Gigs for 2024

Jaysus, the Hives was proper fun.

Yeah, it's gimmicky but there's a self awareness to it and they really pull it off.

Not many bands of that era could fill a set with an album from 2023 and have people singing along to the songs. Bogus Operandi might be the best thing they ever wrote.

Yeah, last minute ticket from the brother for Sunday. Loved Big Thief in the stadium, I'll have to get cracking on her solo stuff. Looking forward to it.

Agreed @Stillill42, excellent summary. Adrianne Lenker played a special gig - so many beautiful songs. One of those rare nights where I felt I was in the presence of a truly great talent.

New Purple Celebration (the Prince tribute band) last night at Button Factory were great. The gig coincided with the 8th anniversary of Prince's death, so a good occasion. They have been going for 20 years so a very tight band - 7 people in total, including trumpet, saxophone and trombone which gives a nice funky sound. Bold start with Housequake (from the Sign O The Times album) which set the evening nicely. They played Purple Rain in full (40 years from its release) and played a couple of deeper cuts. A good option since Prince isn't with us anymore.

Problem Patterns in the Workmans Cellar last night was ok. Oddly, they sounded less noisy live than on record which was a minus for me. 30 minute set of punky tunes, the band swapping instruments and vocals, a few forays into the crowd. Two support acts each getting 30 minutes also; Baby Tears were first up. Played a 50s rocknroll/Ramones kinda thing. Best tune was Boy Pussy, a dirty surf-punk job that stood out against all their other songs. Next was Hotgirl; possibly the most musically interesting act of the night or at least the band that suggested the most potential. Typical Indie/Alt thing but there was something about them that makes me think they might be worth keeping an eye on. A few here would enjoy them i reckon.

Excellent tonight. Not very familiar with her material but never a lull in the gig from beginning to end. Will definitely catch her again if she comes back.

I forgot all about Problem Patterns, I had been planning to go. Sounds like I didn't miss too much though 😕

Half hour is a very short set. Though I guess the album probably only comes in about that

I went the other way and took in Snapped Ankles. Good gig, songs from all the albums as far as i could tell, an (eventually) up for it crowd of young and old. Good fun.

Another one for the "Acts that should play Irish festivals" list. I 100% refuse to believe that SA would not get a festival tent or the Croi mainstage hopping. Even moreso with most people in a festivalised state.

Loved it. Couple of new tunes they played early? I didnt know them anyway, I dont think. Sounded great anyway.

Yeah theyre a super festival band. Dont really promote themselves though do they? No merch last night at all really.

Yeah, your weekend entertainment too much for me, Dreamweapon but the other 4 all look great. Keep the left field recommendations coming!

Going to Mitski tonight also. Any idea on set times?

I'm not sure how the youngsters will respond to Richard Dawson's esoteric folk. It's a strange pairing.

They're expecting the merchandise to be extremely busy, so they might be trying to get in early to ensure they get what they want before their sizes (or items of choice) sell out.

Nobody getting up to go to the bar, less chatting and phones than usual at the 3arena (the torches are just modern lighters)

Gotta go to more of these younger schewed gigs.

Fantastic Performance, great band and subtle but well thought out stage show even if air guitar is always a bad idea... despite playing the correct notes.

Great show. The kids are all-right.

Some show alright. Combined performance art, great music and a very talented performer. As for the musicians I'd pay to see them on their own again!

I think it being all seated added to the atmosphere. As for the crowd, noticed lots of big hair and that was the lads! The 80's have come back around again 😎

A week off and then back to Dublin for John Cooper Clarke, Clapton, Springsteen and Richard Hawley to close out a great May 🎸