- Music
- 10 Mar 10
Bipolar Empire have been announced as the winners of the competition to play the London St. Patrick's Day celebrations, in Trafalgar Square
The competition, run by Hot Press, in association with Visit London, was decided by public vote.
"There was huge interest, with thousands of people voting," says Mark Hogan of Hot Press. "But Bipolar Empire are worthy winners. They are a band with real potential who have clearly gained a foothold in Ireland. Playing in front of a huge audience in London can only help them achieve the same thing in London, which is such a fantastic music city."
Bipolar Empire were selected from a shortlist of twenty that also included The Aftermath, The Chakras, The Riptide Movement, The Dirty 9s and Sounds of System Breakdown.
"What a thrill to win the London Calling competition in Hot Press, especially as there were some really great bands and songs on the list," guitarist and vocalist Shane O'Reilly told Hot Press. "To get a chance to play to such a big audience at Trafalgar Square, alongside such a variety of great Irish artists like The Coronas, Foy Vance, Mundy and Kila is especially exciting. We hope this win will help bring a record company on board, so we can get our tunes to a wider audience..."
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The band, will now play before a 20,000 strong crowd on Sunday March 14th in Trafalgar Square, as part of what is one of the biggest annual events in the London calendar. A free day out for all the family, the show will run from 11.30am - 6pm. The full line-up now reads Foy Vance, The Coronas, John Spillane, Comhaltas, Mundy, Four Men And A Dog, Camille O'Sullivan, Kila and Bipolar Empire.
Bipolar Empire are set to release their debut album later this spring. It was produced by REM and Madonna producer Pat McCarthy.
For more on the band see www.myspace.com/bipolarempire