Columns - Irish Examiner

Tom Dunne

Tom Dunne is a music-lover extraordinaire who, as well as presenting radio and TV shows, can also be seen in the wild as the lead singer with Something Happens.

Tom Dunne: How Paul Weller's ever changing moods coloured his genius output

I still feel pain at the demise of The Jam, but their main man has continued to impress ever since, and his upcoming gigs in Cork and Dublin offer a glimpse of his incredible back catalogue

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Tom Dunne: Zach Bryan v Metallica — this weekend's Battle of the Music Titans

Both US acts might feel like they hail from different planets, but a closer look at the upcoming visitors to Ireland reveals they have more in common than you might expect

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Tom Dunne: Pretty In Pink and the soundtracks of my life

The 40-year anniversary of John Hughes' classic has me musing on what a genius he was for the music he included in the film

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Tom Dunne: Many artists do some of their most interesting work late in life

Losing a youthful edge wasn't necessarily a bad thing for the output of the likes of Bob Dylan, Bowie and Johnny Cash

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Tom Dunne: New album from Paul McCartney shows his class really is permanent

The Boys of Dungeon Lane has songs that brought a tear to my eye

Wed, 27 May, 2026

Tom Dunne: There goes that genius Paul Simon, one of the greats of our time

Paul Simon's gig Dublin this week at the age of 84 is a fine excuse to reflect on his incredible output

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Tom Dunne: My Lovely Horse and the relief Father Ted will bring to Eurovision night

RTÉ have made a great call to run with Dougal and co on Saturday night

Wed, 13 May, 2026

Tom Dunne: The spirit of the showbands could be back with a country twist

The showband era was just too good to disappear forever, and there are some signs in the ether that it might be about to undergo a 21st-century revival

Wed, 06 May, 2026

Tom Dunne: The prospect of a Michael Stipe solo album has got me rather excited

The REM frontman has teamed up with one of my favourite producers for the upcoming record

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Tom Dunne: Naturally, it was a joy to talk songwriting with Gilbert O'Sullivan

Many people probably don't realise what a master of the craft the Waterford man is. And he has the hits to prove it

Thu, 23 Apr, 2026