The Music Show, which takes place on February 25 and 26 next at the RDS in Dublin, promises to be the biggest and best ever – with the most comprehensive collection of instruments, gear and equipment ever seen in one space in this country. Virtually every major name and brand of guitar, bass, drum, keyboard and the full array of outboard equipment and accessories will be represented in some shape or form at the show, with many more less well-known brands on display too.

Among those being represented at the show for the first time on this occasion are Loudon guitars – a prestige Irish brand that reflects the increasing respect in which the show is held across the spectrum of the industry here. Indeed top musicians and beginners alike are really looking forward to the show as a way of kick-starting their year with an eye for the latest in equipment and instruments as the key motivation.
“We’ve been fielding requests for tickets from bands and orchestras all over the country,” says Music Show director Mark Hogan. “There is a real awareness now among those who play just how important The Music Show is as a showcase for the latest in the tools of the trade.”
As anyone who has attended this key event in the Irish musical calendar over the past few years will attest, while The Music Show may be centrally about instruments and equipment, there’s lots more on offer too. Whether it’s the stunning line-up of live shows featuring big name acts, or the all-important talks, seminars and workshops, featuring some of the most influential figures in the music industry – and that’s in a worldwide sense. Then there are the musicians’ master-classes, offering a unique, once-in-a lifetime opportunity to witness at close-hand just how it’s done. In fact, education forms a key element at the Music Show making it a must for anybody who is determined to expand their musical knowledge.
Callum McAdam, drummer with Dublin sensations, Bipolar Empire has become a big fan of the show and recommends it to any budding musician.
“I’ve been going for the last three years and I’ve learned a lot from it, but last year when we played a live gig there it was unbelievable,” he enthuses. “It was a really good stage and a great crowd to play for. We got a fantastic reception.”
On the exhibition floor, McAdam really enjoyed going from stand to stand.
“It has the best selection of drums I’ve ever seen in one place,” he enthuses. “It’s like a drummer’s paradise out there and there’s always something new to check out. A new range of Pearl kits came out one year and I was all over them. I use the Pearl Masters custom range myself – a blue sparkly job – and I’m always on the lookout for what’s new, especially in the cymbals. And while I don’t own a set of electronic drums yet, I wouldn’t mind checking them out too this year.”
He also found time to attend some of the seminars and talks.
“It was a fantastic experience to go along to the panels and to just hang out afterwards. Last year, for example, I got to chat with producer Steve Lilywhite, which was a dream come true for me. I love his production style from the ‘80s when he worked with bands like Simple Minds. They’re one of my favourites and they had the biggest drum sound ever, which I was interested in finding out more about. Steve was only too happy to chat about them – he’s a real down-to-earth bloke. I was talking to him about all sorts of stuff, but mainly about recording drums in the studio and how to get certain sounds. He said it was good to give it everything you’ve got when recording because you can never fix that into a track later. It was a brilliant piece of advice.”
McAdam points out the opportunities for musicians to make vital contact with key figures in the music industry at the show. “What musicians should realise about The Music Show is that, in addition to being able to check out all the instruments, it’s a very important networking opportunity. It’s far better than bloody Facebook or MySpace, as far as I’m concerned. Last year I chased down the head of 2fm and gave him a copy of our EP, which he listened to in his car on the way home. Out of that we got significant airplay. There’s no other place where that kind of thing can happen.”
He also feels that – especially in the current difficult climate – bands and musicians need to be more proactive.
“Some people in bands in this country are very lazy about pushing themselves. They have this idea that the industry is fucked and that there’s nothing they can do for themselves. But there's plenty you can do and The Music Show is the perfect place to do it. My advice to anyone in a band is to get up out of bed early and head down to the show and spend the whole day there. You never know what you might discover in terms of instruments and equipment, who you might meet or what you might pick up. It worked for me.”
Richy Kelly plays guitar and bass with Dublin post-punk electro merchants, Sounds Of System Breakdown, who also played a live set at last year’s Music Show. As a regular attendee of the show, he spends most of his time at the show checking out the instrument stands.
“I’m very interested in any kind of stringed instrument,” he says. “I almost collect them as a hobby. I’ve got guitars, dulcimers – all sorts of stuff. This time around, if I can get the money sorted, I’ll be looking at buying a really nice acoustic guitar. I’m thinking of getting something special, maybe even something custom-made and this will be the perfect opportunity to see what’s out there.”
He also takes the time to check out keyboards and software – key elements of the band’s sound.
“When we’re in the studio writing and recording we’re usually simultaneously trying to play the track live – the two come hand in hand. We use software tailored to playing live dance music – and we’re always looking for ways to make that better.”
Mal Tuohy, guitarist and singer with The Riptide Movement, is another Music Show regular.
“We played there last year which was great but we took the time to check out the instrument stands,” he says. “We all use Fenders so I usually head straight for the Fender stand. I started off playing a Fender Squire Stratocaster then I went onto a Mexican Strat. I’d probably go for an American Strat next time I upgrade, so I’ll be checking them out.
“I’d also quite fancy a Martin acoustic,” he adds. “There was a nice range of them at the show last year. Then there’s the Boss effects pedals which I use a lot. It’s great being able to try them out at the show and hear how they sound before buying.”
Republic Of Loose’s André Antunes is yet another local musician who attends the show faithfully every year.
“I always check out what’s new in the drum world,” he reflects. “With drums you’re never finished – you buy a drum-kit one year and the next year when the band changes their sound you have to start all over again, maybe find new cymbals or whatever. I'd like to get more into the electronic drum world and I’ll be checking out what’s new, but electronic equipment is a lot different so I need to do my research. The Music Show is a great place to do that.”
As well as playing live at the show with the Loose, André's also taken part in demonstrations.
“Yeah, one of the years I played for the Keynote Distribution stand and it was an amazing experience. When you’re playing in a band going around the country you don’t usually get the chance to play for younger people – but here at the show you can see people that you’re musically affecting. Hearing the reaction of young musicians was especially rewarding. They know all about the gear as well! It’s good to know that they’re so interested and willing to learn.
“I played with Gavin Friday recently," he concludes, "and it was a big challenge for me. Playing in the Loose isn't easy either as they have a lot of different influences, and they try to bring something different every time. I need to be able to keep up to date with everything and The Music Show is great for that. I’ll definitely be there.”

The Music Show takes place on February 25 and 26, 2012 at the RDS, Dublin.