Keith Byrne, a married father of 3 originally from Cork, has lived in the US for 12 years and runs his own business.

Bar a handful of festival appearances over the years - the last at Longitude in 2013 - and an Arcade Fire support slot, Vampire Weekend haven't played Dublin since a show at the Ambassador in 2008.

"I'm about to play my biggest shows to date in Ireland. The last time I played there I left the stage with a spring in my step and a tear in my eye. Outrageous atmos guaranteed," so tweeted George Ezra about 6 hours before landing on stage yesterday.

The support acts for George Ezra's Irish gigs have been revealed.

What do you think?

First-time novelist Morrissey has won the most unwanted prize in writing, a bad-sex-in-fiction award.

Sam Smith heads the nominations for this year’s Brit Awards after being shortlisted for five awards, narrowly ahead of Ed Sheeran and George Ezra who are up for four apiece.

To the side of the stage of De Barra’s in Clonakilty, Co Cork, hangs a sign urging patrons to ‘Switch off mobile phones, please.’ It’s an instruction in keeping with the proprieties of a ‘listening’ venue, a mecca for folk music aficionados.

You didn’t have to see the dozens of eager fans queueing outside deBarras to sense something special was happening as Guinness Amplify came to Clonakilty last night.

Social media ensures there’s no such thing as keeping a secret these days, and the word is very much out that De Barra’s in Clonakilty, Co Cork, will host the big gig tonight in this weekend’s Guinness Amplify event.

Mick Jagger has found new joy with the birth of his grandson and great-granddaughter following the tragic death of L'Wren Scott.

George Ezra has none of the tortured artist schtick of some of his contemporaries, writes Ed Power.

THE scramble to anoint the break-out artists of 2014 has begun early. From pouting art-rockers to heartfelt folk musicians, the list of potential stars is eclectic.

It is understood that three Independent TDs have agreed to support Martin McGuinness' bid for the Presidency.

David Norris has declared his intention to re-enter the race for the Presidency.

THE race for the presidency was blown wide open after front-runner David Norris bowed out under a cloud of controversy.

DAVID NORRIS entered stage left for the final command performance of his often precarious presidential campaign.

“FIRSTLY, let me say that I am overwhelmed by the good wishes I have received from the four corners of Ireland.

EMBATTLED David Norris last night insisted he would not resign his Seanad seat despite quitting the presidential race under a cloud.

Senator David Norris has said he did not regret seeking clemency for his former partner convicted of statutory rape as he quit the race for the presidency over the controversy.

Senator David Norris has pulled out of the race for the presidency amid revelations he sought leniency for his ex-partner convicted of statutory rape.

CONNACHT have suffered another serious injury blow with number eight Ezra Taylor ruled out until at least February after breaking a bone in his hand.

In a bold political gamble, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has decided to leave his Likud Party, form a new political movement and push for quick elections.

Israeli police today put forces on one of the highest alert levels as a stand-off developed between thousands of security forces and Gaza withdrawal opponents determined to march to the coastal area despite a ban.

Israeli security forces clashed early today with Jewish settlers trying to break a blockade placed on Gaza Strip settlements, a preview to confrontations expected later in the day when opponents to a planned withdrawal from Gaza try to march to the coastal area despite a police ban.

Israel’s parliament removed the last legislative obstacle before implementation of this summer’s pullout from Gaza and part of the West Bank, easily passing the state budget and saving Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s government from collapse.

POP diva Madonna yesterday called for world peace at a conference on Jewish mysticism - a highlight of her five-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Terror group Hamas secretly appointed a new Gaza Strip chief today, but refused to reveal his identity after Israel assassinated two Hamas leaders in less than a month.

Israeli officials said today they were targeting overall Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal as part of their campaign against the Islamic militant group.

Leeds have refuted claims Ugandan tycoon Michael Ezra is closing in on a £60m (€88m) bid to take over the cash-strapped club.

Ugandan tycoon Michael Ezra’s £60m (€88m) bid for cash-strapped Leeds is reportedly being held up over a technicality regarding boardroom composition.

The Israeli parliament today passed a new law to force Palestinians who marry Israelis to live separate lives or move out of of the country.