Live performance has always been the beating heart of the music industry. But today it is the big earner too.

MUSIC NEWS: Don McLean is on his way to Ireland in June, and don’t be surprised if he’s in rather good form, considering he’s just sold the transcipt for his ‘American Pie’ song for $1.2m.

CORK DJ Stephen Grainger (aka Stevie G) is launching his own record label, Soul Jamz Records, with its maiden release being a double A-side 7” vinyl single.

The Cork music scene was dealt a significant blow this morning as city centre venue The Pavilion announced that it is closing its doors with immediate effect.

Organisers of Barn Dance VII – a music festival in a top-secret location on Good Friday – have added a new stage and made some last-minute additions to the line-up, it was announced today.