I was in Dublin city centre this morning for the first time in 12 months. The last time I was there was to see Jane Willow perform in the Cobblestone Pub on February 29th 2020. I never, not for a moment, thought things would turn out as they did. I was looking forward to a year full of gigs and excitement. I think we all know how that turned out. After doing what I had to workwise, I took a spin around Dublin before I headed home. I drove by the aforementioned Cobblestone Pub , the Voodoo Lounge , The Grand Social , The Workmans Club , The Sugar Club and ended up outside Whelans . I've had great nights out in each of those venues and in many more around the country! Dolans of Limerick, Crane Lane Theatre and Kino in Cork, Odd Mollies in Drogheda, the Moat Theatre in Naas, the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge, the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, Visual in Carlow... The list goes on and on. 2017 and Helmet played Whelans. There I am partying with them after the s
Another weekend, another gig. This time it was Counting Crows in the 3 Arena, or as I prefer to call it, The Point Depot. The last time I saw Counting Crows live was back at Oxegen 2008. That seems like a lifetime ago. Anyway, I was offered a free ticket to the gig, so it would have been rude of me not to go. Also on the line-up for the night were The White Buffalo , who were new to me and Alison Krauss , who needs absolutely no introduction. So, first up was The White Buffalo , certainly a country act, but with a mighty fine rock edge. I really enjoyed his set and given the chance, would love to see him play in a smaller, sweatier setting where I think he’d be amazing! I can’t recommend this guy enough! Next up on Saturday night was Alison Krauss . She certainly needs no introduction and is one of country music’s megastars! I have to be honest here though, whilst she sounds incredible live (what a voice), it’s just not my cup of tea. I enjoyed the set, but would I