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: Gomez were fun on stage. Ireland loved them unconditionally

Interviewing Gomez guitarist Tom Gray recently led me to reminisce on the band's career and Gray's unique status as a musician with serious political chops

Wed, 04 Nov, 2026

Tom Dunne: A little bit of Dónal Lunny magic always draws you in — we will miss him

Heard something amazing? Scratch the surface and you'll likely find Dónal Lunny's name, Tom Dunne writes

Wed, 28 Oct, 2026

Tom Dunne: The Rory Gallagher book is great, but leaves unanswered questions

Edged In Blue is a hugely enjoyable memoir by the guitar legend's brother Dónal, and is surely worthy of a film

Wed, 21 Oct, 2026

Tom Dunne: Fontaines and Rosalia reveal the power of a well-chosen duet

As excitement grows around the release of the Irish band's new album, Dopamine Chamber, I was delighted to hear they got it right on their collaboration with the Spanish singer

Wed, 14 Oct, 2026

Tom Dunne: Rubber Soul comes bouncing back into my life, and it's as good as ever

A re-issue of The Beatles' 1965 album is a reminder of what an incredible slab of pop brilliance it really is

Wed, 07 Oct, 2026

Tom Dunne: From the Faces to the lycra-era, Rod Stewart has had some innings

At 81, Rod is probably doing the sensible thing in bowing out. Not everyone realises what a remarkable career he's had...

Thu, 01 Oct, 2026

Tom Dunne: U2 at 50 is a reminder of what an incredible year 1976 was

Larry Mullen's placement of an advert on his school noticeboard was one of the most significant moments in Irish music history. I'm glad I was around to plug into the buzz of that era

Wed, 23 Sep, 2026

Primavera Sound 2022 - Weekend 1 - Day 2

Tom Dunne: I've been saying it for years but you have to see the Fontaines

The announcement of the Slane gigs for Fontaines DC is the latest chapter in the band's incredible rise

Thu, 03 Sep, 2026

Tom Dunne: From Dollywood to Dinglewood, we've lost a real treasure

It may have taken me a while to realise how great Dolly Parton was, but behind all that glitz and glamour was a truly incredible songwriter

Wed, 26 Aug, 2026

Tom Dunne: Electric Picnic was the iPhone of festivals

The first Electric Picnic in 2004 was the 'great leap forward' of Irish festivals and indeed festivals worldwide

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026