Academic’s reason for starting a band.