2008 in Irish music

This is a summary of the year 2008 in the Irish music industry.

Summary

January

* On Wednesday January 9 the nominations for Irish Album of the Year 2007 were announced. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0110/choicemusicprize.html|title="Choice Music Prize shortlist announced"|date=2008-01-10|accessdate=2008-01-10|publisher=RTÉ] [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-gurus-shun-household-names-1261968.html|title="Music gurus shun household names…"|date=2008-01-10|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher="Irish Independent"] The winner received the Choice Music Prize on Wednesday February 27.
* On January 11 -12, Cathy Davey, Republic of Loose, Si Schroeder and Halves will be amongst the acts representing Ireland at the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen in the Netherlands. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/blogs/ontherecord/2007/11/09/who-needs-eurovision-when-youve-got-eurosonic/|title="Who needs Eurovision when you've got Eurosonic…"|date=2007-11-09|accessdate=2007-11-09|publisher="The Irish Times"]
* On Saturday January 19 Primordial recorded their performance at The Button Factory (formerly Temple Bar Music Centre) for inclusion in a possible concert DVD [cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news.php?newsid=5333|title="Primordial To Shoot Live DVD"|date=2008-01-18|publisher=Sputnikmusic]
* On Tuesday January 22 it was announced that the low budget Irish movie "Once" had been nominated in the Best Original Song category at this year's Oscars. The song nominated was "Falling Slowly", written by the film's stars Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0122/oscars3.html|title="Once nominated for Best Original Song Oscar"|date=2008-01-22|accessdate=2008-01-26|publisher=RTÉ] [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0123/hansardg.html|title="Glen Hansard Interview"|date=2008-01-23|accessdate=2008-02-10|publisher=RTÉ] On January 28, doubt was expressed as to the song's eligibility for the award but the matter was later resolved. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0128/once.html|title="Once song faces Oscar eligibility probe"|date=2008-01-25|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher=RTÉ]
* On January 27, Dolores O'Riordan received an EBBA Award in Cannes for her debut solo album, "Are You Listening?". [cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/press_office/news_of_the_day/borderbreakers_en.htm|title="Singer Dolores O'Riordan wins European music award"|date=2008-01-15|accessdate=2008-02-10|publisher=The EU in Ireland]

February

* On Monday February 4, tickets for Eric Clapton's performance at Malahide Castle in June went on sale at €76.25.
* On Tuesday February 5 at 9 a.m. tickets for The Kooks and Radio Soulwax performances at the Heineken Green Energy festival at Dublin Castle in May went on sale.
* On Saturday February 9, whilst playing a free gig in Dublin, Frank Black was bundled away in a squad car. He had planned to play a short set at the bandstand on St Stephen's Green before his Vicar Street headliner but instead was bundled into a Garda car and whisked away. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1334/104/|title="Frank Black avoids arrest in Dublin, but is mistaken for James Blunt…"|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-02-11|publisher=Phantom 105.2] [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0211/blackf.html|title="Gardaí halt free Dublin gig by Pixies frontman…"|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-02-11|publisher=RTÉ]
* Smashing Pumpkins returned to Ireland for the first time since their 2007 reformation. On Saturday February 9, they played the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin and on Sunday February 10, they played the King's Hall in Belfast. They were supported on both occasions by Concerto For Constantine. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/smashing-pumpkins-to-play-ireland/spId/5D48E92E-F752-C6C0-B11B50DFA37B7593.html|title="Smashing Pumpkins to play Ireland…"|date=2007-11-20|accessdate=2007-11-20|publisher=Muse.ie]
* Also on Sunday February 10 the 50th Grammy Awards took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California in the United States. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, his co-star in "Once", were up for two nominations; "Best Compilation Soundtrack Album" and "Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media" for the track "Falling Slowly" from "Once". [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2007/1207/hansardg.html|title="Once stars shortlisted for Grammys…"|date=2007-12-07|accessdate=2007-12-26|publisher=RTÉ] However they won neither. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1333/104/|title="Hansard misses out on Grammy …"|date=2008-02-11|accessdate=2008-02-11|publisher=Phantom 105.2]
* On Friday February 15, R.E.M. were confirmed to headline Oxegen 2008, the second act to be announced following Kings of Leon in November 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0215/oxegen.html|title="REM to headline Oxegen"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-15|publisher=RTÉ]
* Also on Friday February 15, The Chalets announced their spilt via blog on their MySpace, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4446834.html|title="The Chalets split…"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher="Hot Press"] whilst Hooray For Humans announced they had parted company with lead singer, Aine Mangaoang. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4446613.html|title="Hooray For Humans split with lead singer, seek new members…"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher="Hot Press"] February 29 saw Hooray for Humans's new members Jen and Matt being confirmed via a MySpace post, although this didn't prevent a cancellation of a series of Irish appearances (apart from a March 13 appearance in Dolan's of Limerick) as their new lineup got up to speed. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4465317.html|title="Hooray For Humans unveil new lineup…"|date=2008-02-29|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Later on Friday February 15, the 2008 Meteor Awards took place in the RDS Simmonscourt. Duke Special won the Best Irish Male award and Cathy Davey won the Best Irish Female award. Aslan won Best Irish Band and Paddy Casey's "Addicted to Company" won Best Irish Album. Other winners included Ham Sandwich, The Blizzards, Damien Dempsey, Mundy and Sharon Shannon, Westlife and Ray Foley. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0216/breaking5.htm|title="Meteor eight in a row for Westlife…"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-15|publisher=Breaking News.ie]
* On February 19, Kaiser Chiefs, The Raconteurs and Ian Brown were officially announced for Oxegen 2008. This announcement was followed by three more on the following days; The Fratellis, Interpol and Counting Crows (February 20), Hot Chip, Justice, The Chemical Brothers, Aphex Twin and Alabama 3 (February 21), and Sunday night headliners Rage Against the Machine (February 22). Also announced for Oxegen in late February were The Verve (February 24), Stereophonics, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4464258.html|title="Stereophonics for Oxegen"|date=2008-02-25|accessdate=2008-02-27|publisher="Hot Press"] Seasick Steve, The Courteeners and Future Kings of Spain (February 25) as well as The Prodigy, [cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/entertainment/mhojaugbgbmh/|title="Prodigy to play Oxegen"|date=2008-02-26|accessdate=2008-02-27|publisher="Irish Examiner"] The Feeling and Panic at the Disco (February 26). [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-festivals/the-prodigy-added-to-oxegen-bill/spId/5A45EE04-A90C-98FF-63E5FE6814B94246.html|title="The Prodigy added to Oxegen bill"|date=2008-02-27|accessdate=2008-02-27|publisher=muse.ie]
* On February 22, U2 released their much-anticipated [http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0221/u23d.html 3D concert film] , "U2 3D". The film was the first digital 3D, multi-camera, real-time production, with nine digital 3D cameras being used to capture over 100 hours of 3D footage. Directed by Catherine Owens and Mark Pellington, the film was shot in Buenos Aires during the South American leg of the band's Vertigo Tour in 2006. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0107/u2.html|title="U2 3D concert film to get cinema release"|date=2008-01-07|accessdate=2008-03-30|publisher=RTÉ]
* On February 24, the 80th Academy Awards took place in the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California , with "Falling Slowly", from the low budget Irish movie "Once" and written by Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0225/oscars.html|title="Oscars joy for Hansard and Irglová"|date=2008-02-25|accessdate=2008-02-25|publisher=RTÉ] [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0225/hansardg.html|title="Hansard speaks about Oscar victory"|date=2008-02-25|accessdate=2008-02-25|publisher=RTÉ] [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0229/tubridytonight.html|title="Oscar winners are Tubridy's guests"|date=2008-02-29|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher=RTÉ] The song was performed by the duo on the night. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0215/once.html|title="Hansard, Irglová to sing at Oscars"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher=RTÉ]
* The Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2007 was awarded at Vicar Street to Super Extra Bonus Party for their album "Super Extra Bonus Party LP" on Wednesday February 27. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0228/choicemusicprize.html|title="Shock result in Choice Music Prize"|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-02-28|publisher=RTÉ] [cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/entertainment/article3471643.ece|title="Super Extra Bonus Party win Choice Music Prize"|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-02-28|publisher="The Belfast Telegraph"] [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4464976.html|title="Super Extra Bonus Party scoop Choice Prize"|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-02-28|publisher="Hot Press"]

March

* On Monday March 3, Editors, The Hoosiers, Lightspeed Champion, Róisín Murphy, Battles, Richard Hawley, Kate Nash, Scouting for Girls, The Zutons, Newton Faulkner, Pendulum and Bowling for Soup were announced for Oxegen 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-festivals/oxegen-line-up-gets-bigger-and-bigger/spId/747EA81C-CBC4-973A-2B6231C7B353ECB5.html|title="Oxegen line-up gets bigger and bigger"
date=2008-03-03|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher=muse.ie]
* On Wednesday March 5 at 8 a.m., tickets went on sale for Prince's performance at Croke Park on June 16, priced at €66.50. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/purple-one-to-play-the-hits-at-croke-park-1300395.html|title="Purple One to play the hits at Croke Park"|date=2008-02-27|accessdate=2008-03-01|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* On Thursday March 6, the first issue of "State" appeared on Irish shelves. [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/state-magazine-issue-one/|title="State Magazine - Issue One"|date=2008-02-26|accessdate=2008-03-09|publisher="State"] [cite web|url=http://www.imro.ie/newstastic//news.php?item=9670|title="State Magazine - Issue 1 Available Now"|date=2008-03-06|accessdate=2008-03-09|publisher=IMRO]
* Also on Thursday March 6, Oxegen 2008 was officially launched with official confirmation of appearances by Amy Winehouse, The Pogues, The Charlatans and The Swell Season, featuring Oscar winners Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. A breakdown of the acts was also revealed for the first time [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4481682.html|title="Oxegen schedule released"
date=2008-03-06|accessdate=2008-03-06|publisher="Hot Press"] . This was in preparation for Friday March 7, when tickets for the festival went on general sale at 8 a.m.
* On Monday March 10 at 9 a.m., tickets for Neil Young's Malahide Castle show on Sunday June 29 and his performance at the Marquee in Cork on June 30, priced at €81.25 standing, went on sale. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/neil-young-to-play-two-irish-dates/spId/7E4383D4-98D1-403D-53539BC3E66E3BA6.html|title="Neil Young to play two Irish dates"
date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher=muse.ie]
* On Wednesday March 12 at 9 a.m., tickets for Lou Reed's performance at the Marquee in Cork on Monday June 23 went on sale, priced between €54.80 and €65.70.
* On March 12, a new website offered free festival tickets in exchange for sperm donations. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4497891.html|title="Coming attractions: sperm for tickets…"|date=2008-03-12|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/free-festival-tickets-for-sperm-donors-/spId/A8DC8FF3-ABB9-D23E-0386F4F7B94B5051.html|title="Free festival tickets for sperm donors?"|date=2008-03-13|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher=muse.ie]
* On Thursday March 13, there was uproar and bewilderment as it was revealed that R.E.M.’s new album "Accelerate" would be accepted as "Irish music" by the BCI. As the album was recorded in Grouse Lodge Studios in County Westmeath it qualifies as "Irish". BCI chief executive Michael O’Keeffe confirmed this was to be the case. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1417/104/|title="BCI defends Irish music rules…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-16|publisher=Phantom FM] “It’s supporting the Irish music industry,” he said. Kylie Minogue, who recorded a number of tracks for her "Fever" album in Dublin’s Windmill Lane, including the title track and the hit single "Love at First Sight", would also be considered "Irish". Irish musicians openly condemned the position. Steve Wall was "speechless", but then contradicted himself by saying: "That’s the first time I heard that." [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4498079.html|title="REM qualifies as Irish music for airplay…"|date=2008-03-13|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/rem-help-industry-to-redefine-irish-music-1316117.html|title="REM help industry to redefine Irish music…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher="Irish Independent"] "It sounds ridiculous. Shame on them", was the view of Concerto For Constantine bassist, Gavin Fox, calling it "just another excuse for stations not to get behind Irish music." Kíla's Colm Ó Snodaigh quoted Bob Dylan, who wrote that radio was "gutless and flabby", before exemplifying the Choice Music Prize, pointedly referring to how "we used to have Def Leppard and Lisa Stansfield living here as tax exiles, does that mean they’d count as Irish too?" and ranting about how R.E.M. "certainly don’t need the extra airplay." Julie Feeney called for "a bit of imagination and persistence from a DJ who’s willing to take the jump and play Irish artists." [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4498285.html|title="'Shame on them': Musicians react to BCI airplay clarification…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher="Hot Press"] Louis Walsh called it "crazy", adding: "No wonder Irish record companies are signing nobody. It's because we can't get airplay in our own fucking country for our own home grown talent", before exemplifying the struggles of genuine Irish artists such as Ash and Bell X1 to gain radio airplay. He was critical of Irish stations constantly playing US acts such as Timbaland, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, making the point that Snow Patrol's success came largely out of their music appearing on a US TV show and emphasising the difficulties faced by potential future U2s. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4498350.html|title="'This is crazy': Louis Walsh…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher="Hot Press"] Music directors at local radio stations Red FM (Cork) and Phantom 105.2 (Dublin) declared they would not include international artists who have recorded here as part of their required Irish music output. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4513627.html|title="Radio directors say they’re behind Irish acts…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Friday March 14, the Apple iPhone was launched in Ireland, available on the O₂ network only. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4465119.html|title="Apple iPhone coming to Ireland"|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher="Hot Press"] Churchtown student Philip Cosgrave (21), was the first person in the country to purchase the phone. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/new-iphone-fails-to-create-buzz-at-launch-in-capital-1316481.html|title="New iPhone fails to create buzz at launch in capital"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-15|publisher="Irish Independent"] The iPhone was made available in eight and 16GB models, but these were criticised for their price, retailing in Ireland for €399 and €499 respectively. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/business/technology/icaramba-1316064.html|title="iCaramba!"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2008-03-16|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* Also on Friday March 14, tickets for Leonard Cohen's June 14 and 15 dates at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham went on sale, priced from €88.50 to €115. The shows were Cohen's first Irish dates in twenty years. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/leonard-cohen-confirms-first-irish-dates-in-20-years/spId/9E5F6984-DD4D-42F7-FEFB3E61E83C44C9.html|title="Leonard Cohen confirms first Irish dates in 20 years"|date=2008-03-11|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher=muse.ie] Tickets for a third date (June 13) went on sale on Wednesday March 26 at 9 a.m.
* On Sunday March 16 at approximately 1:15 a.m., [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0316/fire.html?rss|title="Probe into Dublin nightclub fire"|date=2008-03-16|accessdate=2008-03-17|publisher=RTÉ] well-known Dublin nightclub and popular music venue, The Village on Wexford Street caught fire. Over 800 people inside at the time were evacuated safely within seven minutes. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0316/breaking10.htm|title="800 evacuated from Dublin nightclub after fire"|date=2008-03-16|accessdate=2008-03-17|publisher="The Irish Times"] The fire affected mainly the front of the premises and the damage to the building was not extensive. The fire was blamed on an electrical fault. [cite web|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article3524323.ece|title="Fire Brigade evacuate Dublin nightclub"|date=2008-03-16|accessdate=2008-03-17|publisher="The Belfast Telegraph"] Meanwhile Bell X1's tour bus caught fire outside the hotel where they were staying in Medford, Massachusetts. Paul Noonan and Dave Geraghty were on board the vehicle at the time and raised the alarm after smelling smoke. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1427/104/|title="Bell X1 experience a real life 'Flame'"|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-18|publisher=Phantom FM] Fire fighters were called to the scene shortly after 3.30 a.m. and took 90 minutes to put out the blaze, which started in the bus’ ventilation/air-conditioning unit and caused an estimated $50,000 worth of damage. On Saint Patrick's Day they appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4513828.html|title="Bell X1 & The Village in fire dramas!"|date=2008-03-17|accessdate=2008-03-18|publisher="Hot Press"] , a move that led to their Chicago show selling out. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/bell-x1-overvcome-a-host-of-teething-problems-and-start-to-sell-out-venues-stateside-1323380.html|title="Bell X1 overvcome {sic} a host of teething problems and start to sell out venues Stateside"|date=2008-03-20|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* On Wednesday March 26 at 6 p.m., the line-up for Electric Picnic 2008 was announced. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1435/104/|title="Electric Picnic info on the way"|date=2008-03-22|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On Thursday March 27, promoters MCD revealed to the "Herald" that The Killers would be playing Marlay Park in August, adding that tickets for the event would go on sale on April 4 at 8 a.m. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/only-three-killers-gigs-this-summer-and-we-got-lucky-1328257.html|title="Only three Killers gigs this summer and we got lucky"|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* On Friday March 28 at 9 p.m., tickets for Electric Picnic 2008 went on sale. Weekend tickets – there were no individual day ones – cost €240 including camping, with the various sites opening at 9 a.m. on Friday August 29. Camper van access cost €60. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4514923.html|title="Electric Picnic tickets go on sale next Friday"|date=2008-03-22|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher="Hot Press"]

April

* On Friday April 4, tickets for The Killers and Bloc Party at Marlay Park on August 21 went on sale [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1448/104/|title="Killers to play Marley {sic} Park…"|date=2008-03-28|accessdate=2008-03-29|publisher=Phantom FM] , whilst at 9 a.m. tickets for Paul Simon's July 3 show at the Marquee in Cork also went on sale.
* On Saturday April 12, Bud Rising Street Party took place outdoors at George's Dock on Custom House Quay in Dublin, with Mix Master Mike, DJ Morgan and live graffiti man Maser as well as headliners, The Streets. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/secret-budrising-venue-revealed/spId/C2685A4E-FC8A-689B-965CC2A8E3649248.html|title="Secret Budrising venue revealed"|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-18|publisher=muse.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/bud-rising-secret-gig-details-revealed/#more-363|title="Bud Rising secret gig details revealed.."|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher="State"]
* On Friday April 18, tickets for Metallica and Tenacious D's August 20 date at Marlay Park went on sale, priced at €74.50. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1477/104/|title="*Exclusive* Metallica and Tenacious D to play Marlay Park.."|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-11|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On Saturday April 19 at 9 a.m., tickets for Muse and Kasabian at Marlay Park on August 13 went on sale, priced at €69.50. [http://www.microcuts.net/uk/news/] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1485/104/|title="**EXCLUSIVE** Muse for Marley Park.."|date=2008-04-14|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On Friday April 25, tickets for the August 19 appearance of Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morissette and OneRepublic at Marlay Park went on sale. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1494/104/|title="Lenny Kravitz and Alanis Morissette for Marlay Park.."|date=2008-04-18|accessdate=2008-04-20|publisher=Phantom FM]

May

* Heineken Green Energy took place at Dublin Castle from Saturday May 3 until Monday May 5, marking the beginning of the festival season in Ireland. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds opened the 2008 event with a sold-out show on May 3, [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1530/104/|title="Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds take to the stage at Dublin Castle…"|date=2008-05-03|accessdate=2008-05-06|publisher=Phantom FM] supported by David Graney; Radio Soulwax and 2manydjs headlined on Sunday May 4, with Riton DJ Set and Das Pop; The Kooks headlined on Monday May 5 [cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/mheygbqlaukf/|title="Headline acts for Heineken Green Energy Festival announced…"|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher=Breaking News.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/entertainment/mheygbqlaukf/|title="Headline acts for Heineken Green Energy Festival announced…"|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher="Irish Examiner"] , supported by The Coronas. All support acts began at 6 p.m. with headliners taking to the stage at 9 p.m. Phantom FM transformed Thomas Reads on Parliament Street into the Heineken Green Energy Festival HQ for the weekend. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1518/104/|title="Phantom's Green Energy Festival HQ…"|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-29|publisher=Phantom FM] [http://www.hotpress.com/competitions/competition.php?action=view&id=4528705 Win tickets]
* On Wednesday May 7, it was announced that all tickets for Oxegen 2008 had sold out, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4552337.html|title="UPDATE: Oxegen '08 sells out as daily line-up is revealed…"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="Hot Press"] as 40 new acts joined the bill. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1539/104/|title="Oxegen 2008 sells out…"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher=Phantom FM] These included Manic Street Preachers, The Kooks, The Stranglers, Feeder, Echo & the Bunnymen, Bell X1, Groove Armada, Vampire Weekend, The Ting Tings, Black Kids, MGMT, The Coronas, Concerto For Constantine and Delorentos. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1537/104/|title="Manic Street Preachers added to Oxegen bill…"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/oxegen-festival/36445|title="Manic Street Preachers added to Oxegen 2008 line-up…"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-18|publisher="NME"]
* On Tuesday May 13, illness put paid to two gigs due to take place in Dublin that night. The Pigeon Detectives cancelled their Academy show after frontman Matt Bowman suffered a serious leg injury during the band's set at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Kent, after which he was brought to hospital where it was initially feared he might need emergency surgery. Their performance in Belfast's Mandela Hall on the 14th was also affected by the injury. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1548/104/|title="Pigeon Detectives cancel Irish shows…"|date=2008-05-11|accessdate=2008-05-13|publisher=Phantom FM] However on Friday May 16, it was announced that they would be appearing at Oxegen alongside The National, The Go! Team, The Enemy, Tricky and One Night Only. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1558/104/|title="The National and Pigeon Detectives added to Oxegen line-up…"|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/further-additions-to-oxegen-line-up-confirmed/|title="Further Additions to Oxegen Line-Up Confirmed…"|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher="State"] On June 3, The Pigeon Detectives announced rescheduled dates in Dublin's Academy on July 22 and Belfast's Mandela Hall on July 23. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4589394.html|title="Pigeon Detectives announce new shows…"|date=2008-06-03|accessdate=2008-06-03|publisher="Hot Press"] Meanwhile Canadian group, Black Mountain also cancelled their gig in the Button Factory on the same night due to an unspecified illness. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1552/104/|title="Black Mountain cancel Dublin show…"|date=2008-05-13|accessdate=2008-05-13|publisher=Phantom FM] On May 14, Skinny Wolves Club gig was cancelled "due to a mess up with EX MODELS flights, leaving them stranded in London, unable to fly to Dublin for the gig." [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/cancelled-tonights-skinny-wolves-club-gig/|title="Cancelled: Tonight’s Skinny Wolves Club gig…"|date=2008-05-14|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher="State"] On May 19, Animal Collective cancelled their Tripod show due to missing a ferry, "the third no show in a week" as dramatically (and inaccurately) described by "Hot Press". [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4570702.html|title="Animal Collective cancel Dublin show…"|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher="Hot Press"] Arch-rivals "State" bit back with news that a new show, with support from Atlas Sound, had been put together on the same date at Whelan's, causing uproar amongst fans who had been let down by "Hot Press" and Phantom news bulletins. [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/animal-collective-gig-cancelled/|title="Animal Collective Gig Cancelled (Update! Rescheduled for tonight!)…"|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher="State"]
* On Friday May 16, another 2fm reschedule was announced, with Dave Fanning returning to his midnight slot (where he started) on Sundays, a new slot for Jenny Huston’s "The Annex" 7 p.m. on Sundays and the arrival of brand new dance programme, "Electric Disco" to be broadcast at 6 p.m. on Saturday evenings and presented by 2fm’s newest DJ, Jenny Green. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4554892.html|title="Fanning returns to midnight slot…"|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Sunday May 18, Alison Curtis's 8 p.m. "The Last Splash" indie show on Today FM celebrated its fifth year on the air. Alison aired the best bits of interviews from New Order, PJ Harvey, Radiohead, The Killers, Gossip and many more, as well as sessions that have been recorded for the show over the past 5 years. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4570224.html|title="The Last Splash celebrates 5th birthday…"|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-16|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/the-last-splash-is-5-years-old/|title="The Last Splash - 5 years old…"|date=2008-05-16|accessdate=2008-05-20|publisher="State"] On June 13, it was announced that Curtis would be getting a new show, imaginatively titled "The Show", airing from Mondays to Thursdays between 10 p.m. and midnight. "The Show" – a “music based pop culture” programme – will act as a compliment to Tom Dunne’s "Pet Sounds" before it. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4592131.html|title="Alison Curtis gets new Today FM show…"|date=2008-06-13|accessdate=2008-06-14|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Thursday May 22, Bruce Springsteen "rocked" the RDS Arena in Dublin in the first of three shows. He returned to rock the RDS again on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25. His setlist included "Promised Land", "Radio Nowhere", "Prove It All Night", "The River", "Thunder Road", "Badlands", "Because the Night", "Born to Run" and about 20 other classics. Explaining why the missus wasn’t with him, Springsteen said: "Patti’s at home. The cookies have been taken out of the oven. The Guinness is being poured. My favourite clothes are being sold on eBay. No, we’ve got three teenagers, one of whom is graduating." [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4587427.html|title="Bruce Springsteen rocks the RDS…"|date=2008-05-23|accessdate=2008-05-23|publisher="Hot Press"] [http://www.hotpress.com/photos/photo.php?id=4587414&idx=0 Photos]
* Soundtrack '08 took place in Tripod and Crawdaddy from Sunday May 25 until Monday June 2. Spiritualized, Public Enemy and Tapes 'n Tapes all performed over the week-long festival, whilst The Maccabees played their first ever headline Irish show on Thursday May 29 at the indoor festival, promoted by POD. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1464/104/|title="Irish weather so rubbish new Summer festival is indoors…"|date=2008-04-02|accessdate=2008-04-04|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/soundtrack-08-a-series-of-pod-gigs/#more-447|title="Soundtrack 08 - A series of Pod gigs…"|date=2008-04-03|accessdate=2008-04-04|publisher="State"] Santogold and Mystery Jets were forced to cancel their Soundtrack shows. Mystery Jets cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason behind the cancellation of their show on Saturday May 31, whilst Santogold cancelled her AAA co-headliner scheduled for Sunday June 1 in the PoD Complex due to "illness". [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1598/104/|title="Santogold cancels gig this weekend…"|date=2008-05-30|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher=Phantom FM] Mystery Jets rescheduled for August 16, with tickets for the original date still valid. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4589124.html|title="Santogold, Mystery Jets cancel weekend gigs…"|date=2008-05-30|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Tuesday May 27 at 9 a.m., tickets for Tom Waits's three Phoenix Park shows in July and August went on sale. Waits will perform at The RatCellar Marquee on July 30-August 1, three of fifteen dates on the European leg of his Glitter and Doom Tour. Tickets were priced from €116.25 to €131.25, were limited to two per person and will be subject to scanning at the gate on the day. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1578/104/|title="Tom Waits tickets on sale today…"|date=2008-05-27|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=Phantom FM] All tickets fro the three dates sold out within three hours, the ticket-selling process only taking longer than usual due to the anti-scalping measures in place. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1578/104/|title="Tom Waits tickets sold out…"|date=2008-05-27|accessdate=2008-05-27|publisher=Phantom FM]
* The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival took place in Ballyshannon, County Donegal from Thursday May 29 until Sunday June 1.
* On Friday May 30, Celine Dion played Croke Park, Dublin on her fortieth birthday with support from Il Divo. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/celine-dion-to-play-croke-park-1213208.html|title="Celine Dion to play Croke Park…"|date=2007-11-06|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* Also on Friday May 30 at 9 a.m., tickets for Morrissey's June 28 show at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham went on sale. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1585/104/|title="Morrissey confirms Dublin show…"|date=2008-05-29|accessdate=2008-05-30|publisher=Phantom FM]
* Humanitarian rockstars, Bono and Bob Geldof guest edited the Friday May 31 edition of the "Asahi", Japan's second largest newspaper. Bono defended the pair’s temporary career change by saying: “Lots of people are closet rock stars - they stand up in the mirror and play air guitar, well, myself and Bob, we're closet journalists." The main aims of the pair were to change Africa’s negative coverage in the Japanese media and to encourage Japan to increase its African aid and investment. The eight-page Africa section focused on Africa’s culture, economy and politics rather than poverty and war. Bono said: "Really we're trying to reframe the stories about Africa, most of which historically are tragic. We would like to turn this around a bit and make the stories about opportunity and the adventure of the African continent, not the burden and the obligation." [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4589376.html|title="Bono and Bob Geldof edit Africa edition of Japanese newpaper…"|date=2008-06-03|accessdate=2008-06-03|publisher="Hot Press"]

June

* Heineken Green Spheres took place in June, with Dirty Pretty Things playing as the headline attraction on June 2 in Dolan’s Warehouse in Limerick. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1555/104/|title="Win Tickets to Dirty Pretty Things at Heineken Green Spheres…"|date=2008-05-15|accessdate=2008-05-15|publisher=Phantom FM] Tickets were free, but had to be applied for in advance from [http://www.heinekengreenspheres.ie/ www.heinekengreenspheres.ie] . [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4552770.html|title="Dirty Pretty Things for Limerick…"|date=2008-05-08|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Friday June 6 and Saturday June 7, Radiohead played two outdoor concerts at Malahide Castle in Dublin. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/radiohead-confirm-dublin-date/spId/A625E95D-B953-4D9A-978A15D5955F7CA0.html|title="Radiohead confirm Dublin date…"|date=2007-12-04|accessdate=2007-12-26|publisher=Muse.ie] They were supported by Bat for Lashes. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4515291.html|title="Bat For Lashes to be special guests at Radiohead shows…"|date=2008-03-26|accessdate=2008-03-26|publisher="Hot Press"] Thom Yorke urged Irish fans travelling to and from their Malahide Castle shows to be more carbon conscious this summer, by travelling by public transport, by foot or in a car pool. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/chasing-rainbows-radiohead-urge-their-fans-to-go-green-for-dublin-gigs-1368140.html|title="Chasing Rainbows: Radiohead urge their fans to go green for Dublin gigs…"|date=2008-05-06|accessdate=2008-05-06|publisher="Irish Independent"] A section of the car park was turned into a bicycle-only zone so fans could cut down on their carbon emissions. The park had a capacity for a huge number of bicycles and was well manned by security so that fans could leave their cars at home for Radiohead's shows. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/on-your-bike-radiohead-go-green-in-malahide-1398790.html|title="On your bike: Radiohead go green in Malahide…"|date=2008-06-05|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher="Irish Independent"] [http://www.hotpress.com/photos/photo.php?id=4591043 Photos]
* On Saturday June 7, Bon Jovi played Punchestown. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/bon-jovi-are-set-to-rock-punchestown-1225999.html|title="Bon Jovi are set to rock Punchestown…"|date=2007-11-21|accessdate=2007-11-21|publisher="Irish Independent"] They were supported by Razorlight and Kid Rock. Bon Jovi last performed in Ireland when they played Croke Park in 2006. They played for two-and-a-half hours, with the show featuring state-of-the-art giant video screens and special effects. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/return-of-the-poodle-rockers-1399564.html|title="Return of the poodle rockers!…"|date=2008-06-06|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher="Irish Independent"] Gates opened at 3 p.m. and the show began at 7 p.m.
* On Monday June 9 at 11 a.m., forty new acts as well as the full stage line-up of Oxegen '08 was announced. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4590807.html|title="Oxegen announce full stage line-up…"|date=2008-06-09|accessdate=2008-06-09|publisher="Hot Press"] New acts confirmed included Mundy, Aslan, Captain and Sugababes for the Friday and Eddy Grant, Flogging Molly and Fight Like Apes for the Sunday.
* On June 12, reports of the demise of the concert business in Ireland have been greatly exaggerated with the business never having been healthier, says leading concert promoter, Peter Aiken. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4591959.html?page_no=1&show_comments=1|title="Irish Concert Business in Extraordinarily Healthy State…"|date=2008-06-12|accessdate=2008-06-13|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On June 14 and 15, Leonard Cohen played two dates at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The shows, brought to Ireland by POD Concerts and AEG Live, were his first Irish dates in twenty years. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1406/104/|title="Leonard Cohen to confirm two Dublin shows…"|date=2008-03-11|accessdate=2008-03-16|publisher=Phantom FM] A third date, Friday June 13, was added later. Support on all three dates came from Damien Rice who seranaded Cohen in March 2008 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4514520.html|title="Cohen announces third Dublin date…"|date=2008-03-20|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1432/104/|title="Three Dublin dates for Leonard Cohen…"|date=2008-03-20|accessdate=2008-03-20|publisher=Phantom FM] Gates opened at 5:30 p.m. and the shows will begin at 7:30 p.m.
* Also on Saturday June 14, Neil Diamond returned to Ireland after an absence of nearly four years to play Croke Park, Dublin. Tickets cost €69.50. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/1210/1196839244902.html|title="Neil Diamond to play at Croke Park…"|date=2007-12-10|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher="The Irish Times"]
* On Monday June 16, Iggy and the Stooges played the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. Gates opened at 6 p.m. with support coming from The Kills and Stiff Little Fingers who took to the stage at 7 p.m. Iggy took to the stage at 9 p.m. Tickets cost €55 with more information to be found on pod.ie. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/lsquoi-get-most-kicks-from-sleeping-with-my-irish-girlfriendrsquo-1375760.html|title="‘I get most kicks from sleeping with my Irish girlfriend’…"|date=2008-05-15|accessdate=2008-05-24|publisher="Irish Independent"] Fans were urged to trevel by public transport. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1618/104/|title="Iggy concert goers urged to take public transport…"|date=2008-06-16|accessdate=2008-06-16|publisher=Phantom FM]
* Prince was scheduled to play Croke Park on June 16. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4447785.html|title="Prince for Croke Park?…"|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-02-21|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/prince-confirms-croke-park-gig/spId/5B1CF435-E937-8914-38FC5A9870B30B16.html|title="Prince confirms Croke Park gig…"|date=2008-02-27|accessdate=2008-02-28|publisher=muse.ie] He had previously played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 7 1990. On June 10, MCD confirmed the show had been cancelled for what are described as “reasons beyond the control” of both the artist and MCD. The 55,161 ticket holders were able to obtain a full ticket refund including booking fee from their Ticketmaster point of purchase from 9 a.m. on Friday June 13. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4591188.html|title="Prince cancels Croke Park…"|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2008-06-10|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/prince-pulls-croke-park-show/spId/7228E24C-C96D-1B1E-0EEFA84B76E68CED.html|title="Prince pulls Croke Park show…"|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2008-06-10|publisher=muse.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1610/104/|title="Prince Pulls the Plug on Croker…"|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2008-06-10|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/prince-cancels-muchanticipated-croke-park-gig-1404323.html|title="Prince cancels much-anticipated Croke Park gig…"|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2008-06-10|publisher="Irish Independent"] The six days notice was too much for some, with Today FM's Ray Foley expressing his disappointment and shock live on radio having just heard the news as he came on air.
* On Friday June 20, The Police returned to Ireland following their performance at Croke Park on October 6 2007. On this occasion they played at Stormont. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4481819.html|title="The Police to play Stormont Castle…"|date=2008-03-07|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/the-police-to-make-irish-return/spId/89055F4F-E91B-EF37-A80A5F1B850AFFA9.html|title="The Police to make Irish return"|date=2008-03-07|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher=muse.ie] KT Tunstall supported. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4497873.html|title="UPDATED: KT Tuntstall to join The Police at Stormont…"|date=2008-03-12|accessdate=2008-03-13|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Also on Friday June 20, Eric Clapton played the Marquee in Cork. On Saturday June 21, Clapton played Malahide Castle in Dublin, his first Dublin appearance since the Point in 2004. He was supported by special guests Robert Randolph & the Family Band. The show was notable for being amongst the victims of heavy weather that hit Ireland that weekend which also saw a number of children struck down with hypothermia at a Westlife show in Galway.
* On Sunday June 22, an, as yet, unannounced act played Malahide Castle in Dublin, with details to be announced in coming months.
* On Monday June 23, Lou Reed played the Marquee in Cork. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/lou-reed-to-play-cork/spId/7F86AF75-E32F-3769-D72AE68826E7E54D.html|title="Lou Reed to play Cork"|date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher=muse.ie]
* Morrissey played two Irish dates in June. The first, on Thursday June 26, took place at the Marquee in Cork and is an Aiken Promotions event, [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1541/104/|title="Morrissey announces Irish show"|date=2008-05-09|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher=Phantom FM] whilst the second, on Saturday June 28, took place at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham and was promoted by POD Concerts as a successor to their Iggy Pop and Leonard Cohen shows at the same venue earlier in the month. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4588467.html|title="Morrissey confirms Dublin date"|date=2008-05-29|accessdate=2008-05-30|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Glastonbury 2008 took place from Friday June 27 until Sunday June 29. Amongst the Irish acts performing were Fight Like Apes, who start a UK tour on May 22. They took to the Late 'n' Live Stage on Friday, June 27 at 8 p.m. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4532451.html|title="Fight Like Apes confirmed for Glastonbury…"|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-29|publisher="Hot Press"] and also won a second slot on the BBC Introducing Stage on Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4646387.html|title="Fight Like Apes get two Glasto slots…"|date=2008-06-26|accessdate=2008-06-28|publisher="Hot Press"] Jape shared a stage with CSS, Battles and MGMT on the Saturday whilst Róisín Murphy played support to Fatboy Slim in the Dance Village. Dublin bluegrass outfit Prison Love meanwhile opened the Avalon stage on the Sunday. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1519/104/|title="Irish acts included in Glastonbury line-up…"|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-29|publisher=Phantom FM] Also appearing were Eleanor McEvoy, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4532730.html|title="Eleanor McEvoy for Glastonbury…"|date=2008-04-29|accessdate=2008-04-29|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4587361.html|title="Eleanor McEvoy confirms extensive UK tour details…"|date=2008-05-23|accessdate=2008-05-23|publisher="Hot Press"] Sinéad O'Connor (both Friday on Acoustic Stage), Academy Award winner Glen Hansard (Saturday on Acoustic Stage), Ilya K, The Inishowen Gospel Choir, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4553509.html|title="Irish Gospel Choir to play Glastonbury…"|date=2008-05-12|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher="Hot Press"] The Flaws and Ham Sandwich [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4587301.html|title="Ham Sandwich to play Glastonbury and Electric Picnic.…"|date=2008-05-23|accessdate=2008-05-23|publisher="Hot Press"] were scheduled to appear despite frontwoman, Niamh Farrell giving birth less than a month before the event. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4590730.html|title="Ham Sandwich front woman gives birth to baby boy…"|date=2008-06-09|accessdate=2008-06-09|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Saturday June 28 or Sunday June 29, Malahide Castle hosted another outdoor event, details of which were confirmed at a later date. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/guitar-king-clapton-lined-up-for-summer-gig-at-the-castle-1277894.html|title="Guitar king Clapton lined up for summer gig at the castle…"|date=2008-01-31|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher="Irish Independent"] On March 5, this was confirmed to be Neil Young (Sunday June 29), who also played the Marquee in Cork the following night. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/neil-young-heads-for--castle-as-winehouse-joins-oxegen-lineup-1307006.html|title="Neil Young heads for castle as Winehouse joins Oxegen lineup…"|date=2008-03-05|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher="Irish Independent"]

July

* Beck is coming to Ireland in July "for a live date or two". [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4553463.html|title="Beck confirms Irish summer dates"|date=2008-05-12|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On July 3, Paul Simon played the Marquee in Cork. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0329/1206144872513.html|title="Paul Simon to play Cork concert in July"|date=2008-03-29|accessdate=2008-03-30|publisher="The Irish Times"] Comedian Tommy Tiernan was originally to perform on July 3, but agreed to put his gig back a day to accommodate Simon who was only available to perform on the 3rd. [cite web|url=http://www.examiner.ie/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland-qqqm=ireland-qqqa=ireland-qqqid=58970-qqqx=1.asp|title="Still crazy: Paul Simon for Cork after all these years"|date=2008-03-29|accessdate=2008-03-30|publisher="Irish Examiner"]
* Oxegen 2008 took place from Friday July 11 until Sunday July 13 at Punchestown Racecourse in Naas, County Kildare. It was a three-day affair for the first time ever. Headliners R.E.M., The Verve, Rage Against the Machine, Kings of Leon and Kaiser Chiefs were amongst the performing bands and musicians. [cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/mhmhidcwmhmh/rss2/|title="Kings of Leon confirmed for Oxegen 2008…"|date=2007-11-27|accessdate=2007-11-27|publisher=Breaking News.ie] Other artists to feature included Amy Winehouse, Interpol, Editors, Ian Brown, Stereophonics, The Fratellis, The Kooks, The Raconteurs, The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Manic Street Preachers and Republic of Loose.
* On Tuesday July 15, Meat Loaf was forced to postpone an appearance at Bundoran Live until the following day over stage safety fears. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/and-like-a-bat-out-of-hell-he-was-gone-gone-gone-1433821.html|title="And like a bat out of hell he was gone, gone, gone. . ."|date=2008-07-16|accessdate=2008-07-17|publisher="Irish Independent"] "We just had real security issues inside, like the tent falling down on the audience and the stage falling down, and lights falling down, so yeah, real security issues," he told Ocean FM. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/fans-lap-up-late-meat-loaf-1434385.html|title="Fans lap up late Meat Loaf"|date=2008-07-17|accessdate=2008-07-17|publisher="Irish Independent"] Chris de Burgh, Des Bishop and Shayne Ward were also due to perform in the marquee in the following week. Meat Loaf was later threatened with legal action after yelling at the audience: "You can thank me for saving your fucking lives. This fucking tent would have fallen down all around you." Sean McEniff was outraged and, showing how backwards Bundoran really is, had this to say: "....the language is unrepeatable what he called me....it's with my legal people at the moment...if I was in the audience I wouldn't be very happy about it either, he called them a name too...I can assure you he won't be welcome back in Bundoran, he's burned his bridges". [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1709/104/|title="Meatloaf versus Fundoran"|date=2008-07-29|accessdate=2008-07-29|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On July 22, the nominees for the 2008 Mercury Prize were announced, with Irish artists being overlooked for the award given on September 9. Fionn Regan was the last Irish nominee in 2007. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4668413.html|title="Irish albums overlooked in Mercury nominations"|date=2008-07-22|accessdate=2008-07-22|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Friday July 25 at 9 a.m., tickets for Coldplay's O₂ show on December 21 went on sale limited to four per person/transaction. Despite an extra show being added (December 22), all tickets for both shows still sold out within minutes of going on sale, with promoters saying the extra tickets did not satisfy demand. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1694/104/|title="Colplay sell out in minutes"|date=2008-07-25|accessdate=2008-07-26|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On July 30 and July 31, [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0508/waitst.html|title="Tom Waits to play Dublin this July?"|date=2008-05-08|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher=RTÉ] Tom Waits played two [http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/well-worth-the-waits-1444322.html critically acclaimed] shows in Dublin's Phoenix Park [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4552315.html|title="EXCLUSIVE: Tom Waits confirms Irish dates"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="Hot Press"] at The RatCellar Marquee as part of his Glitter and Doom Tour. Tickets, priced from €116.25 to €131.25, went on sale on Tuesday May 27 at 9 a.m. A third date was later added, August 1. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4571436.html|title="Tom Waits reveals Irish show details"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher="Hot Press"] The shows, promoted by Aiken Promotions, were Waits's first Irish shows in 21 years. He last played Dublin in 1987, when he performed at the Olympia Theatre. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1532/104/|title="Tom Waits hinting at Dublin show"|date=2008-05-06|accessdate=2008-05-06|publisher=Phantom FM] Tickets for Waits's summer shows were limited to two per person but, in an effort to beat touts, a valid I.D. (passport or driving licence) matching the name on the ticket were required to gain entry. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4571511.html|title="Tom Waits to employ anti-tout measures"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1570/104/|title="Tom Waits confirms three Irish gigs"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/tom-waits-confirms-irish-shows/spId/0C11870B-A729-6ACE-C99F8D5DA6EA6FA3.html|title="Tom Waits confirms Irish shows"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-22|publisher=muse.ie] Gates opened at 6:30 and the show kicked off at 8 p.m. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685328.html|title="Tom Waits stage times and ticket security information announced"|date=2008-07-29|accessdate=2008-07-29|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685852.html|title="Tom Waits wows Dublin crowds on opening night"|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2008-07-31|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685862.html|title="NEWSFLASH: Last minute Tom Waits tickets available"|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2008-07-31|publisher="Hot Press"]

August

* Indie-pendence 2008 took place at New Square in Mitchelstown, County Cork from August 1 to 3. Amongst the performees were The Blizzards, Cathy Davey, Ham Sandwich, The Flaws, Fight Like Apes, The Chapters, Dirty Epics, Alphastates and Travega. [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/indie-pendence-festival-details-announced/#more-533|title="Indie-pendence Festival details announced"|date=2008-04-21|accessdate=2008-04-21|publisher="State"]
* On Saturday August 2 and Sunday August 3, Castlepalooza 2008 took place at Charleville Castle in Tullamore, County Offaly. There were appearances from The Parlotones, Mystery Jets, Republic of Loose, Fight Like Apes and The Flaws.
* From Monday August 11 until Friday August 15, a new series of one-day gigs will take place in Belfast. On Monday August 11, The Flaming Lips played Belfast's Custom House Square, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4552582.html|title="Flaming Lips to play Belfast…"|date=2008-05-08|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="Hot Press"] supported by Mogwai, Oppenheimer and Jape, [cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/atl/news_specific183778.shtml|title="Flaming Lips Support Bill Confirmed…"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher=BBC] whilst The Zutons will play on the final day, Friday August 15, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4552966.html|title="Zutons for Belfast…"|date=2008-05-09|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="Hot Press"] with support from The Go! Team, Skibunny, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4571553.html|title="The Go! Team join Zutons in Belfast date…"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-05-21|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/atl/gig_specific182228.shtml|title="Belsonic feat. The Zutons, The Go! Team, Skibunny…"|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher=BBC] Mystery Jets, Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip and Delorentos. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4590252.html|title="Mystery Jets, Dan Le Sac join Belsonic line-up…"|date=2008-06-06|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher="Hot Press"] Tickets priced £35 and £30 respectively went on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday May 12 2008. The Enemy [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4591601.html|title="The Enemy added to Belsonic line-up…"|date=2008-06-11|accessdate=2008-06-14|publisher="Hot Press"] , supported by Reverend and the Makers, Fighting With Wire, Future of the Left and General Fiasco [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4592090.html|title="Reverend and the Makers confirmed for Belsonic line-up…"|date=2008-06-13|accessdate=2008-06-14|publisher="Hot Press"] , played on August 14. Tickets for this show went on sale on Friday June 13 and were priced £13.75-£27.50. Information for shows scheduled to take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday has not yet been released. The shows are part of a new series of one-day gigs, which will run in the city this summer under the Belsonic banner.
* On Wednesday August 13, Muse played Marlay Park in Dublin, following their Meteor Award-winning show at Oxegen last summer. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/muse-to-play-marlay-park/spId/4C743915-9204-91D7-A86E244B0A06CA7C.html|title="Muse to play Marlay Park.."|date=2008-04-14|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=muse.ie] They took to the stage at 21:15 and were supported by Kasabian and Glasvegas. [http://www.musewiki.org/Dublin_Marlay_Park_2008_(gig)] [http://www.microcuts.net/uk/news/] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1491/104/|title="Exclusive: The Muse Interview.."|date=2008-04-16|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=Phantom FM]
* On Tuesday August 19, Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morissette and OneRepublic played Marlay Park in Dublin, with support from The Script.
* On Wednesday August 20, Metallica played Marlay Park in Dublin, with support from Tenacious D. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4525485.html|title="Metallica to play Marlay Park…"|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-11|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/metallica-are-coming-to-dublin/spId/37FCFCD0-AD8A-78F9-9E52F020EBD80759.html|title="Metallica are coming to Dublin.."|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-11|publisher=muse.ie]
* On Thursday August 21, The Killers played Marlay Park in Dublin, in what was supposed to be one of just three dates they were to perform during the summer. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/4515503.html|title="UPDATED: The Killers to play Marlay Park…"|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-29|publisher="Hot Press"] They were supported by Bloc Party [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1458/104/|title="Bloc Party added to Killers bill…"|date=2008-04-01|accessdate=2008-04-04|publisher=Phantom FM] and Louis XIV. The Killers also played a more intimate show in the Academy the night before with organisers issuing no physical tickets: in order to combat touts, valid ID was needed and tickets had to be collected on the evening and exchanged for a wristband. Tickets went on sale on Friday August 1, priced €44.20. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685325.html|title="EXCLUSIVE: Killers to play The Academy!"|date=2008-07-29|accessdate=2008-07-29|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On Saturday August 23, Lovebox Dublin took place in Marlay Park. Maxïmo Park, N.E.R.D, Paolo Nutini, Sam Sparro, Gorillaz Sound System, Kid Creole and the Coconuts and Plain White T's performed on the day. Early Bird tickets priced €49.20 went on sale on Friday June 27 at 9.00 a.m. [cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2008/06/23/lovebox-dublin-august-23-marlay-park/|title="Lovebox Dublin, August 23, Marlay Park…"|date=2008-06-23|accessdate=2008-07-19|publisher="The Irish Times"]
* Electric Picnic 2008 took place from August 29-31. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/electric-picnic-08-tickets-to-go-on-sale/spId/0FE2DBC8-BF17-1806-4DF33F9FEEEE9D10.html|title="Electric Picnic 08 tickets to go on-sale…"|date=2007-11-05|accessdate=2007-11-05|publisher=Muse.ie] Sex Pistols headlined the Sunday, Geroge Clinton and Franz Ferdinand headlined the Saturday whilst Sigur Rós headlined the Friday. The reformed My Bloody Valentine headlined the Electric Arena on the Sunday night. Sinéad O'Connor played the Saturday and That Petrol Emotion reformed to play the festival. Other female artists included Goldfrapp, Santogold, CSS, New Young Pony Club, Duffy, Cathy Davey and The Breeders. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4515453.html|title="Electric Picnic Line-Up Announced!…"|date=2008-03-26|accessdate=2008-03-26|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-festivals/electric-picnic-line-up-announced/spId/EF9154C2-B7AD-5BF7-0E664263E202A7F7.html|title="Electric Picnic line-up announced"|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher=muse.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/pistols-bring-punk--to-the-picnic-1328028.html|title="Pistols bring punk to the Picnic"|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-27|publisher="Irish Independent"]

September

* Cois Fharraige took place from September 5-7 in Kilkee, County Clare. It was headlined by Travis, Supergrass and The Zutons and will also feature The Futureheads, Seasick Steve, Ocean Colour Scene's Simon and Oscar, Starsailor, Kíla, The Coronas, Cathy Davey and 28 Costumes. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4589404.html|title="Travis to lead Cois Fharraige line up"|date=2008-06-03|accessdate=2008-06-03|publisher="Hot Press"] [http://www.hotpress.com/competitions/competition.php?action=view&id=4590061 Win tickets]
* Ash performed their classic "1977" album at a sold-out show in London's Roundhouse on September 5. They also played B-sides and other tracks from that era of their career. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-international_news/ash-to-perform-1977-show/spId/E18741D7-F2AF-5010-17B2D047B6A9BB08.html|title="Ash to perform 1977 show"|date=2008-05-13|accessdate=2008-05-13|publisher=muse.ie]
* On September 8, new Dublin station Radio Nova 100 was granted a Classic Rock licence by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. The station had been considered for the licence alongside Dublin Rock Radio Limited and East Coast Digital Media Limited, the people behind Phantom 105.2 and East Coast Radio respectively. According to Radio Nova 100's application, listeners could expect music from artists such as Queen, U2, Thin Lizzy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Police, Bob Seger, Nirvana, Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Elvis Costello and Tom Petty. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4787010.html|title="Radio Nova granted Classic Rock licence"|date=2008-09-09|accessdate=2008-09-10|publisher="Hot Press"]
* The 6th Hard Working Class Heroes took place on the streets of Temple Bar (following its one one-year tenure at the Pod Complex) from September 12-14. Following the success of 2007's "Scandinavian Invasion", Sons and Daughters curated the 2008 "Scottish Invasion", bringing with them fifteen [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1604/104/|title="Hard Working Class Heroes returns to Temple Bar"|date=2008-06-05|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher=Phantom FM] of the best emerging bands from Ireland's Celtic neighbours. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4589885.html|title="Sons & Daughters curate 'Invasion' at Hard Working Class Heroes"|date=2008-06-05|accessdate=2008-06-06|publisher="Hot Press"]
* On September 13, Kraftwerk played a tented 4,999-capacity show originally scheduled for Luggala, County Wicklow (later moved to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham due to adverse flooding conditions). [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4786325.html|title="Kraftwerk move to Royal Hospital"|date=2008-09-08|accessdate=2008-09-09|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/kraftwerk-event-moved-due-to-weather/|title="Kraftwerk event moved due to weather"|date=2008-09-08|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher="State"] [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1786/104/|title="Kraftwerk show moved to city centre"|date=2008-09-08|accessdate=2008-09-14|publisher=Phantom FM] Tickets priced €89.50 went on sale on Friday July 18 at 9 a.m. Running under the A Day In The Life banner, the event kicked off at 3 p.m. and also featured Los Angeles’s Lucent Dossier Vaudeville Cirque, Comtron, The Jimmy Cake, Dark Room Notes, Boxcutter and D1 DJs . [cite web|url=http://hotpress.com/news/4665847.html|title="Updated: Kraftwerk for Luggala, Wicklow"|date=2008-07-14|accessdate=2008-07-16|publisher="Hot Press"] The two-hour concert is Kraftwerk's only show in western Europe this year. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/kraftwerk-head-for-the-hills-1434405.html|title="Kraftwerk head for the hills"|date=2008-07-17|accessdate=2008-07-17|publisher="Irish Independent"] News of the event, to take place two weeks after Electric Picnic was expected to close the festival season, was described as "music to the ears of fans who would otherwise be suffering the horrors of post-festival cold turkey". [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/i-heard-the-news-today-a-green-fest-1441320.html|title="I heard the news today... a green fest"|date=2008-07-26|accessdate=2008-07-26|publisher="Irish Independent"] There was, however, "an air of farce" when a curtain refused to close for the appearance of four robots for the song, "The Robots". [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/still-krafty-after-all-these-years-1475485.html|title="Still Krafty after all these years"|date=2008-09-15|accessdate=2008-09-16|publisher="Irish Independent"]
* On September 29, it was announced that Autamata and Jape had both been shortlisted for ‘Best Budget Video’ at the UK Music Video Awards, which take place in London’s Odeon West End on October 14. Their respective ‘Need You Sunshine’ and ‘Floating’ clips are nominated alongside Example’s ‘Me And Mandy’, Lise Westzynthius ‘Childlike Curves’ and These New Puritans’ ‘Elvis’. Also representing Ireland in the ‘Best Styling In A Video’ category is Róisín Murphy, nominated alongside Gnarls Barkley, Klaxons, Late of the Pier, Sonny J and The Hoosiers and D.A.D.D.Y. in the ‘Best New Director’ category. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4839352.html|title="Autamata and Jape up for UK Music Video Awards"|date=2008-09-29|accessdate=2008-09-30|publisher="Hot Press"]

October

* U2 plan to release their twelfth studio album, the follow-up to 2004's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". It will be followed by a twelve-month world tour. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1443/104/|title="Dublin U2 busker says 'I Will Follow'"|date=2008-03-27|accessdate=2008-03-30|publisher=Phantom FM] Following a stint in Dublin’s Windmill Lane Studios earlier in the year, the band moved to France in May 2008 to continue recording "No Line on the Horizon". [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4570708.html|title="U2 move album sessions to France"|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-19|publisher="Hot Press"] In August there was much unconcern when a Dutch fan uploaded poor quality recordings of four songs from the album ("Moment Of Surrender", "For Your Love", "Sexy Boots" and "No Line On The Horizon") onto YouTube, after recording them on his mobile phone as they blared out a window of Bono's French Riviera retreat in Eze-sur-Mere. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4704330.html|title="U2 unconcerned about YouTube furore"|date=2008-08-19|accessdate=2008-08-19|publisher="Hot Press"]
* From October 4-5, The Music Show took place in the RDS in Dublin. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4873864.html|title="REPORTS: The Music Show 2008"|date=2008-10-08|accessdate=2008-10-10|publisher="Hot Press"] Ireland's only music exhibition, it displayed an array of musical instruments, technology and live music and be a gathering of musicians, industry professionals and music fans. Daily tickets were €5 for children, €10 for adults and €25 for families (2 adults plus up to 4 children). [cite web|url=http://www.themusicshow.ie/index.php|title="SAT 4TH & SUN 5TH OCT 2008MAIN HALL, RDS, DUBLIN, IRELAND"|accessdate=2008-09-20|publisher=The Music Show] Amongst the artists performing on the Live Stage were Republic of Loose, The Blizzards, The Coronas, Ham Sandwich, Damien Dempsey, Cathy Davey, Fionn Regan and Declan O'Rourke. [cite web|url=http://wordpress.hotpress.com/themusicshow/2008/09/19/republic-of-loose-lead-new-additions-to-music-show-line-up/|title="Republic of Loose lead new additions to Music Show line-up"|date=2008-09-19|accessdate=2008-09-20|publisher="Hot Press"]

December

* Dublin's O₂ is scheduled to open in December.
** On December 1, Leonard Cohen will be the first artist to play the venue following his June shows at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4666827.html|title="Leonard Cohen announces Dublin return"|date=2008-07-18|accessdate=2008-07-19|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/music/music-news-article.asp?NewsID=22049|title="Leonard Cohen Returns to Play The O2"|date=2008-07-18|accessdate=2008-09-20|publisher=entertainment.ie]
** Counting Crows will play a pre-Christmas date there as announced on stage at Oxegen 2008. This was later announced as taking place on December 20, with support from The Hold Steady and Mêlée. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4687021.html|title="UPDATED: Counting Crows 02 show, Belfast date, pre-sale"|date=2008-08-07|accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher="Hot Press"]
** On December 21 and December 22, Coldplay will play the O₂. Tickets for the fully-seated shows were €54.80 and €59.80 and went on sale on Friday July 25 at 9 a.m., limited to four per person/transaction. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4668129.html|title="UPDATED: Coldplay announce Christmas date"|date=2008-07-22|accessdate=2008-07-22|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/coldplay-to-be-the-first-to-play-new-o2-at-the-point-1438310.html|title=Coldplay to be the first to play new O2 at the Point"|date=2008-07-22|accessdate=2008-07-23|publisher="Irish Independent"] They sold out within minutes. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0725/coldplay.html|title="Coldplay sell out Dublin dates in minutes"|date=2008-07-25|accessdate=2008-09-20|publisher=RTÉ]
The band, whose 2008 album "Viva la Vida" was described by "Hot Press" as making "supremely good use of an old bottle of Tipp-Ex", will also play the Odyssey Arena in Belfast on December 18. It was originally thought likely that the band would not play Dublin until 2009 due to The Point being a building site, and the likes of the RDS and the National Stadium not being large enough to accommodate "them and their gazillion fans". [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4588269.html|title="Coldplay to play Belfast date"|date=2008-05-28|accessdate=2008-05-28|publisher="Hot Press"]
** Kings of Leon are believed to be playing the venue in its opening month. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1713/104/|title="Kings of Leon to play Dublin....again?"|date=2008-07-30|accessdate=2008-07-30|publisher=Phantom FM] [cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2008/07/29/kings-of-leon-to-play-dublins-02-in-december/|title="Kings Of Leon to play Dublin’s 02 in December"|date=2008-07-29|accessdate=2008-09-20|publisher="The Irish Times"] The band are undertaking a UK tour that month and the most noticeable date available is December 19 (just prior to Counting Crows and Coldplay) in between the band's Cardiff and Wembley dates. [cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/kings-of-leon/38706|title="Kings Of Leon add Wembley show to UK tour"|date=2008-08-06|accessdate=2008-08-11|publisher="NME"] This indeed proved to be the case [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4688037.html|title="Kings of Leon presale to begin Thursday morning"|date=2008-08-13|accessdate=2008-08-14|publisher="Hot Press"] with support coming from M83. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4874361.html|title="M83 bag Kings of Leon support"|date=2008-10-10|accessdate=2008-10-10|publisher="Hot Press"]

Unknown

* Led Zeppelin for Belfast? [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4337086.html|title="Led Zeppelin for Belfast?…"|date=2007-12-14|accessdate=2007-12-14|publisher="Hot Press"] With support from Velvet Revolver? [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4498359.html|title="Velvet Revolver in the frame for Led Zeppelin support…"|date=2008-03-14|accessdate=2007-03-17|publisher="Hot Press"]

Bands disbanded

* The Chalets "(Friday February 15)" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4446834.html|title="The Chalets split…"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Aine Mangaoang leaves Hooray for Humans "(Friday February 15)" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4446613.html|title="Hooray For Humans split with lead singer, seek new members…"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Le Bien "(Friday February 29)" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4465395.html|title="Le Bien part ways…"|date=2008-02-29|accessdate=2008-03-01|publisher="Hot Press"] [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/le-bien-split/spId/74213A17-DF6D-66FA-60D14A901F1BA86C.html|title="Le Bien split…"|date=2008-03-03|accessdate=2008-03-09|publisher=muse.ie]
* Mainline undergo name change - now known as The Brothers Movement "(Tuesday March 4)" [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/mainline-undergo-name-change/spId/799C4D55-04C0-A761-D6EECE8F4AD702B8.html|title="Mainline undergo name change…"|date=2008-03-04|accessdate=2008-03-09|publisher=muse.ie]
* Stagger Lee undergo name change - now known as The Dagger Lees "(Thursday July 17)"
* Graham Hopkins leaves Boss Volenti "(Friday September 5)" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4784594.html|title="Graham Hopkins leaves Boss Volenti…"|date=2008-09-05|accessdate=2008-09-05|publisher="Hot Press"]
* Brian Crosby leaves Bell X1 "(Thursday October 2)" [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4872209.html|title="Brian Crosby leaves Bell X1…"|date=2008-10-02|accessdate=2008-10-02|publisher="Hot Press"]

Albums & EPs

:"Below is a list of notable albums & EPs released by Irish artists in Ireland in 2008."

Summer +
* "After a Long Silence" - Travega (Summer 2008) [http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-listings-thisweek/travega-whelans/county/Dublin/fb/thisweek/spId/B1E7831F-B5CB-BE66-04E7516FC81170E3.html]
* ??? - Nicole Maguire (October 2008) [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685998.html|title="Nicole Maguire releases single"|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2008-07-31|publisher="Hot Press"]
* "Slacky Tidy" - David Kitt (2008) [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4721481.html|title="David Kitt announces Irish tour and album title"|date=2008-08-22|accessdate=2008-08-22|publisher="Hot Press"]
* "One Hundred Million Suns" - Snow Patrol (October 24 2008) [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4768058.html|title="Snow Patrol confirm album tracklist"|date=2008-09-01|accessdate=2008-09-01|publisher="Hot Press"]
(Before Christmas) ^{According to Tony Fenton, Today FM, April 29 2008.}
(October) ^{According to Jonny Quinn in a "Belfast Telegraph" interview, July 31 2008.} [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4685971.html|title="Snow Patrol hint at new album title, release date"|date=2008-07-31|accessdate=2008-07-31|publisher="Hot Press"] Music Lessons [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1800/104/|title="Snow Patrol get singing lessons"|accessdate=2008-09-22|publisher=Phantom FM] [http://www.hotpress.com/news/4822652.html Artwork]
* "No Line on the Horizon" - U2 (November 14 2008) [http://drivebymedia.wordpress.com/2007/08/31/u2-new-album-in-2008/] [http://www.atu2.com/news/article.src?ID=5054/] ^{Expected title, according to THE STAR - THE GOSS, August 16 2008, page 16}

Date unknown
* ??? - The Answer (2008)
* ??? - Bell X1 (2008)
* ??? - The Chalets (2008)
* ??? - Concerto For Constantine (2008)
* ??? - Dark Room Notes (2008) ^{[http://wordpress.hotpress.com/offherrocker/2008/05/27/download-dark-room-notes/ Recording set for London’s Flood Studios in July]} [http://artists.cpu.ie/bands/390/]
* ??? - Director (2008)
* ??? - The Frames (2008)
* ??? - Hal (2008)
* ??? - Humanzi (2008)
* ??? - Listen... Tanks! (2008)
* "Changes" - Liu Fang and Michael O'Toole (2008) [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4742953.html|title="Liu Fang and Michael O'Toole set for nationwide tour"|date=2008-08-28|accessdate=2008-09-01|publisher="Hot Press"]
* ??? - Pony Club (2008)
* ??? - The Rags (2008)
* ??? - Red Organ Serpent Sound (2008)
* ??? - Therapy? (2008)
* ??? - The Walls (2008)

Singles

:"Below is a list of notable singles released by Irish artists in Ireland in 2008."

Unknown
* "Idolise" - The Flaws [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4787166.html|title="The Flaws confirm Irish tour"|date=2008-09-09|accessdate=2008-09-10|publisher="Hot Press"]
* "I Was a Man" - Jape [http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/jape-reveals-album-details/spId/3718F6C7-A7FE-7025-B0184B12CB918C88.html]
* "Minsk" - Concerto For Constantine (offered as free download by Phantom FM) [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1484/104/|title="Free Download: Concerto For Constantine.."|date=2008-04-14|accessdate=2008-04-18|publisher=Phantom FM]
* "Bring It on Home" - John Strong [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4587735.html|title="John Strong lands Aslan support"|date=2008-05-26|accessdate=2008-05-28|publisher="Hot Press"] [http://www.myspace.com/johnstrongofficial]
* "We Bleed the Blood of Androids" - Le Galaxie (Summer 2008) [http://www.hotpress.com/news/4873341.html]

Festivals

Oxegen 2008

* Oxegen 2008 was a three-day affair for the first time ever. [cite web|url=http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/1124/1195682241441.html|title="Oxegen 2008 to run for three days"|date=2007-11-24|accessdate=2007-12-16|publisher="The Irish Times"] It took place from Friday July 11 until Sunday July 13 at Punchestown Racecourse in Naas, County Kildare. Amongst the headliners were R.E.M., [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0215/oxegen.html|title="REM to headline Oxegen"|date=2008-02-15|accessdate=2008-02-15|publisher=RTÉ] Rage Against the Machine, [cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/oxegen-festival/34594|title="Rage Against The Machine to headline Oxegen festival"|date=2008-02-22|accessdate=2008-02-22|publisher="NME"] The Verve and Kaiser Chiefs [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/hail-to-the-chiefs-as-boys-line-out-with-ian-brown-for-oxegen-1292880.html|title="Hail to the Chiefs as boys line out with Ian Brown for Oxegen"|date=2008-02-19|accessdate=2008-02-20|publisher="Irish Independent"] whilst Kings of Leon [cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/mhmhidcwmhmh/rss2/|title="Kings of Leon confirmed for Oxegen 2008"|date=2007-11-27|accessdate=2007-12-16|publisher=Breaking News.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.virtualfestivals.com/latest/news/4191|title="Kings Of Leon confirmed for Oxegen"|date=2007-11-28|accessdate=2007-12-26|publisher=virtualfestivals.com] , Interpol and The Fratellis returned after their performances at Oxegen 2007. Also making an appearance were The Raconteurs, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4513942.html|title="UPDATED: Raconteurs in surprise album release"|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-18|publisher="Hot Press"] Ian Brown, Counting Crows, Stereophonics, The Prodigy, The Feeling, Panic at the Disco, Amy Winehouse, [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-festivals/amy-winehouse-confirmed-for-oxegen/spId/79E1A388-CDF0-5885-7A8D9E345B161063.html|title="Amy Winehouse confirmed for Oxegen"|date=2008-03-04|accessdate=2008-03-07|publisher=muse.ie] Manic Street Preachers, The Kooks, Echo & the Bunnymen, Feeder, Bell X1, MGMT, The Ting Tings and Black Kids. [cite web|url=http://www.state.ie/blog/more-oxegen-acts-confirmed/#more-657|title="More Oxegen acts confirmed..…"|date=2008-05-07|accessdate=2008-05-11|publisher="State"] So too did Oscar winners Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/golden-couple-take-the-centre-stage-at-oxegen-music-festival-1308218.html|title="Golden couple take the centre stage at Oxegen music festival"|date=2008-03-06|accessdate=2008-03-14|publisher="Irish Independent"] Editors made their fourth consecutive appearance, performing on the Main Stage for the first time. [http://www.oxegen.ie/site/node/29]

Electric Picnic 2008

* Electric Picnic 2008 took place over the weekend of August 29-31. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-irish_news/electric-picnic-08-tickets-to-go-on-sale/spId/0FE2DBC8-BF17-1806-4DF33F9FEEEE9D10.html|title="Electric Picnic 08 tickets to go on-sale"|date=2007-11-05|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher=muse.ie] It was headlined by Sigur Rós, George Clinton and Sex Pistols. Other bands to perform included My Bloody Valentine, Faust, [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4514717.html|title="Faust to play Electric Picnic, Spiegeltent Cork"|date=2008-03-21|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher="Hot Press"] , Tindersticks, Franz Ferdinand, [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1446/104/|title="Sex Pistols, My Bloody Valentine confirmed for Electric Picnic"|date=2008-03-26|accessdate=2008-03-26|publisher=Phantom FM] Sigur Rós, The Breeders, Grinderman [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1447/104/|title="Sigur Ros and The Breeders confirm Picnic appearances"|date=2008-03-26|accessdate=2008-03-26|publisher=Phantom FM] and Carbon/Silicon. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4553455.html|title="Carbon/Silicon to play Electric Picnic"|date=2008-05-12|accessdate=2008-05-12|publisher="Hot Press"] Irish acts to appear included Kíla, The Stunning, Sinéad O'Connor, Christy Moore, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Boss Volenti, The Waterboys, The Flaws, Ham Sandwich, Fred, Super Extra Bonus Party, Jape, Lisa Hannigan, Cathy Davey, Gemma Hayes and Mark Geary.

Heineken Green Energy

* Heineken Green Energy Festival took place for the 13th year in May 2008. [http://www.worldeventsguide.com/event.ehtml?o=107] Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds headlined the Dublin Castle event on May 3, Radio Soulwax headlined on Sunday May 4 and The Kooks headlined on Monday May 5. [cite web|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/mheygbqlaukf/|title="Headline acts for Heineken Green Energy Festival announced…"|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher=Breaking News.ie] [cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/entertainment/mheygbqlaukf/|title="Headline acts for Heineken Green Energy Festival announced…"|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-02-01|publisher="Irish Examiner"]

Garden Party 2008

* Garden Party was due to be held at Ballinlough Castle in Athboy, County Meath in June. [cite web|url=http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-music_news-festivals/garden-party-a-resounding-success/spId/1A75D1F6-9B24-52C5-408472DF19A3635D.html|title="Garden Party a resounding success"|date=2007-06-11|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher=muse.ie] However, it was shelved. [http://www.bodytonicmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28970&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a]

Indie-pendence '08

Castlepalooza '08

Lovebox Weekender

Solas Festival

Bud Rising

* Bud Rising Spring: The line up for Dublin's Bud Rising April weekend (April 9-13) featured The Streets, Hard-Fi, The Raveonettes, The Ting Tings, Maps, Erol Alkan, Future of the Left, Fight Like Apes and Hadouken!, amongst others. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4464741.html|title="UPDATED: The Streets lead Bud Rising line-up"|date=2008-02-27|accessdate=2008-02-29|publisher="Hot Press"]
** April 9 – Channel One played support to Hard-Fi at The Olympia.
** April 10 – Boom Jackson played support to The Raveonettes at The Village.
** April 12 – Choice Music Prize winners Super Extra Bonus Party performed at Whelan’s and Cap Pas Cap played support to The Ting Tings at The Village. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4516111.html|title="New acts added to BudRising"|date=2008-03-28|accessdate=2008-03-28|publisher="Hot Press"]
** Bud Rising Street Party took place on Saturday April 12 outdoors at George's Dock on Custom House Quay in Dublin, with Mix Master Mike, DJ Morgan and live graffiti man Maser as well as headliners, The Streets. [cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4513931.html|title="Bud Rising party revealed"|date=2008-03-18|accessdate=2008-03-18|publisher="Hot Press"]

Live at the Marquee

Cois Fharraige

Slane 2008

* Slane 2008 was cancelled for the second time in three years. Lord Henry Mountcharles said he couldn't find the right act to play Slane Castle this year. There will instead be a smaller concert at the estate in August, possibly for up and coming Irish bands. [cite web|url=http://www.phantom.ie/content/view/1476/104/|title="Slane 2008 cancelled"|date=2008-04-10|accessdate=2008-04-11|publisher=Phantom FM] Mountcharles resisted pressure to book two major acts for Slane in 2008. With pals desperately trying to persuade him to sign up one of the rock bands, he stood firm saying they were not up to scratch. [Irish Daily Mirror, Sat July 19 2008, page 21]

Hard Working Class Heroes 2008

Music awards

2008 Meteor Awards

The 2008 Meteor Awards took place in the RDS Simmonscourt on Friday February 15 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0216/meteor.html|title="Stars out for the Meteors"|date=2008-02-16|accessdate=2008-02-17|publisher=RTÉ]

* Best Irish Male: Duke Special
* Best Irish Female: Cathy Davey
* Best Irish Band: Aslan
* Best Irish Album: "Addicted to Company" - Paddy Casey
* Best Irish Single: "-" - -
* Best New Irish Act: -
* Best Irish Pop Act: Westlife
* Best Live Irish Performance: The Blizzards (Oxegen 2007)
* Best Irish DJ: Ray Foley
* Hope For 2008: Ham Sandwich
* Most Downloaded Irish Song: "Galway Girl" - Mundy & Sharon Shannon
* Best International Male: Bruce Springsteen
* Best International Female: Amy Winehouse
* Best International Band: Radiohead
* Best International Album: "Neon Bible" - Arcade Fire
* Best Live International Performance: Muse (Oxegen 2007)
* Outstanding Contribution to Music: -
* Industry Award: Jim Aiken
* Humanitarian Award: Mary Donohoe, Founder and Chairperson of The Rose Project
* Lifetime Achievement Award: The Saw Doctors [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0111/sawdoctors.html|title="Saw Doctors to be honoured at Meteors"|date=2008-01-11|accessdate=2008-01-11|publisher=RTÉ]

Choice Music Prize

The Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2007 was awarded at Vicar Street to Super Extra Bonus Party for the album "Super Extra Bonus Party LP" on February 27 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/super-extra-bonus-party-win-choice-music-prize-1301350.html|title="Super Extra Bonus Party win Choice Music Prize"|date=2008-02-28|accessdate=2008-02-28|publisher="Irish Independent"]

References

External links

News
* [http://www.hotpress.com/ Official "Hot Press" website]
* [http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/ "Irish Independent" music section]
* [http://www.muse.ie/ MUSE.ie]
* [http://www.phantom.ie/content/blogsection/1/104/ Phantom news]
* [http://www.cluas.com/ CLUAS.com]
* [http://www.state.ie/ Official "State" website] Festivals
* [http://www.oxegen.ie/ Official Oxegen website]
* [http://www.electricpicnic.ie/flash.html Official Electric Picnic website]
* [http://www.budrising.ie/ Official Bud Rising website]
* [http://www.heinekenmusic.ie/index1.php Official Green Energy website] Other
* [http://www.imro.ie/ Official IMRO website]
* [http://www.rte.ie/2fm/ Official 2fm website]
* [http://www.mcd.ie/home/splash.php3 Official MCD website]
* [http://www.aikenpromotions.com/ Official Aiken Promotions website]
* [http://www.channel6.ie/shows/Popscene/ Offical "Popscene" Website]
* [http://www.channel6.ie/shows/Nightshift/ Official "Nightshift" Website]