Scene and Heard

MUSIC NEWS:

The Other Voices festival takes place in Derry this weekend, with the three nights featuring such acts as the Gloaming, Public Service Broadcasting and Little Matador. Meanwhile, Bono has been appearing on BBC radio over on the mainland to talk about U2’s upcoming album. He told Zane Lowe that ‘Insecurity’ was just a working title and the record will have a different name when it comes out on a yet-to-be-specified date. Bono also said the album would reflect some of the influences from the band’s early years, and mentioned such luminaries as the Ramones and Kraftwerk. The Cure would also have emerged around the same era as the Dublin band, and they’re also promising a new album in the next few months, accompanied by a tour. Finally, Imelda May has announced a new album for June of this year.

GIG WISE: Apart from Garth Brooks’ fifth gig at Croke Park, the announcement that set our stetsons a-twitchin’ over the past few days was the Kings Of Leon for Marley Park on Friday, July 4. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at €61.50 plus booking fee, with local heroes Kodaline providing support. While he may not have the box office appeal of Brooks or the Followill clan, Kurt Vile does command mucho respecto, and with his April 7 appearance at Whelan’s in Dublin sold out, he has added an extra date on the following night. Ennio Morricone is to return to Ireland “one last time” for a concert at the O2 on December 12, complete with orchestra and choir. In Cork, Mike Skinner of the Streets is on his way to the Pavilion on March 7 for a DJ set of some of his favourite tunes in what will be an eclectic mix of current material and classic tracks from a variety of genres. O Emperor take over Cork Opera House for a gig on Mar 7. They’ll be supported on the night by Cork band Altered Hours. The UCC-organised festival Fuaim is back for a fifth run on March 21-23 with a lineup that includes the likes of Scullion, Julie Feeney and Duke Special. Belgian mashup masters 2 Many DJ’s have been confirmed for Cork Opera House on March 13.