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

Paul Simon pictured in 1986. Picture: Bertrand Guay/UPI/AFP

Wed, 20 May, 2026 - 21:00

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.

“Don’t serve him”, barmen used to say and point at me. If the earth could have swallowed me, I’d have taken it. To be singled out in front of your mates was hell. Being 17 but looking 14 was no joke if your friends wanted a few pints.

Things were different then. There was no such thing as an ID, fake or otherwise. It was all down to the barman. He had discretion, he had power; so, your mate — who was 16 but had been shaving since he was five — was grand. He could drink until he fell over. But not you.