Nevermind your One Directions and your Justin Biebers. This week, it was the golden oldies who proved that they still have some serious pulling power when it comes to ticket sales. Both Garth Brooks and the velvet tongued prince of romance himself Julio Iglesias are coming to town.
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TALKING POINT
Forget about the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amber Bailey - this week's biggest mystery is just who are the 160,000 people set to buy tickets for two Garth Brooks shows at Croke Park this summer? I can't get anyone to admit to being a fan, and yet a perusal of social media suggests there are all kinds of people - including teenagers - who carry a flame for the hefty country rock singer who has been on a very long hiatus.
And, today tickets go on sale for an even bigger has-been - Julio Iglesias, the Prince of Romance, who has shifted 300 million albums in the course of a very long career...
TIP OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday night, Whelan's - the venue on Dublin's Wexford Street - celebrated its 25th anniversary. It's a much-loved venue that has not just survived, but thrived - lots of events have been planed for 2014 and its owners, The Mercantile Group, are planning to open a record shop on site. It's a decision that flies in the face of sales trends, but it's great to see...
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Two super albums this week: first up the debut, self-titled release from a veritable trad supergroup, The Gloaming. This lot have been attracting some euphoric reviews for their live shows, and they certainly live up to the hype with this absorbing album which marries trad and avant-garde experimentalism. It feels like a ground breaking album.
THE DUM DUM GIRLS
And then there's the third album from the Californian all-female quartet, Dum Dum Girls. Too True weighs in at just 30 minute but there's barely a note out of place over 10 short, sharp songs.
GIG OF THE WEEK
The aforementioned Gloaming play Dublin's National Concert Hall on Sunday night, although the event is sold out. It's part of the venue's Tradition Now series and there's a treat in the early afternoon on Sunday when the Kilfenora Ceili Band play there at 1pm. The country's most famous ceili group is also its oldest - having formed back in 1909. It's a great weekend for trad with Trad Fest happening in Temple Bar - Paul Brady, Seth Lakeman and Johnny Duhan are among those playing.
