Gig Guide

Upcoming Events

• Wed

  23

  Aug

  2017

  T Vital: Muse, Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves, Fang Club

  Boucher Road Playing Fields

  Belfast

  

  In one of the biggest Tennent's Vital bills ever, stadium space alt. rockers Muse play the Boucher Road Playing Fields on August 23. They've released seven albums so far, the most recent being 2015's Drones, and they're one of the most impressive and consistently epic live bands in the world. 

  Also playing are headliners in their own right, Scottish alt. rock trio Biffy Clyro, also a band who garnered huge cult fanbases from their first three albums before exploding on the fourth, having last year released their seventh album, Ellipsis.

  Opening are Nothing But Thieves and Fang Club.

  Tickets, priced at £49.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 4pm.

   

• Wed

  23

  Aug

  2017

  Defeater w/Stairwells & Destriers

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Venture Presents bring Boston hardcore act Defeater to Whelan's on August 23 as part of their European tour. Featuring elements of emo & a heavy emphasis on melody, they've released four albums to date - check out 'Spared In Hell'.

  Supporting are melodic hardcore quartet Stairwells and Irish metal/hardcore act Destriers - check them out on Bandcamp.

  Tickets, priced £18, are available from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  23

  Aug

  2017

  Boris

  Limelight 2

  Dublin

  

  Solid Choice Industries and Shizznigh Promotions combine forces to do Belfast folk the fine service of hosting Japanese experimental outfit Boris.

  Named after the Melvins song of the same name, they formed in 1992, releasing debut LP Absolutego in '96. Traversing the paths of noise rock, the avant-garde, metal, psychdelia, stoner metal, and occasionally pop. They release their twenty-third album, Dear, this year. The amplifier apostles' latest sees them venture back towards slower and heavy ventures, in what was initially supposed to be a constraint-free final goodbye to fans but ultimately saw them find a new sense of vitality. Here's 'Pink'.

  Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Wed

  23

  Aug

  2017

  The Psychedelic Furs

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Iconic post-punks The Psychedelic Furs play Belfast's Limelight 1 on August 23 as part of their reunion singles tour.

  Born out of the UK post-punk scene, as well as feeling the benefits of the '80s US college rock radio scene, the band - led by vocalist & songwriter Richard Butler - had a great number of hits over the years since their 1980 debut LP. The current lineup comprises Richard and his brother, bassist Tim Butler, as well as Rich Good on guitar, Mars Williams on sax, Amanda Kramer on keyboards & drummer Paul Garisto.

  Check out 'Pretty In Pink', their hit from their most acclaimed album, 1981's Talk Talk Talk.

  Tickets are priced £26.50, available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  Langhorne Slim w/Malojian

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  August 24 sees Pennsylvanian folk rock singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim play The Empire.

  Support comes from hugely talented folk outfit Malojian.

  Tickets cost £13, available from Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  Defeater, Death of a Salesman, Apartments & January

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh bring Boston hardcore act Defeater to the Empire on August 24 as part of their forthcoming European tour. Featuring emo & a heavy emphasis on melody, they've released four albums to date - check out 'Spared In Hell'.

  Supporting are metalcore band Death of a Salesman - download their music for free on Bandcamp, Leeds-Belfast-based mathy emo punk duo Apartments - listen to The Only Thing That Keeps Me Here, pop-punk/emo quartet January - check their Bandcamp.

  Tickets, priced £18, are available from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  The Psychedelic Furs

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Iconic post-punks The Psychedelic Furs play The Academy on August 24 as part of their reunion singles tour.

  Born out of the UK post-punk scene, as well as feeling the benefits of the '80s US college rock radio scene, the band - led by vocalist & songwriter Richard Butler - had a great number of hits over the years since their 1980 debut LP. The current lineup comprises Richard and his brother, bassist Tim Butler, as well as Rich Good on guitar, Mars Williams on sax, Amanda Kramer on keyboards & drummer Paul Garisto. Check out 'Pretty In Pink', their hit from their most acclaimed album, 1981's Talk Talk Talk.

  Tickets cost €30, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  The Tearaways (feat. Clem Burke)

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Santa Barbara cult indie outfit The Tearaways play Whelan's on August 24.

  Forming back in 1981, they've put out five records in the last five years,  and are currently touring with Blondie drummer Clem Burke.

  Tickets cost €22.90 from Ticketmaster and WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  Party Fears & Last Days of Elvis

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Formed by Cookstownian Maggie Devlin, and based in Berlin, feminist punk/classic pop act Party Fears play McHugh's Basement on August 24 following the release of their debut album. Check them out on Bandcamp.

  Along with them are Berlin electronic-laced post-punk act Last Days of Elvis - check out their new album, Must Be A Mistake.

  Admission is free and doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  Soma: Silverbacks

  Upstairs @ Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Lo-fi post-punk indie rock peddlers Silverbacks play the 11th edition of SOMA, on August 24 - check out their new EP, Sink The Fat Moon.

   

  Doors open at 10pm.

• Thu

  24

  Aug

  2017

  Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs w/Order Of The Mess

  Róisín Dubh

  Galway

  

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne psych/stoner rock band Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs play Galway's Roisin Dubh on August 24 for Feast.

  They're a heady of physically moving blend of space rock, the cosmische, doom and psych - listen to their latest album, Feed The Rats, on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from Cork stoner rock duo Order of the Mess.

  Admission costs €5 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Stiff Little Fingers 40th Anniversary w/Ruts DC

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Classic Belfast punk quartet Stiff Little Fingers play Dublin's Academy on August 25 as part of their 40th Anniversary tour.

  The band have recently released their last album in 2014, No Going Back, their first top 30 album in over twenty years. The Stiffs are best known for Inflammable Material, the seminal soundtrack to the Troubles, and the first independent album to chart in the UK. They followed this up with something of an evolution, releasing Nobody's Heroes and the criminally underrated Go For It.

  Check out 'Suspect Device' live on Ulster TV in 1978.

  Support comes from remaining members of classic reggae-influenced British punks The Ruts, Ruts DC.

  Tickets cost €25 from Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  John Prine & Sturgill Simpson

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

   

  

  Two of the finest country talents of disparate generations, Sturgill Simpson and John Prine play a show together at Vicar Street on August 25.

  Having been heralded as one of the best from the likes of Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Waters, Bruce Springsteen and countless more, his eponymous debut album is in the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame. He's also one of the key members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with his songs being covered by Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, The Everly Brothers. It's not easy to argue that there's a better lyricist in all of the genre - listen to the timeless 'Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore'.

  Sharing the bill is one of this generation's most heralded alt. country stars Sturgill Simpson, who has earned acclaim across the world for his 2016 masterpiece, A Sailor's Guide To Earth, which earned a Best Country Album Grammy, as well as a nomination for Best Album.

  Check them out live together at Grammy Pro.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Ocean Colour Scene w/The Coral & Carl Barat

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Following a sold out show last year in Belfast, English rockers Ocean Colour Scene play their 1996 album Moseley Shoals in its entirety at Custom House Square on August 25.

  The Birmingham outfit rose from the ashes of the Madchester & UK indie scene, rising to prominence after their demo tape reached the ears of Noel Gallagher, who invited them to tour with Oasis, leading ultimately to their signing with MCA Records. Undergoing lineup changes, the band have consistently released music over the last 2 decades, and last year marked the 20th anniverary of their breakthrough album, Moseley Shoals, which features their biggest hit, 'The Riverboat Song'.

  Support comes from retro Merseyside pop-rock act The Coral.

  Tickets cost £27.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Search Party Animal

  Upstairs @ Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Young Irish math-rockers Search Party Animal - taken from the ASIWYFA song of the same name - play upstairs at Whelan's on August 25.

  Having released their debut single 'Evergreen' earlier in the year, the band have an average age of 19 and have been signed to Faction Records, the same label as Jape and Vincent James McMorrow.

  Tickets are available from WAV Tickets and Ticketmaster, priced €12. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Wyvern Lingo

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Soulful pop trio Wyvern Lingo headline The Grand Social on August 25, following another strong year, ahead of their debut album.

  The Bray trio host this show to celebrate the release of new single 'I Love You, Sadie', taken from their debut album, and showcases an indie R'n'B style.

  Tickets cost €17.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Bullitt x Pabst Presents: Andras, Touch Sensitive & Brien

  Bullitt Courtyard

  Belfast

  

  Melbourne's Andrew Wilson, aka Andras plays a show in the Bullitt Courtyard on August 25 as part of the Bullitt x Pabst collaborative bills. He's an all-encompassing producer, who as well as being a soundtrack composer, radio host & DJ, makes tactile and imperfect electronic music, as well as playing some disco, world, library & oddball tunes. Check him out on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from local label Touch Sensitive and Brien.

  Admission is free and doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  25

  Aug

  2017

  Mistakes #06: No Monster Club, Half Forward Line & Girlfriend

  The Hut, Phibsborough

  Dublin

  

  The sixth Mistakes takes place at The Hut in Phibsborough on August 25, headed by Bobby Aherne's perennial indie-pop platform  No Monster Club.  Check their extensive back catalogue here.

  Sharing the bill are the recently-formed West Irish garage rockers Half Forward Line, featuring members of So Cow & Oh Boland, as well as the excellent young emo-tinged quartet Girlfriend - check out their debut EP 3AM Rituals.

  Admission costs €7, and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  Stiff Little Fingers 40th Anniversary w/The Stranglers, Ruts DC, The Outcasts & Terri Hooley

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  Classic Belfast punk quartet Stiff Little Fingers return to their hometown's Custom House Square on August 26 as part of their 40th Anniversary tour.

  The band have recently released their last album in 2014, No Going Back, their first top 30 album in over twenty years. The Stiffs are best known for Inflammable Material, the seminal soundtrack to the Troubles, and the first independent album to chart in the UK. They followed this up with something of an evolution, releasing Nobody's Heroes and the criminally underrated Go For It.

  Check out 'Suspect Device' live on Ulster TV in 1978.

  Support comes from The Stranglers, the remaining members of classic reggae-influenced British punks The Ruts, Ruts DC, SLF cohorts & Belfast punk stalwarts The Outcasts and Terri Hooley.

  Tickets cost £25 from Ticketmaster. Gates open at 6pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  Floorplan

  District 8

  Dublin

  

  Subject brings Robert Hood, aka Floorplan, following his set in February at District 8, back to Dublin on August 26.

  He's a founding member of Underground Resistance with Mad Mike Banks & Jeff Mills, and is one of the founders of minimal techno.

  Tickets are available from Eventbrite. Doors open at 11pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

  DBD Venue

  Dublin

  

  The new DBD Venue below the Mezz hosts a U:mack show from Newcastle-upon-Tyne psych/stoner rock band Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs on August 26.

  They're a heady of physically moving blend of space rock, the cosmische, doom and psych - listen to their latest album, Feed The Rats, on Bandcamp

  Tickets cost €10 from Tickets.ie. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  RRIC: Chirps, Junk Drawer & Eat Your Lunch

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Dublin institution Retro Revival Indie Club hold the first show from seldom seen indie rockers Chirps, who are soon to release their second album, the follow-up to their 2009 debut - check out the video for 'Asleep At The Wheel/Crunch The Numbers'.

  Belfast-based instrument-swapping indie rock magpies Junk Drawer support- check out their For The Cult Fat Guy EP - and fellow quiet singer-songwriter/occasional full band project Eat Your Book.

  Doors open at 10.30pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  Sister Ghost, The False and the Fair & Chinese Newspaper

  Sin É

  Dublin

  

  The Minor Fall, The Major Lift bring to Dublin's Sin É Northern Irish outfit Sister Ghost, a blistering garage/punk quartet fronted by Derry artist Shannon Delores O'Neill. Check out their debut EP, In A Spell. 

  Dublin-based The False and The Fair play - check out their eclectic, enchanting strain of psychedelic, folky-at-times esoterica - and garage-rock band Chinese Newspaper - check their Soundcloud.

  Admission is free and doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  26

  Aug

  2017

  Park After Dark Festival

  Oakland Park, Glaslough

  Monaghan

  

  Glaslough Village's third annual Park After Dark takes place on August 26, having attracted over 1000 people last year. The voluntary charity festival is for the benefit of the Glasglough Development Association for community development, so funds go straight to refurbishments in the Glaslough Community Centre & Park.

  Performing at the festival are acts like Accidents In The Workplace, Carron, Dani, Fields, Keith Plunkett, Litehouse, Megacone, Montauk Hotel, Sun.Set.Ships, Tanjier and Wee Bee

  Tickets cost €20 and gates open at 6pm.

• Sun

  27

  Aug

  2017

  Shine: Carl Cox, Hot Since 82, Phil Kieran & Schmutz

  Custom House Square

  Belfast

  

  NI's biggest dance institution Shine brings their biggest event to date, with a show at Custom House Square on August 27, headlined by king of underground dance, Carl Cox, veteran of acid house, techno & dance, and label-owner. Check out his Ibiza Boiler Room set.

  Also performing is Yorkshire-based DJ/producer Hot Since 82, as well as Shine residents local exports Phil Kieran and Schmutz.

  Tickets are priced from £33, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm.

• Mon

  28

  Aug

  2017

  Tue

  29

  Aug

  2017

  Magnetic Fields: 50 Song Memoir

  National Concert Hall

  Dublin

  

   

  

  As part of Perspectives in the National Concert Hall, Stephin Merritt, the master craftsman behind the Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs, is one of the great living songwriters, and plays two nights at the venue.

  Celebrating his 50th birthday and a new album on Nonesuch Records. Merritt and band perform two distinct programmes of new songs—one for every year of his melodious existence. In a spectacular staging featuring 50 instruments from Merritt’s formidable collection, the seven-member band recounts his five decades on planet Earth, covering everything from bedbugs and Buddhism to his conception by hippies on a houseboat in St. Thomas.

  Tickets are priced from €27.50-€37.50 for a single night, and €55 for both, from NCH.ie. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Wed

  30

  Aug

  2017

  Xylouris White w/Rue

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Drummer Jim White of Dirty 3 and Cretan lute player George Zylouris perform as Xylouris White at the Workman's Club on August 30 for Enthusiastic Eunuch.

  They've recently released second album Black Peak, recorded by Fugazi's Guy Picciotto, utilising their panoramic backgrounds after first meeting in Melbourne in 1990. They combine free jazz, avant-rock and Greek folk to tell tales rooted in history and mythology, unveiling truths along the way. Check out 'Forging' live in Dublin's Guerrilla Studios.

  Support comes from Irish drone-folk outfit Rue - check out the looming 'Katie Cruel'.

  Tickets cost €16 from Billetto.

• Thu

  31

  Aug

  2017

  The Thin Air Presents: Gnarkats & Beauty Sleep

  Lavery's

  Belfast

  

  On Thursday, August 31, we will host a show with two of our favourite Irish acts at the minute: Belfast alt-rock quartet Gnarkats and indie-pop threesome Beauty Sleep. We will also be spinning tunes before and after.

  Check out Gnarkats' latest single 'Something To Say' on Soundcloud, and Beauty Sleep's 'The Dark'.

  Admission costs £5 on the night, and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  01

  Sep

  2017

  Sat

  02

  Sep

  2017

  Emerald Haze

  Voodoo Lounge & On The Rox

  Dublin

  

  Dublin's Voodoo Lounge & On The Rox host a massive lineup over the weekend of September 1 & 2 for the heavy psych festival, Emerald Haze. Icelandic atmospheric metal act Sólstafir headline the weekend. Check out Berdreyminn.

  Also playing are Polish doom-fuzz act Belzebong, 7-piece psych/prog act Church of the Cosmic Skull, Lord Vicar, Primordial side-project Dread Sovereign, Glaswegian quartet The Cosmic Dead, Parisian heavy rockers Abrahma, Dublin's Wild Rocket, Bad Boat, unbearably heavy sludge-doom trio Nomadic Rituals, Gorilla Pulp, Witchsorrow, Electric Taurus, Blaak Heat, Ten Ton Slug, Iron Void, Electric Octopus, Mother Mooch, King Witch, Elder Druid, Death The Leveller, Zlatanera, The Magnapinna, Mount Soma, Vulpynes, Gourd and Korvid.

  Tickets for the weekend are available from Tickets.ie, priced €38.50. Doors open at 5.30pm each day.

• Sat

  02

  Sep

  2017

  Funeral Horse

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Texan stoner metal outfit Funeral Horse plays the Limelight 2 on September 2 for The Distortion Project. For fans of Melvins, Sleep, Cathedral and the like, check out their Bandcamp for more.

  Support comes from noise-rock tinged hardcore riffers Molarbear - check out 'Party McFly'.

  Tickets cost only £6 from BigCartel, and doors open at 5pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  02

  Sep

  2017

  Wild Rocket & Genuflection

  Róisín Dubh

  Galway

  

  Eclectic Dublin psychedelic groove-laden space rock outfit Wild Rocket play Galway on September 2 for Feast, following the recent release of their second album, Disassociation Mechanics.

  Exploring themes of deep sea & space, the cycles of depression both in people and society's inherently cyclical nature, it's a sprawling note from the future. Watch the video for lead single 'The Future Echoes'. Check out Disassociation Mechanics.

  Doors open at 9pm and admission costs only €5.

• Mon

  04

  Sep

  2017

  American Football

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Hugely influential to the current wave of indie-punk and emo revival, math-tinged emo outfit American Football come to Ireland to play the Button Factory on September 4.

  American Football formed in 1997 from members of Cap'n Jazz, and other star players of the scene at the time, releasing only one eponymous EP & album before splitting in 2000 due to members no longer living in the same city. Its reputation organically spread over the ensuing two decades, leading ultimately to their first UK shows and reunion in 2014 & 2015. They released their second album in 2016.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €25. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Mon

  04

  Sep

  2017

  The Divine Comedy

  Opera House

  Cork

  

  Coinciding with the release of their eleventh album, Foreverland, The Divine Comedy play the Cork Opera House on September 4 as the first date of their Irish tour.

  Since the formation of the Divine Comedy in 1989, Neil Hannon has continued to remain one of the most revered songwriters across the UK and Ireland, with projects including the cricket-based Duckworth Lewis Method. His lyricism is cynically romantic, and sincerely ironic, and has lost none of its lustre over the years - watch the video for 'To The Rescue'.

  Tickets cost from €33.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  05

  Sep

  2017

  Wed

  06

  Sep

  2017

  Pet Shop Boys

  Bord Gais Energy Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Electropop icons Pet Shop Boys play Dublin's Bord Gais Energy Theatre on September 5 & 6.

  As part of a world tour, the duo will dig into their deep bag of hits from the '80s onwards, as well as their current album, Super. The show features laser-led audio-visuals from the act's longtime designer Es Devlin, and choreographer Lynne Page, with live arrangements created alongside the album's producer Stuart Price.

  Tickets, priced from €59.50-€69.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  05

  Sep

  2017

  The Divine Comedy

  University Concert Hall

  Limerick

  

  Coinciding with the release of their eleventh album, Foreverland, The Divine Comedy play Limerick University Concert Hall on September 5.

  Since the formation of the Divine Comedy in 1989, Neil Hannon has continued to remain one of the most revered songwriters across the UK and Ireland, with projects including the cricket-based Duckworth Lewis Method. His lyricism is cynically romantic, and sincerely ironic, and has lost none of its lustre over the years - watch the video for 'To The Rescue'.

  Tickets cost from €33.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  06

  Sep

  2017

  Beatroot: Sue Rynhart & Cacao

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Belfast leading promoters of jazz, roots and experimental music, Moving On Music will present the third annual installment of Beatroot Roots Music Week across September 6-9.

  The first night sees vocalist & composer Sue Rynhart play with bassist Dan Bodwell & Justin Carroll on keys. Sue has received huge acclaim since her debut album ‘Crossings’, featuring in international press and numerous ‘must see’ lists. Her music draws on folk, classical and jazz traditions with a pop sensibility.

  Sharing the stage is Cacao, who fuse Latin bossa nova rhythms with samba music. Led by Fermanagh-born multi-instrumentalist Gnanam Samuel, they play a mix of old and new Brazilian jazz songs and instrumentals as well as original compositions.

  Tickets cost £10, or £30 for the whole weekend, and are available from Moving On Music. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  06

  Sep

  2017

  The Divine Comedy

  Millennium Forum

  Derry

  

  Coinciding with the release of their eleventh album, Foreverland, The Divine Comedy play Derry's Millennium Forum on September 6.

  Since the formation of the Divine Comedy in 1989, Neil Hannon has continued to remain one of the most revered songwriters across the UK and Ireland, with projects including the cricket-based Duckworth Lewis Method. His lyricism is cynically romantic, and sincerely ironic, and has lost none of its lustre over the years - watch the video for 'To The Rescue'.

  Tickets cost from £32.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  07

  Sep

  2017

  Beatroot: Daoirí Farrell & Cup O'Joe

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Belfast leading promoters of jazz, roots and experimental music, Moving On Music will present the third annual installment of Beatroot Roots Music Week across September 6-9.

   

  On September 7, Dublin traditional singer & bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell has picked up BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for best newcomer & traditional track. Championed by the likes of Christy Moore & Donal Lunny, this will be his debut Belfast solo performance. Check out 'Van Diemen's Land'.

  Cup O'Joe support, and are rising stars of the international bluegrass and gypsy jazz scene. They feature Reuben, Tabitha & Benjamin Agnew - check out 'Handsome Molly'.

  Tickets cost £13 (or £10 concession), or £30 for the whole weekend, and are available from Moving On Music. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  08

  Sep

  2017

  Ryan Adams

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Following the February release of his sixteenth album, Prisoner, Americana icon Ryan Adams returns to Ireland to play a few dates, starting off with the Ulster Hall on September 8.

  Breaking out with his 2000 solo debut album, Heartbreaker in 2000, and consolidating this commercial and critical success with his bestselling album, Gold the following year, the North Carolina native started out with alt. country band Whiskeytown. He's also produced Willie Nelson, Jenny Lewis and Fall Out Boy, and has collaborated with countless acts in a variety of genres. 

  Check out recent single 'Do You Still Love Me?'.

  Tickets, priced at £35 at Ticketmaster.

• Fri

  08

  Sep

  2017

  Beatroot: Hejira & Hive Choir

  Crescent Arts Centre

  Belfast

  

  Belfast leading promoters of jazz, roots and experimental music, Moving On Music will present the third annual installment of Beatroot Roots Music Week across September 6-9.

   

  Hejira are an act of multi-national heritage, being Ethiopian, Chilean, German & Hungarian, based in London. The multi-instrumentalists switch between 2 guitars, two basses, 3 sets of keys, drums and electronics and vocals. They've worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Floating Points and Nitin Sawhney, and is a heady brew of sounds and textures making their first appearance in Belfast. Check out 'I Don't Belong To Anyone'.

  Supporting is new Belfast-based artist collective, Hive Choir, who inherit their members and ethos from experimental choral projects Bird on a Wire & Belfast City Choir, functioning as a testing ground for vocal improvisation.

  Tickets cost £13 (or £10 concession), or £30 for the whole weekend, and are available from Moving On Music. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  08

  Sep

  2017

  Beatroot: Joshua Burnside w/Stephen James Smith

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Belfast leading promoters of jazz, roots and experimental music, Moving On Music will present the third annual installment of Beatroot Roots Music Week across September 6-9.

   

  September 8 sees experimental indie-folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside, play the Black Box, having just launched his debut album, Ephrata. Check out the first single, 'Tunnels Pt. 1'.

  Supporting is Dublin poet & playwright Stephen James Smith, who has been crucial in the rise of the Irish spoken word scene, with his videos amassing over 1 million views online, with films commissionned by St. Patrick's Festival, and performing across the world.

  Tickets cost £13 (or £10 concession), or £30 for the whole weekend, and are available from Moving On Music. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  08

  Sep

  2017

  Shelby Earl

  Upstairs @ Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Whelans' Upstairs hosts the hugely gifted vocal talent of Shelby Earl on September 8.

  The Seattle singer-songwriter released her debut album, Burn The Boats in 2011, followed in 2013. She most recently released The Man Who Made Himself a Name, which flits between indie rock, folk, never forgetting a strong hook. Check out the video for 'James'.

  Tickets cost €15 on the door and €12 in advance from WAV. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  08

  Sep

  2017

  Sat

  09

  Sep

  2017

  The Divine Comedy

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Coinciding with the release of their eleventh album, Foreverland, The Divine Comedy play two nights at The Olympia Theatre on December 8 & 9.

  Since the formation of the Divine Comedy in 1989, Neil Hannon has continued to remain one of the most revered songwriters across the UK and Ireland, with projects including the cricket-based Duckworth Lewis Method. His lyricism is cynically romantic, and sincerely ironic, and has lost none of its lustre over the years - watch the video for 'To The Rescue'.

  Support comes from Pugwash.

  Tickets cost from €40.05 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  09

  Sep

  2017

  Ryan Adams

  Opera House

  Cork

  

  Following the February release of his sixteenth album, Prisoner, Americana icon Ryan Adams returns to Ireland to play a few dates, hitting Cork Opera House on September 9.

  Breaking out with his 2000 solo debut album, Heartbreaker in 2000, and consolidating this commercial and critical success with his bestselling album, Gold the following year, the North Carolina native started out with alt. country band Whiskeytown. He's also produced Willie Nelson, Jenny Lewis and Fall Out Boy, and has collaborated with countless acts in a variety of genres. 

  Check out recent single 'Do You Still Love Me?'.

  Tickets, priced at €44.05 from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  09

  Sep

  2017

  R51 Russian Tour Fundraiser w/Matua Trap & Bosco Ramos

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Nugaze-pop quintet R51 go on a 3800-mile, 10-date Russian tour in September, and in order to raise funds, play McHugh's Basement on September 9. Check out the video for new single 'Heavy Friends'.

  Belfast alt. prog-rockers Matua Trap support - check them out on Bandcamp - and opening up are riff-fuelled, Belfast bass-and-drums duo Bosco Ramos watch the video for 'Rolling Sea'.

  They'll have custom Russian tour shirts on offer, with admission being donation based. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  09

  Sep

  2017

  Junk Drawer & The Great Balloon Race

  Crane Lane

  Cork

  

  Alliance Promotions bring Belfast-based instrument-swapping indie rock magpies Junk Drawer to Crane Lane Theatre on September 9. Check out their For The Cult Fat Guy EP.

  Supporting are Cork alt. psych outfit The Great Balloon Race - check out latest single, the off-kilter groove of 'Chocolate Beans'.

  Admission is free and it's an early show - doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sun

  10

  Sep

  2017

  Flogging Molly

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  LA Celtophiles Flogging Molly play a pair of shows in Ireland, hitting Dublin's Olympia Theatre on September 10.

  Merging punk and Irish folk, their sixth album Life Is Good came out in June, the long awaited follow-up to their 2011 Speed of Darkness LP. Check out the video for 'Life Is Good'.

  Tickets cost €27 from Ticketmaster.

• Mon

  11

  Sep

  2017

  Tue

  12

  Sep

  2017

  Ryan Adams

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Following the February release of his sixteenth album, Prisoner, Americana icon Ryan Adams returns to Ireland to play a few dates, hitting Dublin's Olympia Theatre on September 11 & 12, with the second added due to demand.

  Breaking out with his 2000 solo debut album, Heartbreaker in 2000, and consolidating this commercial and critical success with his bestselling album, Gold the following year, the North Carolina native started out with alt. country band Whiskeytown. He's also produced Willie Nelson, Jenny Lewis and Fall Out Boy, and has collaborated with countless acts in a variety of genres. 

  Check out recent single 'Do You Still Love Me?'.

  Tickets, priced at €40.05 from Ticketmaster.

• Mon

  11

  Sep

  2017

  Flogging Molly

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  LA Celtophiles Flogging Molly play a pair of shows in Ireland, hitting the Limelight 1 on September 11.

  Merging punk and Irish folk, their sixth album Life Is Good came out in June, the long awaited follow-up to their 2011 Speed of Darkness LP. Check out the video for 'Life Is Good'.

  Tickets cost £22.50 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Thu

  14

  Sep

  2017

  Steve Strong, Hiva Oa, Wasps & Hungergrumps

  Aether & Echo

  Belfast

  

  Shizznigh Promotions' free Thursday gignight returns on a monthly basis to Aether & Echo, its first instalment taking place on September 14. Headlining is Plymouth-based one-man-band, Steve Strong, who'll bring his own beats, tapped guitar and textural melodies, and constant genre-hopping - check out his Soundcloud.

  One of our favourite bands in NI right now, the electronic alt. rock trio Hiva Oa play, having recently released their excellent new EP, MkII - check it out on Bandcamp. Sharing the bill with them are math-punks Wasps and lo-fi punk-pop duo Hungergrumps.

  Admission is free and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  15

  Sep

  2017

  Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Friday September 15 sees Clap Your Hands Say Yeah play Whelan's.

  The indie rock band released their eponymous debut in 2005, and this year sees the release of their fifth album, The Tourist. At this point, only frontman Alex Ounsworth is the only original member, with the rest of the core lineup departing in 2004.

  Tickets are available from WAV Tickets and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  15

  Sep

  2017

  King Kong Company

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  After a year that saw them win a best live act award, and have made a true event out of their live shows, electronic dance troupe King Kong Company play Belfast's Limelight 2 on September 15 as part of their European tour.

  The septet have been described as sounding more like a DJ than a band, and their eponymous debut LP was produced by long-time Prodigy collaborator Neil McLellan, and sees its European release this year. Check out the frankly, quite unreal, video for 'Spacehopper'.

  Tickets cost £15 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  15

  Sep

  2017

  King Kong Company

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  After a year that saw them win a best live act award, and have made a true event out of their live shows, electronic dance troupe King Kong Company play Belfast's Limelight 2 on September 15 as part of their European tour.

  The septet have been described as sounding more like a DJ than a band, and their eponymous debut LP was produced by long-time Prodigy collaborator Neil McLellan, and sees its European release this year. Check out the frankly, quite unreal, video for 'Spacehopper'.

  Tickets cost £15 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  15

  Sep

  2017

  Elixir #3: Jehst w/Grim Pickinz, Jay Suttin, Sketch Nine & more

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  One of the UK's most acclaimed rap artists of all time, Jehst, plays Voodoo on September 15. He'll be performing his Billy Green Show, following his hugely acclaimed Billy Green Is Dead.

  Supporting are Irish-English hip-hop act Grim Pickinz - who have a residency in Amsterdam's Hill Street Blues - Jay Suttin, Sketch Nine, DJ Concept, Militant Vinylist, with an open mic session.

  Admission costs £8 in advance from BTribal. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  16

  Sep

  2017

  Albert Hammond with His Band & the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra and Singers

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Dublin's 3Arena sees a performance from all-time-great Albert Hammond along with his band and the Leipzig Symphony Orchestra.

  This year saw the release of new album In Symphony, a collection of some of his classic songs. He's had a career lasting over five decades, being the father of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., writing hits and award-winners for the likes of Diana Ross, Leo Sayer, Starship, Whitney Houston & The Hollies.

  Tickets are priced from €45-€55, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  16

  Sep

  2017

  Roots Manuva

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  English rapper & producer Roots Manuva plays The Sugar Club on September 16.

  Growing up around Stockwell, London, Rodney Smith was involved with sound systems early on. He debuted in 1994 under his real name, before swiftly changing to Roots Manuva, under which name he still works. His trip-hop-inflected work has earned much crossover appeal, and his most recent album, Bleeds, came out in 2015,

  Tickets are available for €25.40 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  16

  Sep

  2017

  The National

  Cork Opera House

  Cork

  

  Following the announcement of the seventh album from The National, they play the first date of their world tour at Cork Opera House on September 16 as part of the Sounds From A Safe Harbour Festival, which runs from September 14-17.

  The indie rock band from Cincinnati, formed in 1999 breaking through in a big way from fourth album, Boxer and everything afterwards. Check out the video for new National single 'The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness' from their forthcoming seventh album, Sleep Well Beast.

• Sat

  16

  Sep

  2017

  Jehst w/Grim Pickinz & Cuttin' Heads Collective

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Dublin's Cuttin Heads Collective & This Side Up combine to bring one of the UK's most influential rap artists of all time, Jehst, to The Grand Social on September 16.

  He'll be performing his Billy Green Show, following his hugely acclaimed Billy Green Is Dead.

  Supporting are Irish-English hip-hop act Grim Pickinz - who have a residency in Amsterdam's Hill Street Blues - and Cork's Cuttin' Heads, with an Open Mic competition on the night.

  Admission costs €10, available from Eventbrite, The show runs from 11.30pm until late.

• Sun

  17

  Sep

  2017

  Mon

  18

  Sep

  2017

  The National

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Following the announcement of the seventh album from The National, they kickstart their world tour in Ireland, playing Vicar Street on September 17 & 18.

  The indie rock band from Cincinnati, formed in 1999 breaking through in a big way from fourth album, Boxer and everything afterwards. Check out the video for new National single 'The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness' from their forthcoming seventh album, Sleep Well Beast.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €57. Doors open 8pm.

• Wed

  20

  Sep

  2017

  Thu

  21

  Sep

  2017

  Red Hot Chili Peppers

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Former funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers return to Dublin for the first time in 5 years for shows at the 3Arena on September 20 & 21 in place of the postponement of their dates in December due to sickness..

  This appearance coincides with their latest album, the reasonably well-received The Getaway, and Josh Klinghoffer's second RHCP album as replacement for John Frusciante. The four have sold over 60 million albums in their time together.

• Fri

  22

  Sep

  2017

  Daniel Avery & Schmutz

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Shine holds a big night on September 22 at the Limelight 1 with one of the UK's forward-thinking DJ-producers, Daniel Avery. Seamlessly blending house and techno into his own sound, he's Andrew Weatherall's assistant currently, and is on Phantasy Sound.

  Also playing is Belfast duo Schmutz - check out his Boiler Room set.

  Tickets are available for £10 for early birds from Shine, rising to £12 & £14 after. Doors open at 10pm.

• Fri

  22

  Sep

  2017

  DJ Seinfeld

  Hangar

  Dublin

  

  Hangar hosts a show from DJ Seinfeld on September 22. Check out his Soundcloud.

  Tickets are available from Resident Advisor - get 'em while they're cheap. Things kick off at 10.30pm.

• Sat

  23

  Sep

  2017

  Ennio Morricone - Last Ever Irish Concert

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  The 3Arena hosts iconic Italian film composer Ennio Morricone - who reshaped the sound of cinema - on Saturday, September 23, in the Irish leg of his farewell tour, as he turns 90 this year.

  He'll be accompanied by over 200 musicians and singers onstage, as with previous tours, performing classics and originals from his Oscar-winning scores.

  Known best for his work alongside Sergio Leone in his spaghetti Westerns, his scores are synonymous with the genre; most notably through arguably his all-time finest work in The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, and Once Upon A Time In The West.

  Tickets, priced from €87, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  23

  Sep

  2017

  Anathema & Alcest

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Prog-metallers Anathema headline the Limelight 2 on September 23 in an early show following the release of their latest album, The Optimist. Check out first single 'Springfield'.

  Supporting are French shoegaze/black metal crossover act Alcest - here's 'Autre Temps'.

  Tickets, priced £25, are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 5pm.

• Sat

  23

  Sep

  2017

  Documenta, Delta Mainline & ARitualSea

  Tivoli Backstage

  Dublin

  

  Ethereal guitar specialists Documenta headline the Tivoli Backstage on September 23 for Retro Revival Indie Club. The seven-piece drone-pop outfit led by singer, songwriter and guitarist Joe Greene, released their latest album Drone Pop #1, which remains one of the finest NI album releases in the last couple of years. Check out 'Idle Hands'.

  Supporting are Edinburgh alternative rock outfit Delta Mainline - check out new single Vultures - and dream-pop act ARitualSea - check them out on Soundcloud.

  Admission costs €10 and doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  24

  Sep

  2017

  Anathema & Alcest

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Prog-metallers Anathema headline the Dublin's Academy on September 24. Check out first single 'Springfield'.

  Supporting are French shoegaze/black metal crossover act Alcest - here's 'Autre Temps'.

  Tickets, priced €30, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  26

  Sep

  2017

  Vulfpeck

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Vicar Street hosts US funk group Vulfpeck on September 26, following the release of their second album, The Beautiful Game last year.

  Formed in 2011 after attending the University of Michigan's music school, the group goes for a minimal, raw performance, having released four EPs, and an album to date. In 2014, they released a ten-track silent album on Spotify in order to raise funds for an admission-free tour, which generated $20,000 in royalties over 2 months. This gave the band international press and its fourth EP, Fugue State, and a huge spread of word-of-mouth press. 

  Check out 'Back Pocket'.

  Tickets cost €31 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  27

  Sep

  2017

  Fri

  29

  Sep

  2017

  LCD Soundsystem

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  LCD Soundsystem play three relatively intimate shows at the Olympia Theatre from September 27-29.

  Marking the band's first headline shows since their 2015 reformation, these dates are the only Irish shows for the James Murphy-fronted act this year. These shows follow the September 1 release of their fourth studio album, American Dream. Here's 'Someone Great'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  28

  Sep

  2017

  Stewart Lee: Content Provider

  Waterfront Hall

  Dublin

  

  The comedian's comedian Stewart Lee returns to Belfast to perform his new show Content Provider at the Waterfront Hall on September 28.

  The anti-populist writer & comedian has co-penned the controversial Broadway play Jerry Springer: The Opera, several novels, four seasons of his award-winning Comedy Vehicle, and a significant output for The Guardian and The Sunday Times, as well as maintaining a successful stand-up career over the last 2 decades. This will be his first full-length show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World.

  It's worth your while watching 'Context' for a Rosetta Stone of Lee, if you have the time. 

  Tickets are priced at £23 and are available from the Waterfront. The show kicks off at 8pm.

• Thu

  28

  Sep

  2017

  No Encore Live II: Overhead, The Albatross, Daithí & Elaine Mai

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Following a sold-out live debut in March, Irish music podcast No Encore returns with a strong lineup to Whelan's on September 28.

  Taking place as part of the first ever Dublin Podcast Festival, the three hosts record an episode live in the venue, with performances from three hugely respected live acts in instrumental post-rockers Overhead, The Albatross, West-coast violin-looping wunderkind Daithí and electronic performer Elaine Mai.

  The podcast has previously worked with the likes of Hamilton Leithauser, Girl Band and Ho99o9.

  Tickets cost €11 from Ticketmaster and WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  29

  Sep

  2017

  Shellac

  Roisin Dubh

  Galway

  

  Steve Albini's minimal noise-rock outfit Shellac play Galway's Roisin Dubh on September 29.

  Formed in 1992 by Steve Albini, Bob Weston & Todd Trainer, the trio have always described themselves at a 'minimalist rock trio' and are known for their visceral angularity and tongue-in-cheek outlook, with live shows featuring spoken word segments and Q&A sections. The band most recently released their fifth album, Dude Incredible back in 2014, but generally don't adhere to album/tour/album press cycles. Here's 1000 Hurts.

  Tickets are available from the Roisin Dubh. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  29

  Sep

  2017

  Live Album Launch: Otherkin

  Tower Records

  Dublin

  

  Following sold out shows and slots at Tennent's Vital, Electric Picnic, Latitude, Reading & Leeds Festivals and more, Dublin grungy garage quartet Otherkin perform live at Tower Records to launch their debut album OK on September 29, its day of release.

  They released their The New Vice EP last summer - check out their Soundcloud. Their music and performances have attracted the Guardian and NME and it looks like the band are on the cusp of big things. Here's new single 'The Hyve'.

  Admission is free and the show takes place at 5.30pm.

• Sat

  30

  Sep

  2017

  Lamb

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Mancunian downtempo/drum'n'bass duo Lamb play Dublin's Academy on September 30. 

  Formed in 1994 by producer Andrew Barlow and singer Louise Rhodes, they got signed instantly and have put out consistently relevant releases since debut album Lamb in '96. Check out 'Gorecki'.

  Tickets cost €29.90 from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  30

  Sep

  2017

  Chris Rock: The Total Blackout Tour

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  The Grammy & Emmy winning comedian, actor, director, writer & producer Chris Rock comes back to Ireland for the first time in a decade to perform stand-up at the 3Arena on Saturday, September 30.

  This will be his first tour in 9 years from one of his generation's strongest comic voices. With the world's state of affairs in the way it currently is, expect some provocative language and well-earned mirth.

  Tickets are priced from €60.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  30

  Sep

  2017

  Rubberbandits

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Limerick's finest musical comedy duo, The Rubberbandits, headline Vicar Street  once more on September 30.

  They broke with the single 'Horse Outside' but have since continued to rise in popularity, gaining a television series, winning the Edinburgh Fringe Festival's Malcolm Hardee award for being the most original act. They feature Mr Chrome and Blindboy Boatclub, and have become Ireland's finest satirists at this point, having made an acclaimed 1916 documentary. Blindboy has become known for his speaking out on important social issues like emotional intelligence, mental health & more. Check their loaded Youtube channel.

  Tickets, priced at €27, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  30

  Sep

  2017

  Shellac & Il Sogno Del Marinaio

  Tivoli Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Steve Albini's minimal noise-rock outfit Shellac play Dublin's Tivoli Theatre on September 30, with a special support slot from punk icon Mike Watt's current project, Il Sogno Del Marinaio.

  Formed in 1992 by Steve Albini, Bob Weston & Todd Trainer, the trio have always described themselves at a 'minimalist rock trio' and are known for their visceral angularity and tongue-in-cheek outlook, with live shows featuring spoken word segments and Q&A sections. The band most recently released their fifth album, Dude Incredible back in 2014, but generally don't adhere to album/tour/album press cycles. Here's 1000 Hurts.

  As well as being the bassist with Minutemen & fIREHOSE, Mike Watt has played with Sonic Youth, The Stooges and countless other legends - his experimental Italian-American project has released two albums so far. Check out 'Mountain Top'.

  Tickets are available from Tickets.ie. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  01

  Oct

  2017

  Shellac

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Steve Albini's minimal noise-rock outfit Shellac play Belfast's Black Box on October 1, thanks to Strange Victory.

  Formed in 1992 by Steve Albini, Bob Weston & Todd Trainer, the trio have always described themselves at a 'minimalist rock trio' and are known for their visceral angularity and tongue-in-cheek outlook, with live shows featuring spoken word segments and Q&A sections. The band most recently released their fifth album, Dude Incredible back in 2014, but generally don't adhere to album/tour/album press cycles. Here's 1000 Hurts.

  Tickets are available from the Black Box, priced at £18. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Mon

  02

  Oct

  2017

  All Them Witches

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Nashville bluesy stoner rock outfit All Them Witches play Whelan's on October 2. 

  They just released their new album, Sleeping Through The War, following last year's Dying Surfer Meets His Maker. They've been acclaimed by the likes of Stereogum and SPIN, who've given them acclaim as the real deal as far as psychedelic blues-rock warriors go. Watch the video for '3-5-7'. 

  Tickets cost €13 from WAV Tickets. 

• Thu

  05

  Oct

  2017

  Grizzly Bear

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Experimental Brooklyn alt. pop outfit Grizzly Bear play Vicar Street on October 5.

  Proclaimed as Jonny Greenwood's favourite band, they incorporate elements of psychedelia, folk, classic pop, art and more to have been one of the defining sounds of forward-thinking 21st century acts. They're led and were formed as a moniker for songwriter Ed Droste's music around 2002. Check out new single 'Mourning Sound', from their fifth album, this year's Painted Ruins.

  Tickets cost €32 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  05

  Oct

  2017

  Micah P Hinson & The Holy Strangers

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Modern folk songwriter Micah P. Hinson performs alongside full band The Holy Strangers in a Strange Victory show at Voodoo on October 5, to promote his latest Presents The Holy Strangers album.

  Recorded in Texas with old analogue equipment, it's been describes as a modern folk opera, telling the story of a wartime family, going from birth to love, marriage, children, and to the extremes of human behaviour. Check out 'Beneath The Rose'.

  Tickets cost £12 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  05

  Oct

  2017

  JP Cooper

  The Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Island Records indie-soul singer JP Cooper play the Olympia Theatre on October 5, just following the release of his debut album, Raised Under Dark Skies.

  Having achieved platinum status across Europe with hits under his own name and co-writing credits on a selection of hits, this has been the breakthrough year in a career that looks like it's just getting started.

  Tickets cost €21 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at

• Thu

  05

  Oct

  2017

  Gifted: Electric Octopus, Black Chapels, Search Party & James Downey

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  The fast-rising, intoxicatingly funky, soulful, psychedelic jam trio Electric Octopus headline Gifted at the Empire Music Hall on October 5. Check out their music, which is gaining serious traction, seemingly organic, online.

  Supporting are alt. rock quartet Black Chapels, Search Party and singer-songwriter James Downey. 

  Admission costs £3 and doors open at 9pm.

• Fri

  06

  Oct

  2017

  Micah P Hinson & The Holy Strangers

  Roisin Dubh

  Galway

  

  Modern folk songwriter Micah P. Hinson performs alongside full band The Holy Strangers at the Roisin Dubh on October 6 to promote his latest Presents The Holy Strangers album.

  Recorded in Texas with old analogue equipment, it's been describes as a modern folk opera, telling the story of a wartime family, going from birth to love, marriage, children, and to the extremes of human behaviour. Check out 'Beneath The Rose'.

  Tickets cost €14/€12 from Roisin Dubh. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  06

  Oct

  2017

  Elder Druid Album Launch w/Nomadic Rituals, Molarbear & Voodoo Blood

  Bar Sub

  Dublin

  

  Ballymena/Belfast occult-loving stoner-doom outfit Elder Druid launch their debut album, Carmina Satanae with a show a Bar Sub in Belfast on October 6. Check out their Magicka EP on Bandcamp.

  Support comes from crushingly heavy Belfast doom trio Nomadic Rituals - check out their pulverisingly heavy second album, Marking The Day, released earlier this year - sludgy noise-rock tinged hardcore riffers Molarbear - check out 'Party McFly' - and Manchester heavy blues quartet Voodoo Blood.

  Tickets cost £6 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sat

  07

  Oct

  2017

  Jenny Hval

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Moving On Music & Strange Victory combine their substantial forces to bring Norwegian auteur & writer Jenny Hval to the Black Box on October 7 as part of the JamJar Music weekend.

  She's released some of the most acclaimed, genre-defying albums over the last few years, notably last year's Blood Bitch and Apocalypse, Girl in the year before that. Her non-traditional arrangements, singular voice & melodic choices as well as the live performance take in aspects of poetry, performance art, film, all the while subverting gender & sociopolitical constructs. Here's 'Conceptual Romance'.

  Tickets, priced £15, are available from Eventbrite. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  07

  Oct

  2017

  Micah P Hinson & The Holy Strangers

  Cyprus Avenue

  Cork

  

  Modern folk songwriter Micah P. Hinson performs alongside full band The Holy Strangers at Cork's Cyprus Avenue on October 7 to promote his latest Presents The Holy Strangers album.

  Recorded in Texas with old analogue equipment, it's been describes as a modern folk opera, telling the story of a wartime family, going from birth to love, marriage, children, and to the extremes of human behaviour. Check out 'Beneath The Rose'.

  Tickets cost €15 from Eventbrite. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  07

  Oct

  2017

  Alter Bridge

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Hard rock/alt. metal outfit Alter Bridge play the Olympia Theatre for the second time in 2017 on October 7 as part of the tour for their fifth album, following a sold-out show in June.

  Formed from the band members of Creed after their 2004 dissolution, they snapped up incredibly talented singer Myles Kennedy - who went on to sing with Slash's solo project. Their fifth album, The Last Hero came out in 2016. Check out the video for 'Show Me A Leader'.

  Tickets are priced at €40, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  07

  Oct

  2017

  Ulrika Spacek

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Coinciding with the release of their second album, psych-tinged alternative outfit Ulrika Spacek play the Workman's Club on October 7.

  Formed in 2014 and based in Reading, the band's latest LP, Modern English Decoration is their second in as many years. Mergining post-punk, krautrock and some slack alt & indie rock, they're one of most interesting bands of their ilk to pop up in some time. Check out 'Mimi Pretend'.

  Tickets cost €15 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  08

  Oct

  2017

  The Mountain Goats

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Cult indie folk rock act The Mountain Goats play a duo performance on October 8 at Dublin's Button Factory.

  Formed initally in the early '90s as a lo-fi solo project for singer-songwriter John Darnielle's eccentric and often emotionally charged sensibilities, the Mountain Goats turned into a full band, developing a more polished sound around the turn of the century. They've just released their sixteenth studio album, Goths, and it's the first album by the Mountain Goats not to feature guitar.

  Check out their early classic, 'The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton'.

  Tickets, priced at €22, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sun

  08

  Oct

  2017

  Micah P Hinson & The Holy Strangers

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Modern folk songwriter Micah P. Hinson performs alongside full band The Holy Strangers at Whelan's on October 8, to promote his latest Presents The Holy Strangers album.

  Recorded in Texas with old analogue equipment, it's been describes as a modern folk opera, telling the story of a wartime family, going from birth to love, marriage, children, and to the extremes of human behaviour. Check out 'Beneath The Rose'.

  Tickets cost €16.50 from WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  08

  Oct

  2017

  Alter Bridge

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Hard rock/alt. metal outfit Alter Bridge play the Ulster Hall for the second time in 2017 on October 8 as part of the tour for their fifth album, following a sold-out show in June and upcoming one in support of their new Live At The O2 Arena album.

  Formed from the band members of Creed after their 2004 dissolution, they snapped up incredibly talented singer Myles Kennedy - who went on to sing with Slash's solo project. Their fifth album, The Last Hero came out in 2016. Check out the video for 'Show Me A Leader'.

  Tickets are priced at £30, available from Ticketmaster and the Waterfront. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  13

  Oct

  2017

  Amber Run [14+]

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Nottingham indie-pop five piece Amber Run play Mandela Hall in a 14+ show on October 13. They released their second album, For A Moment, I Was Lost in February. 

  Tickets cost £14 from Ticketmaster & the QUB Students' Union. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  13

  Oct

  2017

  Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  English folk troubadour & outfit Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Witt play Dublin's Academy on Friday, October 13.

  The jack-of-all-trades Flynn is an actor, poet and songwriter, distinguishable by his mysteriously aged and worldweary baritone. This follows his fourth album, Sillion, based around his usual literary folk style, which is an old word to describe the gleaming furrow of earth turned over when the plough cuts through the soil. Check out the video for 'Raising The Dead'.

  Tickets are available for €20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  13

  Oct

  2017

  The Darkness

  Dolan's Warehouse

  Limerick

  

  It's been almost 15 years since The Darkness' landed with their breakthrough debut album, and they play Limerick's Dolan's Warehouse on October 13.

  Consisting of Lowestoft brothers Justin & Dan Hawkins, charismatic bassist Frankie Poullain, and new drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor. The Darkness made waves playing on the pomp & showmanship of classic rock & roll at its peak, releasing only 2 albums during their initial run (Permission To Land & One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back) and two - 2012's Hot Cakes and 2015 LP Last of Our Kind, with their fifth album overall out this year. 'Love Is Only A Feeling'. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €25.90. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  13

  Oct

  2017

  Skream

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  London-based DJ/producer Skream brings his Open To Close tour after a sold-out run last year, which aims to bring the back-to-basics element of club culture back to the forefront. He performs on October 13, forsaking elaborate production for a solely music-focused set. Here's his Soundcloud.

  Tickets cost £17 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Things kick off from 10.30pm.

• Sat

  14

  Oct

  2017

  Hippo Campus

  The Academy 2

  Dublin

  

  Having just released their debut album landmark, Minnesotan act Hippo Campus play the Academy 2 on October 14.

  The indie pop/rock quartet in their early 20s, released their debut album in February. Check out 'Way It Goes'.

  Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ticketmaster. 

• Sat

  14

  Oct

  2017

  Amber Run

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Nottingham indie-pop five piece Amber Run play Whelan's on October 14. They released their second album, For A Moment, I Was Lost in February. 

  Tickets cost €17.50 from Ticketmaster & WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Sat

  14

  Oct

  2017

  The Darkness

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  It's been almost 15 years since The Darkness' landed with their breakthrough debut album, and the band play Dublin's Academy on October 14.

  Consisting of Lowestoft brothers Justin & Dan Hawkins, charismatic bassist Frankie Poullain, and new drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor. The Darkness made waves playing on the pomp & showmanship of classic rock & roll at its peak, releasing only 2 albums during their initial run (Permission To Land & One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back) and two - 2012's Hot Cakes and 2015 LP Last of Our Kind, with their fifth album overall out this year. 'Love Is Only A Feeling'. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €30. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  14

  Oct

  2017

  Newton Faulkner

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Acoustic guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner plays the Limelight 2 in Belfast on October 14.

  Faulkner's debut album Hand Built By Robots was released in 2007 which saw him break out and reach number 1. He released Write It On Your Skin in 2012 and he made some history by live streaming the recording of his follow-up, Studio Zoo, for the 5 weeks it took to record in summer of 2013. He released his fifth album, Human Love in 2015, with another upcoming.

  Tickets are available for £22.50 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm as it's an early show.

• Sun

  15

  Oct

  2017

  The Darkness

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  It's been almost 15 years since The Darkness' landed with their breakthrough debut album, and they play Belfast's Limelight 1 on October 15.

  Consisting of Lowestoft brothers Justin & Dan Hawkins, charismatic bassist Frankie Poullain, and new drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor. The Darkness made waves playing on the pomp & showmanship of classic rock & roll at its peak, releasing only 2 albums during their initial run (Permission To Land & One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back) and two - 2012's Hot Cakes and 2015 LP Last of Our Kind, with their fifth album overall out this year. 'Love Is Only A Feeling'. 

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar for £22.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  15

  Oct

  2017

  Newton Faulkner

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Acoustic guitar virtuoso Newton Faulkner plays Whelan's on October 15.

  Faulkner's debut album Hand Built By Robots was released in 2007 which saw him break out and reach number 1. He released Write It On Your Skin in 2012 and he made some history by live streaming the recording of his follow-up, Studio Zoo, for the 5 weeks it took to record in summer of 2013. He released his fifth album, Human Love in 2015, with another upcoming.

  Tickets are available for €26.50 from Ticketmaster and WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  15

  Oct

  2017

  The Dears

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Montreal indie rock band The Dears play Dublin's Grand Social on October 15 in celebration of the release of their new album Times Infinity Volume One.

  Led by husband & wife duo Murray Lightburn & Natalia Yanchak, the act have been around since 1995, creating dark, orchestra pop with hefty Morrissey influence. Check out 'Lost In The Plot'.

  Tickets cost €20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Sun

  15

  Oct

  2017

  Tom McRae

  Green Room, The Academy

  Dublin

  

  British singer-songwriter Tom McRae plays The Academy's Green Room on October 15 as part of a UK & Irish tour.

  Since his Mercury-nominated eponymous debut album in 2000, he's released 6 studio albums, each of which has been broadly acclaimed.

  Tickets cost €20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  16

  Oct

  2017

  The Dears

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  Montreal indie rock band The Dears play Belfast's Empire Music Hall on October 16 in celebration of the release of their new album Times Infinity Volume One.

  Led by husband & wife duo Murray Lightburn & Natalia Yanchak, the act have been around since 1995, creating dark, orchestra pop with hefty Morrissey influence. Check out 'Lost In The Plot'.

  Tickets cost £16 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

   

• Mon

  16

  Oct

  2017

  The Horrors

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Having just announced their fifth album, V, gothic synth/post-punk outfit The Horrors play the Mandela Hall on October 16.

  Having went quiet following previous album Luminous, the band - known for channelling different subsets of indie music for each record - veer into dance, trance & '80s pop on their latest, said to be the most progressive yet. Check out its first single 'Machine'.

  Tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  16

  Oct

  2017

  The Breeders

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Four years on from a memorable show in the same venue, alternative rock legends The Breeders will play Dublin’s Vicar Street on October 16.

  Having recently been in the studio recording the follow-up to 2008’s Mountain Battles, quartet of Kim Deal, Kelley Deal, Josephine Wiggs and Jim Macperson will stop for the show as part of a forthcoming European tour that kicks off in Glasgow and culminates in Paris.

  Tickets for Vicar Street are priced €35, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Mon

  16

  Oct

  2017

  Tom McRae

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  British singer-songwriter Tom McRae plays the Limelight 2 on October 16 as part of a UK & Irish tour.

  Since his Mercury-nominated eponymous debut album in 2000, he's released 6 studio albums, each of which has been broadly acclaimed.

  Tickets cost £12.50 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  17

  Oct

  2017

  (Sandy) Alex G w/Ó

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Indie-pop artist (Sandy) Alex G plays Whelan's in support of his latest album, Rocket, on October 17.

  The Philadelphia youngster started out with self-released LPs before getting signed and touring and writing relentlessly. He was asked to play guitar with Frank Ocean on Blonde and Endless, which propelled his profile hugely, getting him signed with Domino. Despite his huge success, he's never lost that homespun sound. Watch the video for 'Bobby'.

  Supporting is Gabrielle Smith, aka Ó - check her out on Bandcamp.

  Tickets cost €16.50, from Ticketmaster & WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  17

  Oct

  2017

  The Jesus & Mary Chain

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Scottish noise-pop legends The Jesus and Mary Chain play Vicar Street on October 17.

  Formed in East Kilbride, just outside Glasgow, by brothers William & Jim Reid, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie brought them to the attention of Creation Records' Alan McGee. The band's debut album Psychocandy came out in 1983, which went on to be a quintessential album, helping create noise-pop & shoegaze. Here's the video for 'Just Like Honey'. This show comes following the release of their first album in almost 2 decades, Damage and Joy.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced €40. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  17

  Oct

  2017

  Badly Drawn Boy

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  UK singer-songwriter & Mercury Prizewinner Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy returns to Belfast, playing the Limelight 2 on October 17.

  It's been 17 years since the release of his award-winning debut album, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast, and since then he's soundtracked About A Boy and released three further studio albums. Last year, he released a deluxe version of his breakthrough. Check out the video for 'Year of the Rat'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar, priced at £21. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  18

  Oct

  2017

  W.A.S.P.

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Glam-metal legends W.A.S.P. come to Ireland as part of their ReIdolized tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album, The Crimson Idol. They play the Limelight 1 on October 18.

  Fronted by shock-rocker Blackie Lawless, they've sold over 12 million records and were constantly a target of the infamous '80s Parents Music Resource Centrer, pushing for warning labels on music. Check out the video for 'Wild Child'.

  Tickets, priced at £25, are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  18

  Oct

  2017

  J Cole

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  North Carolina hip-hop artist & producer J Cole plays Dublin's 3Arena on October 18 as part of his 4 Your Eyez Only tour.

  Gaining recognition after debut mixtape The Come Up in 2007, he was ultimately signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation label in 2009, going on to produce singles for the likes of Kendrick Lamar. He released his debut studio album Cole World: The Sideline Story in 2011, going platinum. He has developed several non-profit ventures, like the Dreamville Foundation and housing single mothers rent-free in his home in Fayetteville. Watch the video for 'False Prophets'.

  Tickets cost €54.65-€60.45 and are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  18

  Oct

  2017

  Badly Drawn Boy

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  UK singer-songwriter & Mercury Prizewinner Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy plays Whelan's on October 18.

  It's been 17 years since the release of his award-winning debut album, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast, and since then he's soundtracked About A Boy and released three further studio albums. Last year, he released a deluxe version of his breakthrough. Check out the video for 'Year of the Rat'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and WAV Tickets, priced at €27.90. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  19

  Oct

  2017

  W.A.S.P.

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Glam-metal legends W.A.S.P. come to Ireland as part of their ReIdolized tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album, The Crimson Idol. They play Dublin's Academy on October 19.

  Fronted by shock-rocker Blackie Lawless, they've sold over 12 million records and were constantly a target of the infamous '80s Parents Music Resource Centrer, pushing for warning labels on music. Check out the video for 'Wild Child'.

  Tickets, priced at €30, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  19

  Oct

  2017

  GoGo Penguin: Koyaanisqatsi [Live Score]

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  On 19 October, Dublin's Sugar Club hosts GoGo Penguin's new score for Godfrey Reggio's cult film Koyaanisqatsi, in a live performance written in 2015, which garnered huge praise.

  The film, originally scored by Philip Glass, is a masterpiece of sonic and visual synchronicity, and this new score underscores the themes, and was commissioned and supported by HOME in Manchester, Film Hub North West Central, the BFI & PRS Foundation.

  Tickets are available from Sugar Club.

• Thu

  19

  Oct

  2017

  Badly Drawn Boy

  Dolans Warehouse

  Limerick

  

  UK singer-songwriter & Mercury Prizewinner Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy plays Dolans Warehouse on October 19.

  It's been 17 years since the release of his award-winning debut album, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast, and since then he's soundtracked About A Boy and released three further studio albums. Last year, he released a deluxe version of his breakthrough. Check out the video for 'Year of the Rat'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €27. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  20

  Oct

  2017

  Akercocke

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  English extreme metal outfit Akercocke come to Belfast again on October 20 to play Voodoo. You might remember them as voices of reason in a particularly entertaining episode of Nolan Live in which the Bible Belt attempted to stop their show from happening.

  The Satanic masters have their sixth album, Renaissance in Extremis coming out this year, their first in a decade after a reunion last year which saw them return to Ireland. Check out their Bloodstock performance last year.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  20

  Oct

  2017

  Fatima Yamaha

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Following a debut NI performance at Belfast's AVA Festival, Dutch producer Fatima Yamaha plays Belfast's Limelight 1 on October 20.

  Working in the underground under various aliases in the last few years, his hit 'What's A Girl To Do' elevated the name to the next level.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar, priced at £18. Doors open at 10pm.

• Fri

  20

  Oct

  2017

  Sat

  21

  Oct

  2017

  St. Vincent

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  As part of her Fear The Future tour, Annie Clark aka St. Vincent plays Dublin's Olympia Theatre on October 20 & 21.

  The Oklahoma-born multi-instrumentalist alt. pop singer-songwriter started off as a member of the Polyphonic Spree, joining Sufjan Stevens' touring band before forming St. Vincent - her own project - in 2006. Since then, she's released an album with David Byrne, but her new record will be the first since her awesome eponymous 2014 album.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

   

• Sat

  21

  Oct

  2017

  Akercocke

  Voodoo Lounge

  Dublin

  

  English extreme metal outfit Akercocke come to Dublin once more to play the Voodoo Lounge on October 21. You might remember them as voices of reason in a particularly entertaining episode of Nolan Live in which the Bible Belt attempted to stop their show from happening.

  The Satanic masters have their sixth album, Renaissance in Extremis coming out this year, their first in a decade after a reunion last year which saw them return to Ireland. Check out their Bloodstock performance last year.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €20. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  21

  Oct

  2017

  Fatima Yamaha

  District 8

  Dublin

  

  Dutch producer Fatima Yamaha plays District 8 for Hidden Agenda & Subject on October 21.

  Working in the underground under various aliases in the last few years, his hit 'What's A Girl To Do' elevated the name to the next level.

  Tickets are available from Dice.fm, priced at €22. Doors open at 11pm.

• Sat

  21

  Oct

  2017

  Slow Place Like Home Album Launch

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  Donegal-based psychedelic electronic outfit Slow Place Like Home launch their new album with a show at The Workman's Club on October 21, the day after its release.

  Titled When I See You...Ice Cream!, it was written between Ballyshannon & Portugal, and follows up on 2015's Romola - check it out on Bandcamp. Check out their latest single, 'Echoes', featuring Whipping Boy's Fearghal McKee.

• Sun

  22

  Oct

  2017

  Gov't Mule

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Southern rock jam band Gov't Mule play Dublin's Academy on October 22.

  Formed in 1994 as a side project for Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody. Their debut album came out in 1995 and the band, veering into funk & blues, have released plenty, becoming a staple festival act in North America. Most recently, they've released tenth LP Revolution Come...Revolution Go, which they began recording on election day 2016.

  Tickets cost €34 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  23

  Oct

  2017

  Tue

  24

  Oct

  2017

  Perspectives: The Donny McCaslin Group

  National Concert Hall

  Dublin

  

  Saxophonist and leader of David Bowie's Blackstar band, Donny McCaslin and his band play The Studio in the National Concert Hall as part of their Perspectives series on October 23 & 24.

  They release Beyond Now, an album dedicated to David Bowie, and influenced by their experience collaborating with him on his final - and one of his finest - albums. Check out the excellent BBC The Last Five Years documentary which covers the recording of the album and chemistry between the band and Bowie.

  Tickets are priced €20 from NCH.ie. Doors open at 8pm.

• Mon

  23

  Oct

  2017

  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  San Francisco garage-psych noiseniks Black Rebel Motorcycle Club return to return to Dublin, where they play at the Academy on October 23, ahead of their yet-to-be-titled eighth album.

  Formed in 1998 as The Elements, the band changed their name to fit a Marlon Brando character's club of the same name. Having started out as a noise-pop/neo-psych act on their first two albums, the trio gravitated towards garage & blues as they went along, the most recent being 2013's Specter at the Feast. Here's 'Stop'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €35. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  23

  Oct

  2017

  OMD w/Tiny Magnetic Pets

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  English electronic pop act Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark play a pair of Irish shows as they approach their 40th anniversary - they play Vicar Street on October 23.

  Formed in 1978, based around Andy McCluskey & Paul Humphreys, they released their influential debut single 'Electricity' in 1979, followed up by 1980 anti-war song 'Enola Gay'. Their Architecture & Morality LP solidified their status as one of new wave's premier acts. They continued on in 1989 after the departure of long-term members, before reuniting in 2005, during which time they've released three more albums, the most recent being this year's The Punishment of Luxury.

  Tickets are priced upwards of €40.05 from Ticketmaster. 

• Tue

  24

  Oct

  2017

  Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  San Francisco garage-psych noiseniks Black Rebel Motorcycle Club return to Belfast to play the Limelight 1 on October 24, ahead of their yet-to-be-titled eighth album.

  Formed in 1998 as The Elements, the band changed their name to fit a Marlon Brando character's club of the same name. Having started out as a noise-pop/neo-psych act on their first two albums, the trio gravitated towards garage & blues as they went along, the most recent being 2013's Specter at the Feast. Here's 'Stop'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar, priced at £20. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  24

  Oct

  2017

  OMD w/Tiny Magnetic Pets

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  English electronic pop act Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark play a pair of Irish shows as they approach their 40th anniversary - they play Mandela Hall on October 24.

  Formed in 1978, based around Andy McCluskey & Paul Humphreys, they released their influential debut single 'Electricity' in 1979, followed up by 1980 anti-war song 'Enola Gay'. Their Architecture & Morality LP solidified their status as one of new wave's premier acts. They continued on in 1989 after the departure of long-term members, before reuniting in 2005, during which time they've released three more albums, the most recent being this year's The Punishment of Luxury.

  Tickets are priced upwards of £35 from Ticketmaster and QUB Students' Union reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  25

  Oct

  2017

  The Donny McCaslin Group

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Saxophonist and leader of David Bowie's Blackstar band, Donny McCaslin and his band play Belfast's Limelight 2 as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival on October 25.

  They release Beyond Now, an album dedicated to David Bowie, and influenced by their experience collaborating with him on his final - and one of his finest - albums. Check out the excellent BBC The Last Five Years documentary which covers the recording of the album and chemistry between the band and Bowie.

  Tickets are priced £20 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  26

  Oct

  2017

  Acid Mothers Temple w/Blumehaus

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  Once more, touring Japanese psychedelic legends Acid Mothers Temple come to Belfast, playing a show at the Black Box on October 26, which should be nothing short of galaxy-crushing.

  There are many offshoots of the act, who perform often in robes, and formed in 1995. Now a collective, they have their own record label to document their activities, and genre touchstones include experimental rock, psych, space rock, drone, noise and prog. The outfit is formed around Kawabata Makoto, with over 30 members, some famous, some unknown, some musicians, artists, dancers and farmers.

   

  Support comes from Belfast psych band Blumehaus - check out The Mystery Of Sleep EP.

  Tickets cost £12 from the Black Box. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  27

  Oct

  2017

  Orange Goblin & Zlatanera

  Voodoo Lounge

  Dublin

  

  Prolific London stoner metallers Orange Goblin play Dublin's Voodoo Lounge on October 27 as one of a run of 3 Irish dates. 

  Formed in 1995, they started out as stoner doom, before incorporating elements of punk and more to their sound. Having released eight albums to date, they're to return this year with a new one. Check out Time Travelling Blues.

  Supporting are Belfast groovy stoner doom five piece Zlatanera. Check them out on Bandcamp.

• Fri

  27

  Oct

  2017

  Fangclub & The Wood Burning Savages

  McHugh's Bar

  Belfast

  

  Dublin trio Fangclub play their first Belfast headline show at McHugh's Basement on October 27.

  The Dublin trio celebrate the release of their eponymous debut album - check out recent single, 'Bad Words' - which as well as the obvious Nirvana and Biffy Clyro comparisons, they've got a slack, Weezer sensibility to them.

  Support comes from Derry art-pop quartet and excellent live unit The Wood Burning Savages - check out 'We Love You'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at £9.75. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Orange Goblin & Zlatanera

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Prolific London stoner metallers Orange Goblin play Belfast's Limelight 2 on October 28 as one of a run of 3 Irish dates. 

  Formed in 1995, they started out as stoner doom, before incorporating elements of punk and more to their sound. Having released eight albums to date, they're to return this year with a new one. Check out Time Travelling Blues.

  Supporting are Belfast groovy stoner doom five piece Zlatanera. Check them out on bandcamp.

  Tickets are available from Katy's Bar & Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Aimee Mann

  National Stadium

  Dublin

  

  Americana singer-songwriter Aimee Mann returns to Ireland for a show at Dublin's National Stadium on October 28.

  Her first album in five years, Mental Illness, tackles the great social and health problem of our time, and has been widely hailed as a return to form. Previously, she soundtracked Paul Thomas Anderson masterwork Magnolia, as well as appearing in the Big Lebowski, and Mental Health is her ninth solo album.

  Tickets cost €40 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Mon

  30

  Oct

  2017

  Steely Dan w/The Doobie Brothers

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Sure, the L word gets flung around too freely these days but bona fide, undisputed, watertight music music legends Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers will team up for 2 dates at Dublin’s 3Arena on October 28 & 30 - the latter date added due to demand.

  Most beloved for their high fidelity, jazz-flecked studio masterpiece Aja, Steely Dan are a supergroup led by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, who have sold over 40 million albums. In the meantime, re-acquaint yourself with 'Reelin in the Years' and supporting R&B radio legends the Doobs' 'What A Fool Believes'.

  Tickets aren't cheap, priced from €78.50-€128.50 from Ticketmaster, but this will be a quick seller. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Fozzy w/Hardcore Superstar, Madame Mayhem & Last Band

  Tivoli Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Hard rockers, fronted by wrestling legend Chris Jericho, Fozzy play Dublin's Tivilo Theatre on October 28.

  Formed in 1999 by Y2J and guitarist Rich Ward, their seventh album Judas is out this year - check out their biggest tune, 'Enemy'.

  Support comes from Hardcore Superstar, Madame Mayhem and Last Band.

  Tickets cost €25 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 5.45pm.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Sun

  29

  Oct

  2017

  Metropolis Festival 2017

  The RDS

  Dublin

  

  The first wave of announcements for this year's Metropolis Festival at the RDS have been made. Taking place over the October Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 28 & Sunday 29, it will again feature music, installations, performance and talks.

  So far, the confirmed acts are TLC - in their first ever Irish show - Richie Hawtin, Leftfield performing Leftism, Jungle, Death In Vegas, Mount Kimbie, Bonzai, DJ Deece and the ever-rising Booka Brass Band.

  The award-winning festival is now in its third year and will feature six stages of cross-platform art & performances.

  Tickets are on sale now at various pricing tiers, starting at €99.50, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 4pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday.

• Sat

  28

  Oct

  2017

  Jah Wobble's Invaders of the Heart

  Maple Leaf Club

  Belfast

  

  The man who brought the dub to post-punk, Jah Wobble and his Invaders of the Heart play East Belfast venue, the Maple Leaf Club, on October 28.

  Best known as the bassist of the finest era of Public Image Ltd, Wobble has also contributed hugely to art-rock's finest over the years, working with the likes of Primal Scream, Can's Jaki Liebezeit, Massive Attack & Bjork. He's founded his own label - 30 Hertz Records - recorded with the Chinese Dub Orchestra, a supergroup with PiL comrades & Killing Joke's Geordie Walker and countless others. This show is not to be missed. Check them out Live on KEXP.

  Tickets cost £15 and are available from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  29

  Oct

  2017

  Fozzy w/Hardcore Superstar, Madame Mayhem & Last Band

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Hard rockers, fronted by wrestling legend Chris Jericho, Fozzy play the Limelight 2 on October 29.

  Formed in 1999 by Y2J and guitarist Rich Ward, their seventh album Judas is out this year - check out their biggest tune, 'Enemy'.

  Support comes from Hardcore Superstar, Madame Mayhem and Last Band.

  Tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 6pm.

• Sun

  29

  Oct

  2017

  Samhain 2017: Liam Gallagher, The Strypes & Touts

  Weston Airport

  Dublin

  

  The lesser, yet more charismatic of the brothers Oasis, Liam Gallagher headlines the Samhain Festival in Dublin's Weston Airport on October 29.

  This is his first year as a bona fide solo act, with debut album As You Were coming out earlier in the month - check out the debut single, 'Wall of Glass'.

  Supporting are Cavan indie & classic R&B-loving youngsters The Strypes, now on their third album, as well as the hotly-tipped young Derry indie-punks Touts.

  Tickets, priced €59.50, are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sun

  29

  Oct

  2017

  Fangclub [Matinee & Evening Performances]

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Dublin trio Fangclub play a pair of shows on Bank Holiday Sunday, October 29th, at Whelan's.

  The Dublin trio celebrate the release of their eponymous debut album - check out recent single, 'Bad Words' - which as well as the obvious Nirvana comparisons, they've got a slack, Weezer sensibility to them.

  The matinee performance is an over 14's show, costs €8 and opens at 3pm, while the evening performance opens at 8pm, with tickets costing €13. They're available from Ticketmaster, WAV Tickets & Katy's Bar.

• Mon

  30

  Oct

  2017

  Joey Bada$$

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Young Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$ plays Dublin's Academy on October 30.

  The 20 year old released his debut album - which was the no. 1 rap album that week in the US - B4.DA.$$ in 2015, preceded by his three early mixtapes, released on Pro Era - the hip-hop collective of which he is the founder. This show comes as part of his All Amerikkkan Bada$$ World Tour following the release of his excellent album of the same name.

  Here's the charged 'Land of the Free'.

  Tickets, priced at €36.50, are available from Ticketmaster.

• Tue

  31

  Oct

  2017

  Little Dragon

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Touring in support of their recent fifth full-length studio album, Season High, Swedish electronic quartet Little Dragon will play their first Irish show in three years when they hit up Dublin’s Vicar Street on Hallowe’en night.

  Watch the video for 'High'.

  Tickets for the show are priced at €24.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  31

  Oct

  2017

  An Evening With Foy Vance

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Singer-songwriter Foy Vance plays Dublin's Olympia Theatre on October 31, having released his third album, The Wild Swan last year. Expect this 'Evening With...' tour format to see him perform solo on guitar and piano across a broad range of exquisite venues in the UK & Ireland.

  He has to date released 3 albums, with a large number of EPs coming in between, since his 2000 debut Blueprints EP. His second album, 2013's Joy Of Nothing won the Northern Ireland Music Prize, and last year he worked with Ben Affleck on his latest film, Live By Night for the credits song - check out the video for new single, 'She Burns'.

  Tickets are priced from €23.50, available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  01

  Nov

  2017

  London Grammar

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  English atmospheric synth-pop act London Grammar play the Olympia Theatre on November 1.

  The trio released a debut EP in 2013, followed by their debut album moths later. They've this year released their new LP, Truth Is A Beautiful Thing. Frontwoman Hannah Reid has been compared to the likes of Florence Welch, with 'verb-soaked arrangements that could as easily soundtrack a motion picture.

  Tickets cost €40.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  02

  Nov

  2017

  London Grammar

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  English atmospheric synth-pop act London Grammar play Belfast's Waterfront Hall on November 2.

  The trio released a debut EP in 2013, followed by their debut album moths later. They've this year released their new LP, Truth Is A Beautiful Thing. Frontwoman Hannah Reid has been compared to the likes of Florence Welch, with 'verb-soaked arrangements that could as easily soundtrack a motion picture.

  Tickets cost £35.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  02

  Nov

  2017

  BNQT

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Indie supergroup BNQT play their first Irish show at Vicar Street on November 2.

  Conceived of and led by Midlake's Eric Pulido, they're a self-described 'poor man's Travelling Wilburys', and feature Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, Grandaddy's Jason Lyttle, Travis & Band of Horses, with more members of Midlake providing band duties. It pays loving tribute to the '70s AM radio. Their debut album, Volume 1 came out this year.

  Tickets are available, priced at €26.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  03

  Nov

  2017

  ICP: International Composers Pool

  The MAC

  Belfast

  

  Moving On Music have made a special booking at The MAC on November 3, when they welcome the Instant Composers Pool to Belfast.

  Founded 50 years ago by Hans Bennink, the ICP is an internationally renowned collective of Dutch composer-improviser-instrumentalists, and nothing exists quite like it. Since 1967, the revolving orchestra has collaborated with huge names of the experimental music world. Each performance is decided by the band minutes before performing, shifting from ragtime to swing, bop, free jazz, classical, carnival and more.

  Check out the video for 'Steigerpijp'.

  Tickets, priced £17 or £12 concession, are available here. Doors open at 7.45pm.

• Fri

  03

  Nov

  2017

  Shabazz Palaces

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Seattle hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces play a ChoiceCuts show at the Sugar Club on November 3.

  Comprising Ishmael Butler - also of Digable Planets - and multi-instrumentalist Tendai 'Baba' Maraire, they've been active since 2009, doubling their LP tally this July, when they released two new albums on Sub Pop. Check out their sci-fi hip-hopera, Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star.

  Tickets, priced €20, are available from The Sugar Club. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  04

  Nov

  2017

  Hidden Agenda: Com Truise [Live]

  Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Hidden Agenda bring American producer Com Truise for his first Dublin headline show since 2011, to play the Button Factory on November 4.

  Check out new single 'Isostasy'.

  Tickets are available from Eventbrite, priced from €11. Doors open at 11pm.

• Sun

  05

  Nov

  2017

  Logic

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

   

  

  Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, aka Logic plays his first Dublin show on November 5 at the Olympia Theatre.

  With a name like that, his early Young, Broke & Infamous mixtape seems fairly tongue-in-cheek given that he was signed to Def Jam in 2014, he achieved a huge number of accolades and awards for debut album Under Pressure. His third album Everybody is just out, featuring the likes of Killer Mike, Chuck D and Neil de Grasse Tyson.

  Tickets cost €26 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  06

  Nov

  2017

  Zola Jesus

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Nika Roza Danilova, aka Zola Jesus returns to Dublin on November 6, when she plays Whelan's.

  Having existed under the pseudonym for over a decade now, her sixth album, Okavi is primarily driven by electronics, with her industrial & gothic tinges putting her in the same darkly exploratory experimental bracket as avant-garde acts like Diamanda Galás, Throbbing Gristle & Swans. Check out 'Soak'.

  Tickets cost €22 from WAV Tickets. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  08

  Nov

  2017

  Thu

  09

  Nov

  2017

  Alice Cooper

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  King of Shock Rock Alice Cooper plays two nights at the Olympia Theatre on November 8 & 9.

  Best known for 'Poison', 'I'm Eighteen' and 'No More Mr Nice Guy', he's also released some brilliant albums, like 1973's platinum-selling glam rock Billion Dollar Babies. You're guaranteed an incredible performance from the now-69 year old in what is quite possibly his final Irish performance.

  Tickets are priced from €54.50 upwards from Ticketmaster - and boy do they rocket upwards. Doors open at 7pm.

• Wed

  08

  Nov

  2017

  The Amazons

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Reading rock quartet The Amazons play Whelan's for the second time in 2017 on November 8, as part of their debut album tour.

  They have a strong, growing live reputation - check out their recent single 'Junk Food Forever'.

  Tickets cost €19.90 from Ticketmaster and WAV Tickets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  09

  Nov

  2017

  The Amazons

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Reading rock quartet The Amazons play their second Belfast show of the year on November 9 at Limelight 2 as part of their debut album tour.

  They have a strong, growing live reputation - check out their recent single 'Junk Food Forever'.

  Tickets cost £15 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  11

  Nov

  2017

  God's Waiting Room: Jane Weaver

  Maple Leaf Club

  Belfast

  

  Strange Victory brings Jane Weaver to Maple Leaf Club night God's Waiting Room on November 11.

  This comes following her latest album, Modern Kosmology, billed as the sound of a scientist of popular song gone rogue, as it takes in krautrock, punk, new-wave and synth music. She performs, much like Can's Damo Suzuki, within the realms of the avant-garde and works as a sound-carrier. Check out 'Slow Motion'.

  Tickets cost £12 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Sun

  12

  Nov

  2017

  Akala

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  London poet, rapper & social commentator Akala performs at the Sugar Club on November 12.

  Winner of best hip-hop act at the MOBOs in '06, his sister is Ms. Dynamite, and his activism comes from his half Scottish, half Jamaican parentage. He's written for the Guardian, is a strong advocate of equality and veganism. Having put out a decade-long retrospective last year, his latest release was July's Visions EP. Check it all out live in the studio.

  Tickets cost €15 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  14

  Nov

  2017

  Every Time I Die w/Knocked Loose & Higher Power

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Hardcore fans rejoice: Every Time I Die play Whelan's on November 14.

  Having been around since 1998, consistently releasing and touring, their eighth album, Low Teens, came out in 2016, dabbling from post-hardcore, metalcore, hardcore and southern rock.

  Supporting are Knocked Loose and Higher Power.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, WAV Tickets, the Sound Cellar and the usual spots, priced €19. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  14

  Nov

  2017

  Pins

  Voodoo

  Belfast

  

  Manchester noise-punk quintet Pins play Belfast's Voodoo on November 14. 

  They've toured with Sleater-Kinney, Best Coast, Wire & Warpaint, having released their debut album Girls Like Us in 2013 on Bella Union after forming in 2011 by frontwoman Faith Holgate. Here's 'Aggrophobe', featuring little known Detroit figurehead Iggy Pop, taken off their Bad Thing EP, from this year, recorded at the Rancho De La Luna.

  Tickets cost £12 and are available from Shine, Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 8pm.

   

• Wed

  15

  Nov

  2017

  Pins

  Róisín Dubh

  Galway

  

  Manchester noise-punk quintet Pins play Galway's Róisín Dubh as part of a run of Irish dates - their first in 3 years. They play on November 15.

  They've toured with Sleater-Kinney, Best Coast, Wire & Warpaint, having released their debut album Girls Like Us in 2013 on Bella Union after forming in 2011 by frontwoman Faith Holgate. Here's 'Aggrophobe', featuring little known Detroit figurehead Iggy Pop, taken off their Bad Thing EP, from this year, recorded at the Rancho De La Luna.

  Tickets are available from the venue.

• Thu

  16

  Nov

  2017

  Cigarettes After Sex

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Brooklyn ambient pop act Cigarettes After Sex play Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 16.

  Formed by songwriter Greg Gonzalez in 2008, the noirish pop outfit have crafted an online word-of-mouth following, wisely releasing music via YouTube & in short form singles & EPs - check out their breakthrough debut single 'Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby'. They're due to release their debut album this year through Partisan Records.

  Tickets cost £19 and are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  16

  Nov

  2017

  Pins

  Cyprus Avenue

  Cork

  

  Manchester noise-punk quintet Pins play Cyprus Avenue as part of a run of Irish dates - their first in 3 years. They play on November 16.

  They've toured with Sleater-Kinney, Best Coast, Wire & Warpaint, having released their debut album Girls Like Us in 2013 on Bella Union after forming in 2011 by frontwoman Faith Holgate. Here's 'Aggrophobe', featuring little known Detroit figurehead Iggy Pop, taken off their Bad Thing EP, from this year, recorded at the Rancho De La Luna.

  Tickets are available from Cyprus Avenue.

• Thu

  16

  Nov

  2017

  Brand New

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Having just announced their fifth album, Fifth Album, alternative/emo quartet Brand New return to Ireland to play the Olympia Theatre on November 16.

  The Long Island-based band formed in 2000 and have released four albums to date, with 2006's sprawling The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me standing tall as their magnum opus. Fifth Album follows last year's 3 Demos, Reworked EP, and is their first since 2009's Daisy. 

  Here's 'Sic Transit Gloria'.

  Tickets, priced at €35.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  17

  Nov

  2017

  Opeth w/Enslaved

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Swedish prog-metal legends Opeth play Belfast's Limelight 1 on November 17.

  Formed in 1989, they have released 12 albums over the years, along the way reinventing metal with the likes of Blackwater Park and Watershed, which broke them in America. They've sold over 1.5 million LP, having just released new album, Sorceress. Check out the title track.

  Support comes from Norwegian extreme metal outfit Enslaved. Watch the video for 'The Watcher'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar, priced at £29.50. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  17

  Nov

  2017

  Cigarettes After Sex

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Brooklyn ambient pop act Cigarettes After Sex play Dublin's Academy in a venue upgrade due to demand after Whelan's was announced, for November 17.

  Formed by songwriter Greg Gonzalez in 2008, the noirish pop outfit have crafted an online word-of-mouth following, wisely releasing music via YouTube & in short form singles & EPs - check out their breakthrough debut single 'Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby'. They're due to release their debut album this year through Partisan Records.

  Tickets cost €20.90 and are available from WAV Tickets & Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  17

  Nov

  2017

  Pins

  The Academy 2

  Dublin

  

  Manchester noise-punk quintet Pins play Dublin's Academy 2 on November 27.

  They've toured with Sleater-Kinney, Best Coast, Wire & Warpaint, having released their debut album Girls Like Us in 2013 on Bella Union after forming in 2011 by frontwoman Faith Holgate. Here's 'Aggrophobe', featuring little known Detroit figurehead Iggy Pop, taken off their Bad Thing EP, from this year, recorded at the Rancho De La Luna.

  Tickets cost €15.35 and are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Sat

  18

  Nov

  2017

  Opeth w/Enslaved

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Swedish prog-metal legends Opeth play Dublin's Academy on November 18.

  Formed in 1989, they have released 12 albums over the years, along the way reinventing metal with the likes of Blackwater Park and Watershed, which broke them in America. They've sold over 1.5 million LP, having just released new album, Sorceress. Check out the title track.

  Support comes from Norwegian extreme metal outfit Enslaved. Watch the video for 'The Watcher'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €35.

• Sat

  18

  Nov

  2017

  Morbid Angel

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  American death metal act Morbid Angel play Belfast's Limelight 2 on November 18.

  Based in Tampa, they're one of the original death metal acts signed to Earache Records, being heavily involved in the evolution of death metal from thrash through to it's more extreme current incarnation. Their first four albums, like many of their peers, are considered classics of the genre. They announced in 2015 that original frontman/bassist Steve Tucker would be returning to his role.

  Here's the video for 'Blessed Are The Sick'.

  Tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 6.30pm as it's an early show.

• Sat

  18

  Nov

  2017

  Protomartyr, Sauna Youth & Oh Boland

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Following the release of their first album on Domino Records, post-punks Protomartyr play Whelan's on November 18.

  The moody Detroit quartet are led by the acerbic self-deprecation of frontman Joe Casey, having recently announced fourth album, Relatives In Descent. Watch the video for new single, 'A Private Understanding'.

  Sharing the bill are London post-punks Sauna Youth - check them out on Bandcamp.

  Opening up are Tuam garage rockers Oh Boland. Having released their debut album, Spilt Milk last year, they're to release the follow-up, Cheap Things this year.

  Tickets cost €16.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sat

  18

  Nov

  2017

  Left Lane Cruiser, Waldorf and Cannon, Duellists & Bosco Ramos

  Oh Yeah Centre

  Belfast

  

  Indiana blues rock duo Left Lane Cruiser play the Oh Yeah Music Centre on November 18. Releasing records for over a decade, the pair never stop, with the latest being this year's Claw Machine Wizard. Here's the title track.

  Supporting are simultaneously-multi-instrumental Derry garage-blues duo Waldorf & Cannon - Bronx-recalling trio Duellists - check their Bandcamp - and riff-fuelled, Belfast bass-and-drums duo Bosco Ramos watch the video for 'Rolling Sea'.

  Tickets cost £12 from WeGotTickets. Doors open at 9pm.

• Wed

  22

  Nov

  2017

  Mac DeMarco

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Incumbent king of slacker indie-pop Mac DeMarco comes to Ireland to play Vicar Street on November 22 at the end of a thorough European tour, following his last appearance in 2015 at Electric Picnic.

  With his fifth record This Old Dog out this year, he's matured his sound from lo-fi psychedelic jangle-pop into that of more solemn & acoustic reflection. Check out 'Pepperoni Playboy: A Macumentary' and single from his new album, 'My Old Man'.

  Tickets cost €25 from Ticketmaster.

• Wed

  22

  Nov

  2017

  Richard Dawson & Band w/Katie Kim

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  One of the most singular modern English folk songwriters, the absolutely incredible Richard Dawson performs with a full band at Whelan's on November 22.

  Richard Dawson has been described by The Guardian as the 'English folk equivalent of Captain Beefheart's deconstruction of the blues'. No small feat for the rootsy, imperfect, heartfelt - without ever breaking into cliché - singer-songwriter, who has gained some impressive, reputable fans in the last few years, including the likes of Stewart Lee. Check out this incredible session performance of 'Wooden Bag'. His new album, Peasant, painstakingly researched, draws parallels between civilisation centuries ago and ourselves and comes with certified acclaim. Check out 'Ogre'.

  Support comes from Waterford artist Katie Sullivan, aka Katie Kim, Check out her ethereal, slowcore, ambient drone-folk album Salt on Bandcamp.

  Tickets are available from Billetto, priced at €16.50. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  23

  Nov

  2017

  Jacob Collier

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  The incredibly young North London jazz musician Jacob Collier plays The Academy on November 23.

  Discovered when his homemade split-screen covers on YouTube went viral and subsequently signed up to Quincy Jones' management agency, he fuses elements of jazz, soul, a cappella, folk, classical and plenty more. He's currently working on commissioned arrangements for high-calibre orchestras and bands around the world, being featured on Snarky Puppy recordings. His debut album In My Room came out last year, reaching #1 on several key jazz charts. Check out 'Hideaway'. 

  Tickets cost €27 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6.30pm.

• Thu

  23

  Nov

  2017

  Richard Dawson & Band

  Black Box

  Belfast

  

  One of the most singular modern English folk songwriters, the absolutely incredible Richard Dawson performs for Moving On Music in Belfast's Black Box on November 23, for the first time accompanied by a full band.

  Richard Dawson has been described by The Guardian as the 'English folk equivalent of Captain Beefheart's deconstruction of the blues'. No small feat for the rootsy, imperfect, heartfelt - without ever breaking into cliché - singer-songwriter, who has gained some impressive, reputable fans in the last few years, including the likes of Stewart Lee. Check out this incredible session performance of 'Wooden Bag'. His new album, Peasant, painstakingly researched, draws parallels between civilisation centuries ago and ourselves and comes with certified acclaim. Check out 'Ogre'.

  Tickets cost £15, or £10 concession from Moving On Music. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  23

  Nov

  2017

  Pussy Riot: Riot Days

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Five years on from their highly-reported performance at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Russian feminist protest punk rock group Pussy Riot play shows in Ireland later this year, performing at the Button Factory on November 23, in a show that marries punk, electronica, theatre, documentary footage and protest.

  Riot Days – which accompanies band member Maria Alyokhina’s written memoir of the same name – is a show directed by Russian theatre director Yury Muravitsky that traces the story of the band’s notorious guerilla protest and what followed in the aftermath.

  Check out 'Make America Great Again'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced €20. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Fri

  24

  Nov

  2017

  Shed Seven w/Cast

  The Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Return to the glory days of Britpop on November 24th at the Olympia, when Shed Seven headline ahead of the release of a new album.

  This new album comes after two years of writing and 16 years since their last album. Formed in York in 1990, they never reached the level of popularity of Blur or Oasis, but their shoegaze-tinged Britpop spawned 16 top 40 hits, peaking with 'Going For Gold'.

  Supporting are Britpop band Cast.

  Tickets, priced from €29.50-€34.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  24

  Nov

  2017

  Queens of the Stone Age

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  One of the flagbearers of modern rock, Queens of the Stone Age, play the 3Arena in their first Irish show in over 3 years on November 24.

  This follows the news of their seventh album, Villians, almost two decades 0n from their prototypical robot rock of their 1998 debut. Its predecessor ...Like Clockwork gave the band their first US #1 album, seeing the band mature and collaborate with pop artits. Villains sees the band pair with Mark Ronson to record what's sure to be a massive hit with the radio. Check out the first track to be unveiled, 'Face The Truth'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €50.65. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  24

  Nov

  2017

  Pussy Riot: Riot Days

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Five years on from their highly-reported performance at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Russian feminist protest punk rock group Pussy Riot play shows in Ireland later this year, performing at Belfast's Mandela Hall on November 24 in a show that marries punk, electronica, theatre, documentary footage and protest.

  Riot Days – which accompanies band member Maria Alyokhina’s written memoir of the same name – is a show directed by Russian theatre director Yury Muravitsky that traces the story of the band’s notorious guerilla protest and what followed in the aftermath.

  Check out 'Make America Great Again'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and the QUB Students' Union, priced £19. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  26

  Nov

  2017

  Royal Blood w/At The Drive-In & Black Honey

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  One of the biggest British rock bands going, Royal Blood play the 3Arena on November 26.

  Breaking through with their eponymous 2014 debut album, they follow up with How Did We Get So Dark? in June, was written and recorded across several cities, including LA, Brighton, Nashville & Brussels.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced from €32.50.

• Mon

  27

  Nov

  2017

  Wolf Alice

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  London alt. rock quartet Wolf Alice play a pair of dates in Ireland as part of their forthcoming European tour, returning to the Ulster Hall on November 27. 

  They released their debut album, My Love Is Cool, following 2013 & 2014 EPs. They started out as a duo in 2010, featuring frontwoman Ellie Roswell and guitarist Joff Oddie, with a more folk-tinged pop elements. As they expanded to a four piece, more '90s grunge comparisons started to take root, leading to their current off-kilter indie-rock sound, and new album Visions of a Life in September.

  Check out 'Yuk Foo'.

  Tickets are priced from £23.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  27

  Nov

  2017

  Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Former Gallows & Pure Love frontman Frank Gallows plays with his latest band, The Rattlesnakes at Mandela Hall on November 27.

  Formed in 2015 after previous act Pure Love's hiatus, Carter's new band have released two albums. The most recent, this year's Modern Ruin, came out this year and has earned him his place as a major British punk force. Check out 'Lullaby'.

  Tickets cost £18.50 from Ticketmaster and the QUB Students' Union. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  28

  Nov

  2017

  Sun Kil Moon

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Having released his eighth studio album, Common as Light and Love Are Red Valleys of Blood, back in February, Mark Kozelek, aka Sun Kil Moon will play Dublin’s Vicar Street on November 28.

  The show will be fully-seated and come at the end of a European tour that will see Kozelek and his band play eleven countries in seventeen days. Check out the live version of 'Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes' from his career-defining Benji.

  Tickets are priced €29.80 from Ticketmaster.

• Tue

  28

  Nov

  2017

  Wolf Alice

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  London alt. rock quartet Wolf Alice play a pair of dates in Ireland as part of their forthcoming European tour, returning to the Olympia Theatre on November 28. 

  They released their debut album, My Love Is Cool, following 2013 & 2014 EPs. They started out as a duo in 2010, featuring frontwoman Ellie Roswell and guitarist Joff Oddie, with a more folk-tinged pop elements. As they expanded to a four piece, more '90s grunge comparisons started to take root, leading to their current off-kilter indie-rock sound, and new album Visions of a Life in September.

  Check out 'Yuk Foo'.

  Tickets are priced from €27.90 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  28

  Nov

  2017

  Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes

  Tivoli Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Former Gallows & Pure Love frontman Frank Gallows plays with his latest band, The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre on November 28.

  Formed in 2015 after previous act Pure Love's hiatus, Carter's new band have released two albums. The most recent, this year's Modern Ruin, came out this year and has earned him his place as a major British punk force. Check out 'Lullaby'.

  Tickets cost €22 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  01

  Dec

  2017

  The Undertones

  The Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  Iconic Derry punk-pop hitmakers The Undertones are to play Belfast's Limelight 1 on December 1.

  This follows the 35th anniversary of the band's breakthrough single and John Peel's obituary, 'Teenage Kicks', which they marked with a new greatest hits album - An Introduction to The Undertones, packaged with some essential video content like Teenage Kicks: The Story of The Undertones, a documentary on the band. Formed by five friends in 1977, the band's success has been somewhat rejuvenated since the release of Terri Hooley semi-biopic Good Vibrations in 2012.

  Tickets are available from Katy's Bar & Ticketmaster, priced at £18.50. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  01

  Dec

  2017

  Peter Hook & The Light play 'Substance'

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  The current project of the erstwhile Joy Division & New Order bassist & guitarist, Peter Hook and the Light, play the Dublin Academy on December 1.

  The act are best known for performing entire albums from Hook's back catalogue live in their entirety, including Unknown Pleasures, Closer and Power, Corruption & Lies over the years, but this time they're to play New Order & Joy Division Substance albums - one being issued in 1988 featuring Joy Division from 1977-1980, with New Order's separate album of the same name coming out in 1987, compiling all the band's 12" singles with B-sides from 1981-1987.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €25. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  02

  Dec

  2017

  The Undertones

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Iconic Derry punk-pop hitmakers The Undertones are to play Dublin's The Academy on December 2.

  This follows their 40th anniversary as a band last year, which they marked with a new greatest hits album - An Introduction to The Undertones, packaged with some essential video content like Teenage Kicks: The Story of The Undertones, a documentary on the band. Formed by five friends in 1977, the band's success has been somewhat rejuvenated since the release of Terri Hooley semi-biopic Good Vibrations in 2012.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €25. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  02

  Dec

  2017

  Peter Hook & The Light play 'Substance'

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The current project of the erstwhile Joy Division & New Order bassist & guitarist, Peter Hook and the Light, play Belfast's Limelight 1 on December 2.

  The act are best known for performing entire albums from Hook's back catalogue live in their entirety, including Unknown Pleasures, Closer and Power, Corruption & Lies over the years, but this time they're to play New Order & Joy Division Substance albums - one being issued in 1988 featuring Joy Division from 1977-1980, with New Order's separate album of the same name coming out in 1987, compiling all the band's 12" singles with B-sides from 1981-1987.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar, priced at £22.50. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  02

  Dec

  2017

  Algiers

  The Grand Social

  Dublin

  

  Socially active post-punk/gospel quartet Algiers play The Grand Social on December 2.

  Oft-described as dystopian soul, their recent input has been instilled with the principles of the Black Panther movement, as well as systematic oppression. Check out the new single 'Cleveland' from their acclaimed second album, The Underside of Power.

  Tickets cost €14.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  02

  Dec

  2017

  Robert Plant

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Following the release of his forthcoming new album, Carry Fire, Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant will play two Irish dates in early December, playing the Ulster Hall on December 2.

  Accompanied by the Sensational Shape Shifters - a band comprising John Baggott on keyboards, moog, loops, percussion, drums, brass arrangement, t’bal, snare drum, slide guitar, piano, electric piano, bendir; Justin Adams on guitar, acoustic guitar, oud, E-bow quartet, percussion, snare drum, tambourine; Dave Smith on bendir, tambourine, djembe, drum kit; and Liam “Skin” Tyson on dobro, guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, twelve-string.

  Carry Fire is Plant's eleventh solo album of a distinguished career that's held water on its own merit, blending rootsy styles from the world over, with a cry that arguably holds up better than it did in the latter Zeppelin years. Here's 'The May Queen'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster,

• Sun

  03

  Dec

  2017

  Robert Plant

  Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Following the release of his forthcoming new album, Carry Fire, Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant will play two Irish dates in early December, the latter of which takes place on December 3 at Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

  Accompanied by the Sensational Shape Shifters - a band comprising John Baggott on keyboards, moog, loops, percussion, drums, brass arrangement, t’bal, snare drum, slide guitar, piano, electric piano, bendir; Justin Adams on guitar, acoustic guitar, oud, E-bow quartet, percussion, snare drum, tambourine; Dave Smith on bendir, tambourine, djembe, drum kit; and Liam “Skin” Tyson on dobro, guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, twelve-string.

  Carry Fire is Plant's eleventh solo album of a distinguished career that's held water on its own merit, blending rootsy styles from the world over, with a cry that arguably holds up better than it did in the latter Zeppelin years. Here's 'The May Queen'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster,

• Sun

  03

  Dec

  2017

  Destroyer

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Vancouver band Destroyer play The Button Factory on December 3.

  Formed in 1996 as a lo-fi home-recording project by Dan Bejar, the project gradually gained the traction to hire an actual producer, eventually signing to Merge Records. October sees the release of their twelfth album, ken. Check them out live on KEXP.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €20. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  05

  Dec

  2017

  Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue)

  The Sugar Club

  Dublin

  

  Former Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross returns to Ireland, performing at The Sugar Club on December 5.

  He's touring his new album, Short Stories Vol. 1, recorded over 2 days in Hamburg, featuring songs both new and old, accompanied by choral & string arrangements.

  Have a listen to 'Real Gone Kid'.

  Tickets, priced at €29, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  05

  Dec

  2017

  Mark Lanegan w/Tenebrous Liar & Joe Cardamone

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Alt. rock shaman and Tom Waits' & Leonard Cohen's bastard sonic child Mark Lanegan plays Mandela Hall on December 5.

  The journeyman was frontman of Screaming Trees, formed in 1984, releasing his first solo album, The Winding Sheet in 1990, performing alongside the likes of Isobel Anderson and QOTSA. This show comes off the back of a support slot with Guns N' Roses at Slane this year, and his latest album, Gargoyle. Watch the video for 'Beehive'.

  Tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  06

  Dec

  2017

  Jesca Hoop

  The Workman's Club

  Dublin

  

  California-born singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop comes to The Workman's Club for a show on December 6.

  Growing up as a Mormon, she shed the faith and created music as a teenager without ever taking it seriously until she moved to LA in 2000, becoming a nanny to Tom Waits' children. She released her seventh album, Memories Are Now, to great acclaim in February. Watch the video for 'The Lost Sky', from Memories Are Now. 

  Tickets, priced €15, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  06

  Dec

  2017

  Mark Lanegan w/Tenebrous Liar & Joe Cardamone

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Alt. rock shaman and Tom Waits' & Leonard Cohen's bastard sonic child Mark Lanegan plays Dublin's Academy on December 6.

  The journeyman was frontman of Screaming Trees, formed in 1984, releasing his first solo album, The Winding Sheet in 1990, performing alongside the likes of Isobel Anderson and QOTSA. This show comes off the back of a support slot with Guns N' Roses at Slane this year, and his latest album, Gargoyle. Watch the video for 'Beehive'.

  Tickets cost €28 from Ticketmaster.

• Wed

  06

  Dec

  2017

  Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Americana singer-songwriter Josh Ritter performs at the Mandela Hall with the Royal City Band on December 6.

  Having carved out a perennial career for himself for quite some time now, Ritter was actually discovered by our very own Glen Hansard and the Frames, who invited him to Ireland. His debut album came out in 1999, and these dates accompany his latest album, Gathering.

  Check out recent single, 'Showboat'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Thu

  07

  Dec

  2017

  Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue)

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  Former Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross returns to Ireland, playing Belfast's Empire on December 7.

  He's touring his new album, Short Stories Vol. 1, recorded over 2 days in Hamburg, featuring songs both new and old, accompanied by choral & string arrangements.

  Have a listen to 'Real Gone Kid'.

  Tickets, priced at £22.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Thu

  07

  Dec

  2017

  The Divine Comedy

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Coinciding with the release of their eleventh album, Foreverland, The Divine Comedy play the Ulster Hall on December 7.

  Since the formation of the Divine Comedy in 1989, Neil Hannon has continued to remain one of the most revered songwriters across the UK and Ireland, with projects including the cricket-based Duckworth Lewis Method. His lyricism is cynically romantic, and sincerely ironic, and has lost none of its lustre over the years - watch the video for 'To The Rescue'.

  Tickets cost from £33 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  07

  Dec

  2017

  Fri

  08

  Dec

  2017

  Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  Americana singer-songwriter Josh Ritter performs a two-night stint at Vicar Street with the Royal City Band on December 7 & 8.

  Having carved out a perennial career for himself for quite some time now, Ritter was actually discovered by our very own Glen Hansard and the Frames, who invited him to Ireland. His debut album came out in 1999, and these dates accompany his latest album, Gathering.

  Check out recent single, 'Showboat'.

  Tickets, priced at €36, are available from Ticketmaster, with combo tickets for both nights for sale too. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  10

  Dec

  2017

  The Charlatans

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  English indie rock legends The Charlatans play Dublin's Academy on December 10.

  This news follows the release of their thirteenth album, Different Days, another strong release amongst the band's consistent repertoire. Formed in the late eighties by bassist Martin Blunt, who eventually brought frontman Tim Burgess onboard, they were associated with the Britpop and Madchester scenes. They achieved hits from their debut album, 1990's Some Friendly and have largely went from strength to strength.  Different Days was recorded at the band's Chesire studio, and features appropriate contributions from friends from Paul Weller & Johnny Marr, through to the likes of more unexpected crime writer Ian Rankin & phenomenal writer/actress Sharon Horgan.

  Tickets are priced at €36.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  11

  Dec

  2017

  The Charlatans

  The Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  English indie rock legends The Charlatans play Belfast's Limelight 1 on December 11.

  This news follows the release of their thirteenth album, Different Days, another strong release amongst the band's consistent repertoire. Formed in the late eighties by bassist Martin Blunt, who eventually brought frontman Tim Burgess onboard, they were associated with the Britpop and Madchester scenes. They achieved hits from their debut album, 1990's Some Friendly and have largely went from strength to strength.  Different Days was recorded at the band's Chesire studio, and features appropriate contributions from friends from Paul Weller & Johnny Marr, through to the likes of more unexpected crime writer Ian Rankin & phenomenal writer/actress Sharon Horgan.

  Tickets are priced at £31 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  12

  Dec

  2017

  The Moulettes

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Multi-instrumentalist group Moulettes play Whelan's on December 12.

  Combining electric & acoustic instruments, the Brighton-based collective released their new album Preternatural last year. The band are influenced by experimental pop, folk, and prog, along the lines of Zappa, Gentle Giant, tUnE-yArDs and Field Music. Listen to 'Behemooth' live in the studio for an example of their eclectic musicality.

  Tickets, priced at €17.50 from available from Ticketmaster & WAV Tickets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Wed

  13

  Dec

  2017

  SikTh, 7.5 Tonnes of Beard, Drakonis & Altus

  The Empire Music Hall

  Belfast

  

  One of the most successful of the djent bands, SikTh play the Empire on December 13. The Watford band formed in 1999, releasing their debut LP in 2003, ultimately ceasing in 2008 before a reunion in 2013 and have now released their third album, The Future In Whose Eyes?

  Supporting are the crushingly heavy five piece 7.5 Tonnes of Beard - check them out on Bandcamp - Lisburn black death metal outfit Drakonis and melodic death metal outfit Altus.

  Tickets, priced £20, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  14

  Dec

  2017

  SikTh

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  One of the most successful of the djent bands, SikTh play Dublin's Button Factory on December 14.

  The Watford band formed in 1999, releasing their debut LP in 2003, ultimately ceasing in 2008 before a reunion in 2013 and have now released their third album, The Future In Whose Eyes?

   

• Thu

  14

  Dec

  2017

  The Blades Christmas Party

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Dublin new wave band The Blades, having reunited in 2013 to sellout crowds, play their fifth annual Christmas show at The Academy on December 14.

  Formed at the height of punk in 1977, the trio released pair of  7" singles in the early eighties on Energy Records, and played a six week residency at the Baggott Inn with U2, regularly swapping headline slots in an attempt to make it. Their frontman and bassist Paul Cleary was named Songwriter of the Year ahead of Bono and Van Morrison, and Single of the Year for 'The Bride Wore White' back in 1982's Hot Press awards.

  Check out their new material on Bandcamp.

  Tickets are available, priced from €30, from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  15

  Dec

  2017

  Otherkin

  The Button Factory

  Dublin

  

  Following sold out shows and slots at Tennent's Vital, Electric Picnic, Latitude, Reading & Leeds Festivals and more, Dublin grungy garage quartet Otherkin round out another big  year - having released debut album OK at the end of summer - with a show at the Button Factory on December 15.

  They released their The New Vice EP last summer - check out their Soundcloud. Their music and performances have attracted the Guardian and NME and it looks like the band are on the cusp of big things. Here's new single 'The Hyve'.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster, priced at €15.35. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Tue

  19

  Dec

  2017

  Gogol Bordello w/Lucky Chops

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Coinciding with their latest album Seekers and Finders, gypsy-punks Gogol Bordello play The Academy on December 19.

  Written over a tour of three different continents, the nine-piece multi-cultural outfit blend violins, accordions, trump, marimba and conventional rock instrumentation, with the irreplaceable Eugene Hutz as frontman. 

  Tickets cost €30 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  21

  Dec

  2017

  Fri

  22

  Dec

  2017

  The Strypes

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  In celebration of their third album, Spitting Image, Cavan rock'n'roll ones-to-watch The Strypes have come of age, playing December 21 & 22 at Whelan's.

  The young music magpies recorded the third LP with the legendary Glyn Johns' son Ethan, after exploding with hype back in 2013 and touring relentlessly since. As well as their traditional British invasion roots, they've incorporated some New Wave into their sound. Watch the video for 'Great Expectations'.

  Tickets cost €30 from Ticketmaster & WAV Tickets. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Thu

  28

  Dec

  2017

  And So I Watch You From Afar

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Belfast-based instrumental titans And So I Watch You From Afar play Dublin's Academy in the first of four end-of-year dates on December 28.

  The band have recorded their forthcoming fifth album, following on from their 2015 LP, Heirs, on Sargent House. Blending upbeat pop energy with crushing heaviness and ambience, the band are one of Ireland's finest live, and this short tour follows a mammoth run of European dates throughout October & November.

  Admission costs €22 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  29

  Dec

  2017

  And So I Watch You From Afar

  Garbo's

  Castlebar

  

  Belfast-based instrumental titans And So I Watch You From Afar play Castlebar's Garbo's on December 29.

  The band have recorded their forthcoming fifth album, following on from their 2015 LP, Heirs, on Sargent House. Blending upbeat pop energy with crushing heaviness and ambience, the band are one of Ireland's finest live, and this short tour follows a mammoth run of European dates throughout October & November.

• Sat

  30

  Dec

  2017

  And So I Watch You From Afar

  Cyprus Avenue

  Cork

  

  Belfast-based instrumental titans And So I Watch You From Afar make their long-awaited return to Cork to play Cyprus Avenue on December 30 in a 4-date run of Irish shows.

  The band have recorded their forthcoming fifth album, following on from their 2015 LP, Heirs, on Sargent House. Blending upbeat pop energy with crushing heaviness and ambience, the band are one of Ireland's finest live, and this short tour follows a mammoth run of European dates throughout October & November.

  Admission costs €17.50 from Eventbrite. Doors open at 8pm.

• Sun

  31

  Dec

  2017

  And So I Watch You From Afar

  Roisin Dubh

  Galway

  

  Belfast-based instrumental titans And So I Watch You From Afar play Galway's Roisin Dubh for the third time this year, finishing up their 4-date Irish tour on New Year's Eve.

  The band have recorded their forthcoming fifth album, following on from their 2015 LP, Heirs, on Sargent House. Blending upbeat pop energy with crushing heaviness and ambience, the band are one of Ireland's finest live, and this short tour follows a mammoth run of European dates throughout October & November.

  Admission costs €25 from the Roisin Dubh. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  24

  Jan

  2018

  Public Service Broadcasting

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  The aptly-named Public Service Broadcasting have announced their biggest Dublin show yet, when they play the Academy on January 24, touring their most critically & commercially successful album to-date.

  Every Valley achieved No. 4 placing in the charts, which is impressive for a band that relies on its eclectic instrumentalism & samples from old public service broadcasts as vocals. Based around J. Willgoose, Esq. and drummer Wrigglesworth, they mine a particular era of British culture, creating an AV Transmission live, using archival footage and live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics.

  Tickets, priced at €27.90, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Thu

  25

  Jan

  2018

  Public Service Broadcasting

  Limelight 1

  Belfast

  

  The aptly-named Public Service Broadcasting have announced their biggest Belfast show to date, when they play the Limelight 1 on January 25 as they tour their most critically & commercially successful album to-date.

  Every Valley achieved No. 4 placing in the charts, which is impressive for a band that relies on its eclectic instrumentalism & samples from old public service broadcasts as vocals. 

  Tickets, priced at £22.50, are available from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sun

  28

  Jan

  2018

  The Menzingers, PUP & Cayetana

  Whelan's

  Dublin

  

  Pennsylvanian punk rock quartet The Menzingers will kick off a European tour in the New Year with a brace of Irish dates, beginning at Whelan's on January 28. The Menzingers released their fifth studio album, After the Party, at the start of the year. Stream it.

  Culminating in Amsterdam in mid-February, the tour will also feature support from Toronto punks PUP - whose second album The Dream Is Over was one of the most acclaimed albums of last year in its genre - and Philly trio Cayetana.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & WAV Tickets.

• Mon

  29

  Jan

  2018

  Wed

  31

  Jan

  2018

  Erasure

  Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Quintessential London synthpop duo Erasure play Dublin's Olympia Theatre on January 29-31 due to popular demand.

  Andy Bell and Vince Clark have been around now for 32 years, selling over 25 million albums, with their latest being World Be Gone. Check out the video for 'A Little Respect'.

  Tickets, priced €54.50-€64.50, are available from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  29

  Jan

  2018

  The Menzingers, PUP & Cayetana

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  Pennsylvanian punk rock quartet The Menzingers will kick off a European tour in the New Year with a brace of Irish dates, performing at the Limelight 2 on January 29. The Menzingers released their fifth studio album, After the Party, at the start of the year. Stream it.

  Culminating in Amsterdam in mid-February, the tour will also feature support from Toronto punks PUP - whose second album The Dream Is Over was one of the most acclaimed albums of last year in its genre - and Philly trio Cayetana.

  Tickets are available for £16 from Ticketmaster & Katy's Bar. Doors open at 7pm.

• Tue

  13

  Feb

  2018

  Wed

  14

  Feb

  2018

  Paul Weller w/Touts

  The Olympia Theatre

  Dublin

  

  Brit-rock icon Paul Weller returns to Dublin to play the Olympia Theatre on February 13 & 14.

  Known originally for his work with The Jam, before forming The Style Council, he's often called The Modfather for his contributions to the revival of Mod culture in the '70s & '80s. 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of his debut album, In The City, as well as the release of his 13th solo album A Kind Revolution.

  Support comes from young Derry indie-punks Touts.

  Tickets are priced at €55.65 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Thu

  15

  Feb

  2018

  Paul Weller w/Touts

  Ulster Hall

  Belfast

  

  Brit-rock icon Paul Weller plays the Ulster Hall on February 15.

  Known originally for his work with The Jam, before forming The Style Council, he's often called The Modfather for his contributions to the revival of Mod culture in the '70s & '80s. 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of his debut album, In The City, as well as the release of his 13th solo album A Kind Revolution.

  Support comes from young Derry indie-punks Touts.

  Tickets are priced at £49 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Fri

  23

  Feb

  2018

  Electric Six

  Limelight 2

  Belfast

  

  In what has become an annual tradition, Detroit dance-tinged comedy rockers Electric Six return to Ireland, playing the Limelight 2 on February 23.

  They play following the release of their eleventh studio album, Bitch, Don't Let Me Die!, in October. The band have remained notably prolific since their 2003 debut Fire, averaging almost an album a year. 

  Tickets are available priced at £15.50 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Sat

  24

  Feb

  2018

  Electric Six

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  In what has become an annual tradition, Detroit dance-tinged comedy rockers Electric Six return to Ireland, playing the The Academy, Dublin on February 24.

  They play following the release of their eleventh studio album, Bitch, Don't Let Me Die!, in October. The band have remained notably prolific since their 2003 debut Fire, averaging almost an album a year. 

  Tickets are available priced at €20 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7pm.

• Mon

  26

  Feb

  2018

  Nils Frahm

  National Concert Hall

  Dublin

  

  Berlin pianist/multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer Nils Frahm returns to Dublin, playing the beautiful National Concert Hall on February 26 as part of his long worldwide All Melody tour - following a 2017 live hiatus.

  Known for combining electronic and classical music, he was taught classical piano at a young age from one of the last proteges of Tchaikovsky. To date, he has released several albums, but really broke through with 2011's Felt.

  His minimalist approach and incorporation of electronics into the classical format has led many to draw comparisons with 20th century composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Check out his performance at St. John-at-Hackney Church in London.

  Tickets are available from NCH, priced at €30. Doors open at 8pm.

• Tue

  27

  Feb

  2018

  Nils Frahm

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Berlin pianist/multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer Nils Frahm returns to Belfast for the first time in 4 years to play Mandela Hall on February 27 as part of his long worldwide All Melody tour - following a 2017 live hiatus.

  Known for combining electronic and classical music, he was taught classical piano at a young age from one of the last proteges of Tchaikovsky. To date, he has released several albums, but really broke through with 2011's Felt.

  His minimalist approach and incorporation of electronics into the classical format has led many to draw comparisons with 20th century composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Check out his performance at St. John-at-Hackney Church in London.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster and doors open at 7pm.

• Fri

  02

  Mar

  2018

  Skid Row w/Toseland

  The Academy

  Dublin

  

  Classic sleaze-rockers Skid Row play The Academy in Dublin on March 2 after over 30 years since they first formed.

  Currently fronted by bassist and founding member Rachel Bolan and Dragonforce's ZP Theart, who joined this year - the position was once filled by the notorious Sebastian Bach. The final EP in their United World Rebellion series was recently released. Here's 'Youth Gone Wild'.

  Support comes from Toseland.

  Tickets cost €30 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 7.30pm.

• Sat

  03

  Mar

  2018

  Skid Row w/Toseland

  The Limelight

  Belfast

  

  Classic sleaze-rockers Skid Row play Belfast's Limelight 1 on March 3, having passed their third decade milestone.

  Currently fronted by bassist and founding member Rachel Bolan and Dragonforce's ZP Theart, who joined this year - the position was once filled by the notorious Sebastian Bach. The final EP in their United World Rebellion series was recently released. Here's 'Youth Gone Wild'.

  Support comes from Toseland.

  Tickets cost £20 from Ticketmaster and Katy's Bar. Doors open at 6pm.

• Fri

  09

  Mar

  2018

  Sat

  10

  Mar

  2018

  Randy Newman

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  One of America's great satirists, Randy Newman plays two nights in Vicar Street on March 9 & 10.

  Best known for his work on film soundtracks - a trade handed down by his father - his original studio albums have proved timeless, scathing snapshots of certain corners of American society, criticising close-mindedness, foreign policy, doublethink and even occasionally delving into some detached introspection. He's a master craftsman who doesn't stop working and is currently touring his latest album, Dark Matter. Here's a typically Randy number, taking Russian folk from the new LP: 'Putin'.

  Tickets cost €70 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.

• Fri

  16

  Mar

  2018

  The Selecter & The Beat [Co-Headliner]

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Two of the most important acts in the ska/2-Tone movement, The Beat - featuring Ranking Roger - and The Selecter, have announced a return to Ireland, when they play Belfast's Mandela Hall on March 16.

  The Beat formed in 1978 at the peak of unemployment and social upheaval and alongside The Specials, found much success through their messages of hope in an otherwise bleak British society. They released 3 albums before disbanding in 1983 until a one-off 2003 semi-reunion, before a full regrouping took place in 2006. Their current iteration includes Ranking Roger and Ranking Junior onstage. Here's 'Mirror In The Bathroom'.

  Formed in Coventry in 1979, The Selecter were politically and socially charged by the vocals of rude girl Pauline Black. They were one of the most successful acts of the 2 Tone era despite releasing just 2 albums, with hits like 'On My Radio'. They disbanded in 1981 and split into Pauline Black's Selecter songwriter Neol Davies' Selecter after a reunion in 1991.

  Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster for £25. Doors open at 7pm.

   

• Sat

  17

  Mar

  2018

  Steven Wilson

  Mandela Hall

  Belfast

  

  Porcupine Tree mastermind Steven Wilson plays Mandela Hall on March 17 following his fifth solo album, To The Bone.

  The album is being released as a dynamic modernist pop record as imagined by one of the UK's biggest underground artists. Fusing futurist rock and spectral electronics to ambience and squalling guitars, it's seen as his ode to the ambitious progressive pop records of his youth - Peter Gabriel, Talk Talk & Tears For Fears, for example. Check out the first track taken from To The Bone, 'Pariah'.

  Tickets cost £33 from Ticketmaster and the QUB Students' Union reception. Doors open at 8pm.

• Wed

  04

  Apr

  2018

  Toto

  Vicar Street

  Dublin

  

  One of the best-selling groups of musicians of all time, Toto, play Vicar Street on April 4 in their 40th anniversary, as part of the 40 Trips Around The Sun tour.

  As individual members - many of whom are prolific session musicians - they have the unbelievable statistic of being heard on around 5000 albums, with over half a billion sold. Toto, themselves having sold over 35 million albums, were one of the biggest arena rock acts in the '80s and broke through with the 1982 LP Toto IV which featured the immortal 'Africa'.

  Tickets cost €54.65 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8.30pm.

• Fri

  06

  Apr

  2018

  Arcade Fire

  3Arena

  Dublin

  

  Canadian stadium-fillers Arcade Fire, having played hugely acclaimed and sold out shows here last summer, return to Dublin to play a special in the round show at the 3Arena on April 6.

  Breaking through with their critical and commercial success in 2004 with Funeral which became regarded as one of, if not the rock album of the noughties. The six-piece are currently touring their fifth album Everything Now, which is filled with four-to-the-floor grooves, not unlike its predecessor Reflektor. Watch the video for the title track.

  Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

• Sat

  07

  Apr

  2018

  Toto

  Waterfront Hall

  Belfast

  

  One of the best-selling groups of musicians of all time, Toto, play Belfast's Waterfront on April 7 in their 40th anniversary, as part of the 40 Trips Around The Sun tour.

  As individual members - many of whom are prolific session musicians - they have the unbelievable statistic of being heard on around 5000 albums, with over half a billion sold. Toto, themselves having sold over 35 million albums, were one of the biggest arena rock acts in the '80s and broke through with the 1982 LP Toto IV which featured the immortal 'Africa'.

  Tickets cost £46 from Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8pm.