Moving on from being the mod who fronted bands such as the Lower Third, David Bowie released a strange yet enchanting debut album in 1967, and became something of a folky troubadour in 1969, but ultimately was proving to be something of a one-hit-wonder after ‘Space Oddity’.

Billie Eilish and Lizzo were among the big breakthrough acts in 2019, while we bade farewell to the likes of Ginger Bakerand Keith Flint, writes Ed Power

In advance of his visit to Kinsale, author Donal Ryan tells Des O’Driscoll about some of his favourite music, books and TV shows through the decades.

It will be tricky trying to see everybody at the huge Stradbally event next weekend, so Ed Power selects the ones you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Dave Grohl’s journey from the heartbreak of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain’s suicide to the stadium rock sunny uplands frequented by Foo Fighters is proof even the most anguishing stories can have happy endings.

As Foo Fighters get ready to rock Dublin, Ed Power traces Dave Grohl’s journey from the wreckage of Nirvana to fronting another of the biggest rock bands on the planet. It’s a tale that also has a surprising Irish twist

This is a special week for me. Not because the Premier League has come back to enable the emotionally stunted, and not because Mindhunter Season 2 arrives on Friday, though I will be accepting no attempts at communication this weekend as I cower at the sight of Cameron Britton. Again.

Garbage offered a pop twist on grunge’s maximalist angst when they materialised in a dramatic swirl in the mid-Nineties. Like a candy-cane Nirvana, they were bleak and baroque but with tunes you could hum in the dark.

Róisín O is one half of Thanks Brother with John Broe.

After various incarnations, Joan Wasser is now where she wants to be, writes Ed Power.

You can see the evidence everywhere.

Sean McDonnell is the singer with Cork based ska/punk band Pontious Pilate and The Naildrivers (“Yes we know we’ve spelled Pontious wrong!”).

Black metal act Altar Of Plagues operated on a different level to their peers.

Kurt Cobain’s progressive politics were striking for the time but have been eclipsed by the tragedy of his suicide, writes Ed Power

Greatest showmen, mumbling rappers and born again boy-bands all conspired

Steven Kelly on the emotions that Liverpool fans are enjoying - and enduring - ahead of kick-off.

Indiependence (Aug 3-5) in Mitchelstown has revealed its day-to-day lineup.

THE announcement yesterday by Taoiseach Enda Kenny of an external investigation into the latest Garda controversies was probably greeted with wry, knowing smiles in the officers’ mess in the Garda Phoenix Park HQ.

Des O’Driscoll with the latest entertainment news and events

St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin

You don’t need a Santa’s sack of goodies to transform your look for the party season, writes Deirdre Reynolds.

Dan Hegarty has canvassed expert opinions for another ‘Buried Treasure’ book, writes Jonathan deBurca Butler

"I SEEM to write a lot of songs about dead people. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older,” Mary Greene smiles ruefully. She’s describing how a tribute to Kurt Cobain ended up on the latest album by Greenshine, a Mukerry-based family trio comprising Greene, husband Noel Shine, and their daughter Ellie Shine.

Rock‘n’roll. Such an evocative phrase. What do we think of when someone says it? Sex, drugs, youthful rebellion, private jets filled with groupies, and the odd TV thrown from a hotel room window...

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

ENGLAND: One of the most important record collections to catalogue the history of music from 800AD until 1700 is to go under the hammer at auction.

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Some of rock’s biggest names lined up to pay tribute to Motörhead frontman Lemmy at a star-studded Hollywood funeral.