Not content with the success of Planxty, Dónal Lunny set about reimagining what Irish trad music could be. The band he created are still going strong, writes Ed Power.

As his band release a new album, Mike Scott reveals a passion for CS Lewis books that helped him bond with Bono, writes Richard Purden.

Bill Shanley owns 18 guitars, a number he feels is just about right.

Joey Tempest of the big-haired metal band tellsn Ed Power about megahit ‘The Final Countdown’ and his time living in this country.

There's also one more exciting announcement coming soon!

A lifetime achievement award, a tour with his diverse ensemble, and a new TV series have ensured Dónal Lunny is as busy as ever, writes Ellie O’Byrne.

Des O’Driscoll sat down to get to know Cormac Ó Caoimh before he releases his new album Shiny Silvery Things.

After just missing the attack in Nice, Joe Chester is happy to be making music, writes Steve Cummins.

Riptide Movement are Irish rock’s best kept secret. But not for much longer, predicts Ed Power, as the band release a new album laden with catchy tunes

CLARA Rose Monahan is a woman of many parts. However, the golden thread uniting her many different roles is music.

Des O’Driscoll on the best things to do this week

Thomas Bartlett and Paul Muldoon weren’t surprised that lines by Ireland’s great poet worked so well as song lyrics, writes Padraic Killeen

Good call, Mike — rev ‘em up with some rocking stuff from the new album and stop them getting too complacent or nostalgic. Then give a nod to the die hard fans with the older stuff such as ‘We will not be lovers’.

MUSIC NEWS: Perhaps it’s fortunate for the Glastonbury organisers that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs isn’t on their bill this weekend. 

Drawing on 40,000 years of his tribe, Frank Yamma has had a storied career, writes Áilín Quinlan

Cork’s famous bells of Shandon rang out across the city yesterday in memory of one of her favourite sons and one of the world’s greatest guitar players — Rory Gallagher.

Grammy-award winning singer Beck and chart topper Ellie Goulding have been added to the Live at the Marquee bill in Cork.

Beck and Ellie Goulding are among the artists confirmed for the Cork venue.

The Waterboys have tweaked their style for a new album. Mike Scott tells Niall Murray all about it.

The Lonesome Heart is Angry

Rockers Biffy Clyro have been unveiled as the first headliners for next year’s Isle of Wight Festival with Under Control singer Calvin Harris also announced.

It’s just four years old, but has Arthur’s Day lost its froth already?

As a publican, I am disappointed with the negativity towards Arthur’s Day. This event celebrates the internationally famous and unique Irish product — Guinness stout.

FABULOUS music, sunshine and rain — then more rain… As a new generation prepares to repeat the cycle again, we asked festival veterans to remember their highlights....

Private school boys Mumford and Sons continue exploration of folk music on sophomore album, says Ed Power

Music fans are heading to Mayo in their thousands this evening for the first ever Westport Festival of Music and Performing Arts.

Steve Wickham says: “I’m a working musician. So, for me, there is still nothing that beats playing live.“

TOMORROW, the Green Party celebrates. At a gathering in the Central Hotel in Dublin, members will raise a glass to 30-years-a-growing.

Thursday, June 30

QUEUES are expected this Saturday in Waterford’s city centre for the release of more tickets for free concerts taking place during the Tall Ships festival.

CIVIC and business leaders in the south-east have called for “fair pricing” during Waterford’s hosting of the Tall Ships this summer.

ORGANISERS of this summer’s Tall Ships Races in Waterford have confirmed veteran pop artist Bryan Ferry as the headline act for the opening night.

TWELVE class A vessels have registered for next year’s international Tall Ships Races, which are expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the south-east.

Festival organisers have released the schedule for this weekend’s Electric Picnic festival.

The lineup for this year’s Electric Picnic festival in Stradbally, Co Laois has been announced this afternoon.

Punk legends The Sex Pistols are among the headline acts confirmed for this year’s Electric Picnic.

Punk legends The Sex Pistols are among the headline acts confirmed today for this year’s Electric Picnic music festival.

Last minute touches are being put in place for the Midlands Music Festival, which kicks off today in Belvedere House.

FAMED by a certain generation of Dubliners as one of the city’s great live music venues, a new version of the Baggot Inn opened to a different fanfare last night.

THOUSANDS of revellers are set to enjoy a free music festival in Bandon, Co Cork, this weekend which will feature headline acts like Duke Special, Director and Mary Black.

UPWARDS of 50,000 people are expected to flock to Ballybunion, Co Kerry, for the week-long World Fleadh, which got underway yesterday.

More than 50,000 traditional music fans are expected to descend on Co Kerry this week for the first-ever World Fleadh to be held in Ireland.

ONE of the country’s top seaside resorts is set to come alive to the sounds of an international Irish and Celtic music festival next month.

SCHOOLS, bars and sports clubs are among hundreds of venues being used to promote our native language when Seachtain na Gaeilge kicks off this weekend.

Legendary band The Waterboys will tomorrow kick-off a tour of intimate venues across the country.

POP princess Samantha Mumba last night confirmed she will perform at the University Concert Hall in Limerick as part of a series of music concerts being filmed there for RTÉ.

Tens of thousands of people are on the move across the country for the June Bank Holiday weekend. Large numbers of people are making their way to various festivals and entertainment events in all corners of the country.