Eric Cantona (Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin, October 31)
This one has probably been sold out for aeons, but more than worth the mention given its bonkers nature. The mercurial renaissance man former footballer – who reached legendary status, on and off the pitch, during a 5-year spell at Manchester United in the 1990s – is back with another new career move; this time singer. Accompanied by a piano, he will be touring Europe and stopping off at Dublin’s Liberty Hall Theatre, no less. This is all true, by the way.
Fear Factory (The Academy, Dublin, October 31)
Touring their last original album Aggression Continuum and the re-boot of their 2012 album The Industrialisst (Re-Industrialized), the turbulent LA metal pioneers rock up for an intimate show at Dublin’s Academy on Halloween night.
Ellie Goulding (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 16)
The Love Me Like You Do singer plays the Olympia on October 16 in support of her Higher than Heaven album.
Deacon Blue (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 2, 3; SSE Arena, Belfast, October 4)
Like them or loathe them, it’s still sobering to think that Ricky Ross and Deacon Blue’s chart-bothering peak was nearly 40 years ago. This jaunt is a career-spanning hits revival performed in two acts – part acoustic/part full on stomper.
Picture This (SSE Arena, Belfast, October 19, 20; INEC, Killarney, October 21, 22; 3Arena, Dublin, October 25, 26)
One of the country’s true musical breakout bands of the past decade, the ever popular Picture This play 6 Irish shows as part of their new tour in support of new album Parked Car Conversations.
The Streets (Telegraph Building, Belfast, October 22; Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 23, 24)
Mike Skinner is back with his first album in more than 10 years. The Darker the Shadow, the Brighter the Light keeps the cool-titled albums flowing. Probably best known for his A Grand Doesn’t Come for Free album and its massive single Dry Your Eyes way back in 2005. And, if he only played from that for an hour or so, we’d be happy, but he won’t…He’ll play them and more.
S Club (3Arena, Dublin, October 16)
Now a 5-piece – for a variety of tragic reasons – and with a slimmed down name, to boot, it’ll be interesting to see who’s going for the music and who for the chance to see Rachel Stevens live.
Arctic Monkeys (3Arena, Dublin, October 15, 17, 19; SSE Arena, Belfast, October 16)
Never has a cancellation reaped so much benefit. The price of the Arctic Monkeys cancelling their June Marlay Park show is three shows at the 3Arena in Dublin and one in Belfast. Much better. Billed as a World Tour Finale; with long-time band associate and collaborator Miles Kane in support, this promises much.
Ash (The Academy, Dublin, October 9)
Very possibly gig of the month material, this. The mighty Ash playing somewhere the size of the Academy is an immensely attractive concept. It doesn’t matter that a few of their later albums aren’t overly memorable, their first 2 alone contain more standout bits of genius than most bands could only dream of in a full career. This lot should be forever in halls the size of the 3Arena, but this will be more even enjoyable for its intimate nature. Girl From Mars, Goldfinger, Shining Light, A Life Less Ordinary, Kung Fu. They’ll all be here and more.
Alfie Boe (Waterfront Hall, Belfast, October 16; National Concert Hall, Dublin, October 17)
Who doesn’t love Alfie Boe? Many, presumably, but they won’t be there at the NCH or Waterfornt when he plays in a couple of weeks. Plenty of Broadway/West End swagger on tap by one of the people who do it best.
HamsandwicH (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 21)
Now one of the veterans of the Irish music scene, the band with the greatest name ever play the Olympia in support of 4th album Magnify.
Lloyd Cole (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 8)
Now on something like his 15th album (taking in his vast solo catalogue and his Lloyd Cole and the Negatives and classic Lloyd Cole and the Commotions eras), the legendary singer/songwriter never gets stale. Currently promoting new album On Pain and single The Idiot, this gig comes in two parts – one part solo acoustic, the other full band electric.
Royal Blood (Telegraph Building, Belfast, October 29; Olympia Theatre, Dublin, October 30, 31)
The acclaimed English rock duo of Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher are no longer cult darlings and with 4th album Back to the Water Below are now very much part of the mainstream.
