Sunn O))) (National Concert Hall, Dublin, March 25)
Making their first visit to Ireland since their epic gig at Dublin’s Button Factory in 2017, this is one of the most eagerly awaited gigs of the year – as illustrated by the bigger venue and the fact that it is already nearly sold out. As much a sensory experience than a run of the mill concert, Sunn O)))’s mix of doom/black/drone metal; laced in reverb and ambient noise might not sound to everyone’s taste, but makes for a stunning live experience. Dublin marks the first date on a 12-stop/5-country European tour.
Jane’s Addiction (Trinity College, Dublin, June 28)
The mighty Jane’s Addiction finally make their first proper appearance in Ireland (the only previous gig was a set at Oxegen Festival in 2009), as one of the standout gigs of next summer’s hugely popular Trinity College concert series. Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, and (returning original bassist) Eric Avery (guitarist Dave Navarro is currently taking a break from touring) will, no doubt, rattle through the best bits of classic albums Nothing’s Shocking and Ritual de lo Habitual – totems of the late 1980s/early 1990s alternative rock scene.
Manic Street Preachers + Suede (Trinity College, Dublin, July 2)
Talking of Trinity 2024, mention must be made of Manic Street Preachers playing. With Suede. Each of these on their own would be epic enough, as evident in previous appearances here, but this line-up on one bill is just mind-bogglingly appealing.
Pixies (Olympia Theatre, Dublin, March 8/9/10; Galway Summer Sessions, Carnmore East, Galway, August 27; Custom House Square, Belfast, August 28; RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, August 29)
Always a welcome gig, no matter that they’re turning into a yearly staple. And this year, it may very well be harder NOT to catch them playing here. Three nights at the Olympia in Dublin in March will be followed by three more gigs in August – in Galway, Belfast and Dublin’s RDS.
Crowded House + Waterboys (Musgrave Park, Cork, June 23)
Crowded House are one of the few bands on the planet not to be savaged for backtracking after breaking up – but, to be honest, a world without Crowded House is too awful a prospect to get upset about farewells that aren’t really what they were. And, pair them with Mike Scott and the Waterboys, who are still pumping out new music at a rate of knots (last album being 2022’s All Souls Hill) who on earth is really complaining?! And, this is CH’s only Irish date on their 2024 European Tour.
Pearl Jam (Somewhere big and outdoor, late June)
This one’s far from being confirmed, but that’s not going to stop us mentioning it – such is the weight of the possible occasion. It is – as reported previously by travel2ireland – heavily rumoured that Pearl Jam will be playing Ireland on an as yet unconfirmed European tour. What is known is that they will be playing Europe in June (festival dates in Spain and Portugal have already been confirmed). Nothing else is known, but the talk is dates in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the band’s first in Ireland in 14 years will round out the European visit. Furthermore, June 22 – or thereabouts – is being whispered as the Irish date, with the venue likely to be outdoors – be that Malahide Castle, Croke Park, Slane Castle or Marlay Park.
AC/DC (Croke Park, Dublin, August ???)
A return to live action for AC/DC is hotly tipped for 2024 to coincide with the Anglo-Aussie rockers’ 50th anniversary celebrations. And that will likely mean a return to Ireland; given that they’ve visited here on four of their last five world tours. There have been rumours of an extra licence being sought for Croker to cram in Angus and co, so stay tuned.
