The Jimmy Cake and The Walls assume diplomatic duties this month when they give our new Eastern neighbours a Paddy's Day welcome to the EU.

In an effort to promote rock 'n' roll bonhomie between nations, The Irsko Tour will take in eight dates across Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, from March 13 to 20.

In addition to The Walls and the eight-piece instrumental storm that is The Jimmy Cake, the Irish welcoming commitee will include the visual team of Donal Dineen and film-maker Mike Casey.

Hot Press will also be on board the tourbus as it rolls through Eastern Europe, bringing you all the action from the local tea-houses and nightclubs – available for your reading pleasure in the next issue.