- 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 theChoice Music Prize on WednesdayFebruary 27 .
* OnJanuary 11 -12,Cathy Davey ,Republic of Loose ,Si Schroeder and Halves will be amongst the acts representing Ireland at theEurosonic Festival in Groningen in theNetherlands . [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 SaturdayJanuary 19 Primordial recorded their performance atThe 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 TuesdayJanuary 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 starsMarkéta Irglová andGlen 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] OnJanuary 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]
* OnJanuary 27 ,Dolores O'Riordan received an EBBA Award inCannes 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 forEric Clapton 's performance atMalahide Castle in June went on sale at €76.25.
* On TuesdayFebruary 5 at 9 a.m. tickets forThe Kooks andRadio Soulwax performances at theHeineken Green Energy festival atDublin Castle in May went on sale.
* On SaturdayFebruary 9 , whilst playing a free gig inDublin ,Frank Black was bundled away in a squad car. He had planned to play a short set at the bandstand onSt Stephen's Green before hisVicar 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 their2007 reformation. On SaturdayFebruary 9 , they played theRDS Simmonscourt inDublin and on SundayFebruary 10 , they played the King's Hall inBelfast . They were supported on both occasions byConcerto 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 SundayFebruary 10 the50th Grammy Awards took place at theStaples Center inLos Angeles ,California in theUnited States .Glen Hansard andMarkéta 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 FridayFebruary 15 ,R.E.M. were confirmed to headlineOxegen 2008 , the second act to be announced followingKings 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 FridayFebruary 15 ,The Chalets announced their spilt via blog on theirMySpace , [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"] whilstHooray 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 aMySpace post, although this didn't prevent a cancellation of a series of Irish appearances (apart from aMarch 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 FridayFebruary 15 , the 2008 Meteor Awards took place in theRDS Simmonscourt .Duke Special won the Best Irish Male award andCathy Davey won the Best Irish Female award. Aslan won Best Irish Band andPaddy Casey 's "Addicted to Company " won Best Irish Album. Other winners includedHam Sandwich ,The Blizzards ,Damien Dempsey ,Mundy andSharon Shannon ,Westlife andRay 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 ]
* OnFebruary 19 ,Kaiser Chiefs ,The Raconteurs andIan Brown were officially announced forOxegen 2008 . This announcement was followed by three more on the following days;The Fratellis , Interpol andCounting Crows (February 20 ),Hot Chip , Justice,The Chemical Brothers ,Aphex Twin andAlabama 3 (February 21 ), and Sunday night headlinersRage Against the Machine (February 22 ). Also announced for Oxegen in late February wereThe 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 andFuture Kings of Spain (February 25 ) as well asThe 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 andPanic 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 ]
* OnFebruary 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 inBuenos Aires during theSouth America n leg of the band'sVertigo Tour in2006 . [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]
* OnFebruary 24 , the80th Academy Awards took place in theKodak Theatre in Hollywood, California , with "Falling Slowly ", from the low budget Irish movie "Once" and written byMarkéta Irglová andGlen Hansard , winning theAcademy 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]
* TheChoice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2007 was awarded atVicar Street toSuper Extra Bonus Party for their album "Super Extra Bonus Party LP " on WednesdayFebruary 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 andBowling for Soup were announced forOxegen 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 WednesdayMarch 5 at 8 a.m., tickets went on sale for Prince's performance atCroke Park onJune 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 ThursdayMarch 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 ThursdayMarch 6 ,Oxegen 2008 was officially launched with official confirmation of appearances byAmy Winehouse ,The Pogues , The Charlatans andThe Swell Season , featuring Oscar winnersGlen Hansard andMarkéta 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 FridayMarch 7 , when tickets for the festival went on general sale at 8 a.m.
* On MondayMarch 10 at 9 a.m., tickets forNeil Young 'sMalahide Castle show on SundayJune 29 and his performance at the Marquee in Cork onJune 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 WednesdayMarch 12 at 9 a.m., tickets forLou Reed 's performance at the Marquee in Cork on MondayJune 23 went on sale, priced between €54.80 and €65.70.
* OnMarch 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 ThursdayMarch 13 , there was uproar and bewilderment as it was revealed thatR.E.M. ’s new album "Accelerate" would be accepted as "Irish music" by the BCI. As the album was recorded inGrouse Lodge Studios inCounty 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’sWindmill 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 ofConcerto For Constantine bassist,Gavin Fox , calling it "just another excuse for stations not to get behind Irish music."Kíla 'sColm Ó Snodaigh quotedBob Dylan , who wrote that radio was "gutless and flabby", before exemplifying theChoice Music Prize , pointedly referring to how "we used to haveDef Leppard andLisa 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 asTimbaland ,Nelly Furtado ,Justin Timberlake ,Rihanna , making the point thatSnow Patrol 's success came largely out of their music appearing on a US TV show and emphasising the difficulties faced by potential futureU2 s. [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) andPhantom 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 FridayMarch 14 , the AppleiPhone 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 FridayMarch 14 , tickets forLeonard Cohen 'sJune 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 WednesdayMarch 26 at 9 a.m.
* On SundayMarch 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 inMedford, Massachusetts .Paul Noonan andDave 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. OnSaint 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 theirChicago 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 WednesdayMarch 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 ThursdayMarch 27 , promoters MCD revealed to the "Herald" that The Killers would be playingMarlay Park in August, adding that tickets for the event would go on sale onApril 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 FridayMarch 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 FridayAugust 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 andBloc Party atMarlay Park onAugust 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 forPaul Simon 'sJuly 3 show at the Marquee in Cork also went on sale.
* On SaturdayApril 12 ,Bud Rising Street Party took place outdoors at George's Dock on Custom House Quay inDublin , withMix 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 FridayApril 18 , tickets forMetallica andTenacious D 'sAugust 20 date atMarlay 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 SaturdayApril 19 at 9 a.m., tickets for Muse andKasabian atMarlay Park onAugust 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 FridayApril 25 , tickets for theAugust 19 appearance ofLenny Kravitz ,Alanis Morissette andOneRepublic atMarlay 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 atDublin Castle from SaturdayMay 3 until MondayMay 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 onMay 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 byDavid Graney ;Radio Soulwax and2manydjs headlined on SundayMay 4 , with Riton DJ Set andDas Pop ;The Kooks headlined on MondayMay 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 byThe 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 WednesdayMay 7 , it was announced that all tickets forOxegen 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 includedManic 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 andDelorentos . [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 TuesdayMay 13 , illness put paid to two gigs due to take place in Dublin that night.The Pigeon Detectives cancelled their Academy show after frontmanMatt Bowman suffered a serious leg injury during the band's set atRadio 1's Big Weekend inKent , after which he was brought to hospital where it was initially feared he might need emergency surgery. Their performance inBelfast 'sMandela 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 FridayMay 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"] OnJune 3 , The Pigeon Detectives announced rescheduled dates inDublin 's Academy onJuly 22 andBelfast 'sMandela Hall onJuly 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 ] OnMay 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"] OnMay 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 fromAtlas 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 FridayMay 16 , another 2fm reschedule was announced, withDave Fanning returning to his midnight slot (where he started) on Sundays, a new slot forJenny 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 SundayMay 18 ,Alison Curtis 's 8 p.m. "The Last Splash" indie show onToday FM celebrated its fifth year on the air. Alison aired the best bits of interviews fromNew 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"] OnJune 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 toTom 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 ThursdayMay 22 ,Bruce Springsteen "rocked" the RDS Arena in Dublin in the first of three shows. He returned to rock the RDS again on SaturdayMay 24 and SundayMay 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. TheGuinness is being poured. My favourite clothes are being sold oneBay . 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 SundayMay 25 until MondayJune 2 .Spiritualized , Public Enemy andTapes 'n Tapes all performed over the week-long festival, whilstThe Maccabees played their first ever headline Irish show on ThursdayMay 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 andMystery Jets were forced to cancel their Soundtrack shows. Mystery Jets cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason behind the cancellation of their show on SaturdayMay 31 , whilst Santogold cancelled her AAA co-headliner scheduled for SundayJune 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 forAugust 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 TuesdayMay 27 at 9 a.m., tickets forTom Waits 's threePhoenix Park shows in July and August went on sale. Waits will perform at The RatCellar Marquee onJuly 30 -August 1 , three of fifteen dates on theEurope an leg of hisGlitter 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 ]
* TheRory Gallagher International Tribute Festival took place inBallyshannon ,County Donegal from ThursdayMay 29 until SundayJune 1 .
* On FridayMay 30 ,Celine Dion playedCroke Park ,Dublin on her fortieth birthday with support fromIl 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 FridayMay 30 at 9 a.m., tickets forMorrissey 'sJune 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 andBob Geldof guest edited the FridayMay 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 playair guitar , well, myself and Bob, we're closet journalists." The main aims of the pair were to changeAfrica ’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, withDirty Pretty Things playing as the headline attraction onJune 2 in Dolan’s Warehouse inLimerick . [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 FridayJune 6 and SaturdayJune 7 ,Radiohead played two outdoor concerts atMalahide Castle inDublin . [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 byBat 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 SaturdayJune 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 byRazorlight andKid Rock . Bon Jovi last performed in Ireland when they playedCroke Park in2006 . 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 MondayJune 9 at 11 a.m., forty new acts as well as the full stage line-up ofOxegen '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 includedMundy , Aslan, Captain andSugababes for the Friday andEddy Grant ,Flogging Molly andFight Like Apes for the Sunday.
* OnJune 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"]
* OnJune 14 and 15,Leonard Cohen played two dates at the Royal Hospital,Kilmainham . The shows, brought to Ireland byPOD Concerts andAEG 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, FridayJune 13 , was added later. Support on all three dates came fromDamien Rice who seranaded Cohen in March 2008 when he was inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Fame inNew 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 SaturdayJune 14 ,Neil Diamond returned to Ireland after an absence of nearly four years to playCroke 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 MondayJune 16 , Iggy andthe Stooges played the Royal Hospital,Kilmainham . Gates opened at 6 p.m. with support coming fromThe Kills andStiff 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 playCroke Park onJune 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 inPáirc Uí Chaoimh onJuly 7 1990 . OnJune 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 FridayJune 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, withToday FM 'sRay Foley expressing his disappointment and shock live on radio having just heard the news as he came on air.
* On FridayJune 20 ,The Police returned to Ireland following their performance atCroke Park onOctober 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 FridayJune 20 ,Eric Clapton played the Marquee in Cork. On SaturdayJune 21 , Clapton playedMalahide Castle inDublin , his first Dublin appearance since the Point in2004 . He was supported by special guestsRobert 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 aWestlife show inGalway .
* On SundayJune 22 , an, as yet, unannounced act playedMalahide Castle inDublin , with details to be announced in coming months.
* On MondayJune 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 ThursdayJune 26 , took place at the Marquee in Cork and is anAiken 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 SaturdayJune 28 , took place at the Royal Hospital,Kilmainham and was promoted byPOD Concerts as a successor to theirIggy Pop andLeonard 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 FridayJune 27 until SundayJune 29 . Amongst the Irish acts performing wereFight Like Apes , who start a UK tour onMay 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 andMGMT on the Saturday whilstRóisín Murphy played support toFatboy Slim in the Dance Village. Dublin bluegrass outfitPrison 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 wereEleanor 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 winnerGlen 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 andHam 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 SaturdayJune 28 or SundayJune 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 "] OnMarch 5 , this was confirmed to beNeil Young (SundayJune 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"]
* OnJuly 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 FridayJuly 11 until SundayJuly 13 atPunchestown Racecourse inNaas ,County Kildare . It was a three-day affair for the first time ever. HeadlinersR.E.M. ,The Verve ,Rage Against the Machine ,Kings of Leon andKaiser 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 includedAmy Winehouse , Interpol,Editors ,Ian Brown ,Stereophonics ,The Fratellis ,The Kooks ,The Raconteurs ,The Prodigy ,Chemical Brothers ,Manic Street Preachers andRepublic of Loose .
* On TuesdayJuly 15 ,Meat Loaf was forced to postpone an appearance atBundoran 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 andShayne 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 ]
* OnJuly 22 , the nominees for the 2008 Mercury Prize were announced, with Irish artists being overlooked for the award given onSeptember 9 .Fionn Regan was the last Irish nominee in2007 . [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 FridayJuly 25 at 9 a.m., tickets forColdplay 's O2 show onDecember 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 ]
* OnJuly 30 andJuly 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 inDublin 'sPhoenix 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 hisGlitter and Doom Tour . Tickets, priced from €116.25 to €131.25, went on sale on TuesdayMay 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 byAiken Promotions , were Waits's first Irish shows in 21 years. He last played Dublin in1987 , 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 fromAugust 1 to 3. Amongst the performees wereThe 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 SaturdayAugust 2 and SundayAugust 3 , Castlepalooza 2008 took place atCharleville Castle inTullamore ,County Offaly . There were appearances fromThe Parlotones ,Mystery Jets ,Republic of Loose ,Fight Like Apes andThe Flaws .
* From MondayAugust 11 until FridayAugust 15 , a new series of one-day gigs will take place inBelfast . On MondayAugust 11 ,The Flaming Lips playedBelfast 'sCustom 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 ] whilstThe Zutons will play on the final day, FridayAugust 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 fromThe 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 andDelorentos . [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 MondayMay 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 byReverend and the Makers ,Fighting With Wire ,Future of the Left andGeneral 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 onAugust 14 . Tickets for this show went on sale on FridayJune 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 theBelsonic banner.
* On WednesdayAugust 13 , Muse playedMarlay Park inDublin , following their Meteor Award-winning show atOxegen 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 byKasabian andGlasvegas . [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 TuesdayAugust 19 ,Lenny Kravitz ,Alanis Morissette andOneRepublic playedMarlay Park inDublin , with support from The Script.
* On WednesdayAugust 20 ,Metallica playedMarlay Park inDublin , with support fromTenacious 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 ThursdayAugust 21 , The Killers playedMarlay Park inDublin , 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 byBloc 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 FridayAugust 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 SaturdayAugust 23 ,Lovebox Dublin took place inMarlay Park .Maxïmo Park ,N.E.R.D ,Paolo Nutini ,Sam Sparro ,Gorillaz Sound System ,Kid Creole and the Coconuts andPlain White T's performed on the day. Early Bird tickets priced €49.20 went on sale on FridayJune 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 fromAugust 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 whilstSigur Rós headlined the Friday. The reformedMy Bloody Valentine headlined the Electric Arena on the Sunday night.Sinéad O'Connor played the Saturday andThat Petrol Emotion reformed to play the festival. Other female artists includedGoldfrapp ,Santogold , CSS,New Young Pony Club , Duffy,Cathy Davey andThe 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 fromSeptember 5 -7 inKilkee ,County Clare . It was headlined by Travis,Supergrass andThe Zutons and will also featureThe Futureheads ,Seasick Steve ,Ocean Colour Scene 's Simon and Oscar, Starsailor,Kíla ,The Coronas ,Cathy Davey and28 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 inLondon 's Roundhouse onSeptember 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 ]
* OnSeptember 8 , newDublin stationRadio Nova 100 was granted a Classic Rock licence by theBroadcasting Commission of Ireland . The station had been considered for the licence alongsideDublin Rock Radio Limited andEast Coast Digital Media Limited , the people behindPhantom 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 andTom 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 6thHard Working Class Heroes took place on the streets of Temple Bar (following its one one-year tenure at thePod Complex ) fromSeptember 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"]
* OnSeptember 13 ,Kraftwerk played a tented 4,999-capacity show originally scheduled forLuggala ,County Wicklow (later moved to theRoyal 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 FridayJuly 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’sLucent Dossier Vaudeville Cirque ,Comtron ,The Jimmy Cake ,Dark Room Notes , Boxcutter andD1 DJ s . [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 afterElectric 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 "]
* OnSeptember 29 , it was announced thatAutamata and Jape had both been shortlisted for ‘Best Budget Video’ at theUK Music Video Awards , which take place inLondon ’sOdeon West End onOctober 14 . Their respective ‘Need You Sunshine’ and ‘Floating’ clips are nominated alongside Example’s ‘Me And Mandy’,Lise Westzynthius ‘Childlike Curves’ andThese New Puritans ’ ‘Elvis’. Also representing Ireland in the ‘Best Styling In A Video’ category isRóisín Murphy , nominated alongsideGnarls Barkley ,Klaxons ,Late of the Pier ,Sonny J andThe Hoosiers andD.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 twelfthstudio album , the follow-up to2004 '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 inDublin ’sWindmill Lane Studios earlier in the year, the band moved toFrance 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") ontoYouTube , after recording them on his mobile phone as they blared out a window ofBono 'sFrench Riviera retreat inEze-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"]
* FromOctober 4 -5, The Music Show took place in the RDS inDublin . [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 wereRepublic of Loose ,The Blizzards ,The Coronas ,Ham Sandwich ,Damien Dempsey ,Cathy Davey ,Fionn Regan andDeclan 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.
** OnDecember 1 ,Leonard Cohen will be the first artist to play the venue following his June shows at theRoyal 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 atOxegen 2008 . This was later announced as taking place onDecember 20 , with support fromThe 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"]
** OnDecember 21 andDecember 22 ,Coldplay will play the O2. Tickets for the fully-seated shows were €54.80 and €59.80 and went on sale on FridayJuly 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, whose2008 album "Viva la Vida" was described by "Hot Press" as making "supremely good use of an old bottle ofTipp-Ex ", will also play the Odyssey Arena inBelfast onDecember 18 . It was originally thought likely that the band would not playDublin until2009 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 isDecember 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
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Led Zeppelin forBelfast ? [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 fromVelvet 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 "(FridayFebruary 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 leavesHooray for Humans "(FridayFebruary 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 "(FridayFebruary 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 asThe Brothers Movement "(TuesdayMarch 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 asThe Dagger Lees "(ThursdayJuly 17 )"
*Graham Hopkins leavesBoss Volenti "(FridaySeptember 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 "(ThursdayOctober 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 (Summer2008 ) [http://www.muse.ie/music-ireland-listings-thisweek/travega-whelans/county/Dublin/fb/thisweek/spId/B1E7831F-B5CB-BE66-04E7516FC81170E3.html]
* ??? -Nicole Maguire (October2008 ) [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 toTony Fenton ,Today FM ,April 29 2008 .
(October) According toJonny 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 16Date 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 andMichael 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 byPhantom 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 FridayJuly 11 until SundayJuly 13 atPunchestown Racecourse inNaas ,County Kildare . Amongst the headliners wereR.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 andKaiser 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 "] whilstKings 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 andThe Fratellis returned after their performances at Oxegen 2007. Also making an appearance wereThe 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 andBlack 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 winnersGlen Hansard andMarkéta 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 bySigur Rós , George Clinton andSex Pistols . Other bands to perform includedMy 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 ] andCarbon/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 includedKíla ,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 andMark 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 theDublin Castle event onMay 3 ,Radio Soulwax headlined on SundayMay 4 andThe Kooks headlined on MondayMay 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 inAthboy ,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) featuredThe Streets ,Hard-Fi ,The Raveonettes ,The Ting Tings , Maps,Erol Alkan ,Future of the Left ,Fight Like Apes andHadouken! , 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 toHard-Fi at The Olympia.
**April 10 –Boom Jackson played support toThe Raveonettes at The Village.
**April 12 –Choice Music Prize winnersSuper Extra Bonus Party performed at Whelan’s andCap Pas Cap played support toThe 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 SaturdayApril 12 outdoors at George's Dock on Custom House Quay inDublin , withMix 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, SatJuly 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 FridayFebruary 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 atVicar Street toSuper Extra Bonus Party for the album "Super Extra Bonus Party LP " onFebruary 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]
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