Teenage Fanclub (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 2)
Although released way back in the first half of the 1990s, Bandwagonesque, Thirteen and Grand Prix are simply three of the greatest albums ever produced by anybody, in any genre or era, (did we mention EVER) (while late ‘90s effort Songs From Northern Britain is an underappreciated classic). The ever brilliant and mighty Fannies have since released another 7 albums, with Nothing Lasts Forever being the latest. For fans, a chance to revel in the nostalgia of forgotten gems; for newbies the chance to find a new favourite band. Epic!
Inhaler (Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 9; 3Arena, Dublin, November 11)
Not arsed to travel to Las Vegas to see Bono and co put on a light show for another overpriced (an eyewatering $2.3bn, if you’re wondering!) unnecessary Sin City bauble of a venue? Well, then pop along to see Hewson Jr and his Inhaler mates. Or do neither.
The Raven Age (Academy 2, Dublin, November 10)
Formed in 2009, but only producing music professionally since 2014, The Raven Age has since released 11 singles, 1 EP, 3 albums and one compilation. Best known for co-founding guitarist George Harris being son of Iron Maiden founder and bassist, the legendary Steve Harris; the band is beginning to shake off associations and stand on its own merits now. This tour is in support of latest album Blood Omen.
Louis Tomlinson (3Arena, Dublin, November 8)
The other musically relevant ex-One Direction member – after Harry Styles and Niall Horan – brings his Faith In The Future tour (promoting the new album of the same name) to Dublin for one night only.
The Chemical Brothers (3Arena, Dublin, November 1)
Back recording after a bit of a lull – 10th album For That Beautiful Feeling came out last month – Messrs Simons and Rowlands are back with a hugely lauded live jaunt.
Gavin James (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 4)
The Irish singer/songwriter – whose 4th album, The Sweetest Part, came out last year – plays his first Dublin headlining show in 3 years.
Norah Jones (Waterfront Hall, Belfast, November 13; Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 14)
Probably still unfairly most notable for her mega smash 2002 single/album Come Away With Me, the New York-born singer/songwriterhas done much more in the intervening 20 years – duets, various side bands, Christmas albums etc. No new music for a little while, but still worth seeing in a great small hall.
Gabrielle (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 15, 16; Leisureland, Galway, November 17; Millennium Forum, Derry, November 19; Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 20)
The great Gabrielle treats her Irish fans to more than just the usual one night in Dublin treatment, with a mini Irish tour, this month – celebrating 30 years in the business. Her 30 Years of Dreaming tour, offering a nod to her signature mega-hit – 1993s Dreams – sees her touch all corners of the country, making it difficult to miss her. But, why would you want to?!
50 Cent (3Arena, Dublin, November 6, 7)
A full 20 years since his planet flattening Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ album, 50 Cent calls it a day with the Final Lap world tour. This is officially the last chance to see Fiddy in concert in Ireland. The mighty Busta Rhymes is along for support, too.
Skindred (Academy, Dublin, November 18)
Jaunty Welsh funk/reggae/metal fusion combo Skindred have, in recent years, shown the benefits of festivals and support slots as they have steadily built up a strong fanbase and come onto the radar of people on the back of appearing at all the major rock festivals in the UK and recently supporting KISS on their last UK tour. Led by the twin power combo of vocalist Benji Webbe and guitarist Mikey Demus, these guys bring the energy and lots of noise.
Mary Black (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 17)
One of the most important female voices in Irish music history – the legendary Mary Black – is back on the road to celebrate her 40th anniversary.
Sleaford Mods (National Stadium, Dublin, November 25)
Touring in support of 12th album UK Grim, Nottingham’s finest politically-charged, post-punk duo make an autumnal stopover in Harold’s Cross.
Natalie Merchant (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, November 8, 9)
The former 10,000 Maniacs singer brings her latest solo album Keep Your Courage to the Olympia, as part of her latest European jaunt.
Queens of the Stone Age (3Arena, Dublin, November 22)
QOTSA roared back to form this year, with new album In Times New Roman… and end theirsupporting The End is Nero European arena tour with a date at Dublin’s 3Arena.
