Irish voters can expect more than just political candidates knocking on their doors this year ahead of a general election, with activists out canvassing now too.

The Extinction Rebellion group in Ireland is attracting growing numbers to its events and counters criticism by emphasising it is on the side of the people, writes Joyce Fegan

Your conservative uncle needs to identify with the climate activist and then he needs to feel he can align with their actions and measures, writes Joyce Fegan.

He’s had death threats from Eminem fans, and is at odds with conservative America, but Perfume Genius could still be one of the most fun acts at Electric Picnic, writes Ed Power.

From fantasy frocks to musicals, Suzanne Harrington looks at the cultural response to President Trump.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

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The estate of George Harrison has complained about the use of his music at the Republican National Convention.

Noel Baker samples the laid-back atmosphere in Skibbereen’s luxury haunt for visiting celebrities. Even Luke Skywalker has been a guest...

Danny O’Reilly is reluctantly happy to put up with his sex symbol status once The Coronas continue their upward trajectory writes Ed Power

MUSIC NEWS: Fans of Bombay Bicycle Club got a nice bonus at the band’s gig in Earls Court last weekend when the Londoners were joined on stage by David Gilmour. 

Michael Stipe insists R.E.M. will never reunite.

MIKE Hadreas is gay and angry and you can hear it all on his new album. The songwriter behind electro pop project Perfume Genius has poured a lifetime of pain into the record: his preferred metaphor is of a burst dam and the tsunami of emotion it sets free.

MUSIC NEWS: While Arcade Fire line up in Marlay Park, Dublin, on June 29 with the Pixies for support, those who get to see them in London tomorrow will be treated to an undercard headed by Lorde.

DOLLY PARTON apparently once said “just because you lost your fuzz, don’t mean you ain’t a peach”.

US singer Mark Mulcahy is back in the music business after taking a break to look after his twin daughters following the sudden death of his wife in 2008.

Mark Owen insists Take That are back for good.

Musicians were so intent upon helping victims of Superstorm Sandy that they did not seem to want their benefit concert in New York to end.

The new-look Liss Ard Festival was launched yesterday outside Skibbereen in West Cork.

I prefer working in radio to TV.

Former R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck has started work on his first solo album.

Snow Patrol "sort of knew" R.E.M. were going to split.

R.E.M. had been planning their split since 2008.

Peter Hook wants to "bury the hatchet" with his New Order bandmates.

R.E.M. will release three final tracks.

R.E.M. have split up.

KRISTIN Hersh knew she’d made it in the music business the night she found herself wearing her contact lenses on stage.

Michael Stipe tried to save Kurt Cobain's life by asking him to collaborate with R.E.M.

Michael Stipe writes all R.E.M.’s songs on his mobile phone.

R.E.M do not worry about losing fans, as they must test themselves creatively with each record they make.

R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck doesn't believe the band should have to tour to sell their new album.

REM frontman Michael Stipe says he’s "80%" gay.

R.E.M guitarist Peter Buck refuses to do more than three takes when recording songs.

Simon Cowell’s Helping Haiti single will be released globally.

Take That and Susan Boyle have both agreed to appear on Simon Cowell's charity record.

REM frontman Michael Stipe desperately tried to pull Kurt Cobain back from the brink of suicide just days before his death.

REM frontman Michael Stipe has threatened to quit America if Senator John McCain is elected President.

A recent outdoor REM concert in New York was delayed for more than an hour after the stage was struck by lightning.

PARTING music fans were blessed with some rare sunshine yesterday, during the last day of the Oxegen festival.

R.E.M. star Michael Stipe can no longer listen to an entire Nirvana album because remembering the death of his friend Kurt Cobain is still too painful.

R.E.M frontman Michael Stipe has encouraged people to be honest about their sexuality.

Rockers R.E.M. are set to preview their new LP via social networking site Facebook - allowing its users to listen to new tracks before the album is released.

REM have shot a new video in a New York City sex shop.

REM frontman Michael Stipe has prompted speculation the band is close to releasing a secret new album - by making a cryptic confession at a charity event.

A limited number of concert tickets for REM’s packed five-night Dublin showcase will be sold to combat ticket touts, organisers announced today.