Corrosion of Conformity (The Academy, Dublin, May 1)
Known by many in the heavy brigade for their cool logo – originally designed by US graphic artist ‘Pushead’, who also inked many of Metallica’s early designs –
Corrosion of Conformity (or COC) has been in action since the early 1980s, arguably hitting its peak in the early-to-mid-90s. This Dublin stop forms part of their current tour fronted – for the first time since 2006 – by former key member Pepper Keenan, more lately known for his work with US stoner/sludge metal band Down.
Ron Sexsmith (Seachurch, Ballycotton, May 1; Theatre Royal, Waterford, May 2; Town Hall, Galway, May 4; Set Theatre, Kilkenny, May 5; 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, May 6)
Though never quite attaining the mainstream success he looked destined for upon the release of his debut self-titled album in 1995, melancholy Canadian troubadour Sexsmith – something of a modern-day Tim Buckley mixed with Harry Nilsson – has, nonetheless amassed a cult following ever since and a stellar fanbase including Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello. Even the likes of Rod Stewart and Michael Bublé have covered his tunes. Added kudos to him for doing the rarest things for a large international artist these days – playing a full Irish tour. These May dates follow from concerts in Dundalk, Cork and Limerick last month.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (RDS Showgrounds, Dublin, May 5, 7, 9)
According to the most recent Census, there are only 5 people left in Ireland who have not attended a Bruce Springsteen concert – or have, so far, successfully withstood The Boss’ incessant attempts, over the years, to bludgeon every living being in this country with his faux blue collar ‘American Dream’ schtick. For everyone else, you know you’re going to go, know what to expect, and know you’ll love it. How long can he keep doing this? YouTube footage of his recent US tour suggests this circus may have a few years left.
Post Malone (3Arena, Dublin, May 9-10)
Yep, the guy with the wordy tattoos on his face – New York-born (t)rapper Austin Richard Post – aka Post Malone – returns to Dublin (the last sighting here being his RDS appearance in 2019) for two shows (the second being added due to huge demand) on his current Twelve Carat world tour, in support of new album Twelve Carat Toothache. Support comes from US duo Rae Sremmurd.
Michael Bublé (3Arena, Dublin, May 13-14)
Sure…he’s no Paul Potts, but if you’re looking for a guy in a black suit to hold a note for a couple of hours, Bublé WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Pretty much everyone in the world loves MB at this stage. And if you think you don’t, his cover version of the original Spider-Man theme song will bring you around!
Duke Special (Townhouse, Castlederg, May 13; Whelan’s, Dublin, May 19; Triskel Arts Centre, Cork, May 20)
A blast from the past name for many, but Peter Wilson – aka Belfast-based performer Duke Special – has been active again for a few years now, after a bit of a hiatus – and continues his current Irish tour (Adventures in Ireland 2023) this month. The May section of the tour takes in Castlederg, Dublin and Cork. The tour continues until the end of July.
Pretenders (Dolans Warehouse, Limerick, May 19; Cyprus Avenue, Cork, May 20; 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, May 21; Limelight 1, Belfast, May 23)
It is, perhaps, time to stop pretending the – albeit timeless and great (on record) – Blondie are still worth seeing live and give the equally legendary Chrissie Hynde and Pretenders a bit more love while we still can. While only Hynde and drummer Martin Chambers remain original members, Pretenders have rediscovered their mojo of late – with 2nd album in under 3 years, Relentless due out, and this tour promoting it. But, really, who cares about that?! Seriously…Chrissie Hynde singing Brass in Pocket, 2000 Miles, I’ll Stand by You, Back on the Chain Gang, Kid etc, in small venues around the country. Unmissable!
John Fogerty (3Arena, Dublin, May 23)
When Bruce Springsteen last played the RDS, in 2009, on his Working on a Dream tour, he expertly gauged the local climate (ie the lashing rain) and, in a genius move, up the mood of the masses by opening with an impromptu cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Who’ll Stop the Rain. Now, it should be dry inside the 3Arena, but that’s no excuse not to check out the song’s originator – Creedence co-founder and lead vocalist John Fogerty – doing it for real, with one of the best voices in rock history. All the classics will be aired: Fortunate Son, Bad Moon Rising, Up Around the Bend, Suzie Q, Proud Mary, Have You Ever Seen the Rain?, Green River, Travelin’ Band, Lodi and maybe even a take on Creedence’s mesmerising cover version of I Heard it Through the Grapevine. Yes, it seems he’s had A LOT of work done to his face, but as long as he can physically open his mouth and get that great voice out, it should be a good night.
Gogol Bordello (3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, May 24)
The unique New York-based multi-ethnic gipsy/folk-punk combo hit Dublin as part of their ongoing tour supporting last year’s Solidarity album. The perfect antidote to having been dragged along to see former Z Factor/Simon Cowell puppet Shayne Ward (May 6, The Academy, Dublin – not officially on this list!) earlier in the month!
Read more on Travel2Ireland about one of the best gigs in Ireland.