Sharon Corr, whose debut solo album Dream Of You has been given top priority by Warner Music internationally, has been added to the line-up for the live stage at The Music Show, which takes place at the RDS in Dublin on October 2 and 3. And, in news that will appeal to all fans of great music television, the man behind the BBC’s brilliant, award-winning Later With Jools, Mark Cooper has also been confirmed to speak on a panel on broadcasting.

The line-up for the event is now studded with stars, from all areas of the music business, making it the greatest gathering of industry chiefs, rock’n’roll stars and instrument and equipment specialists ever in Ireland. More top names are being added over the weekend.

For the uninitiated, The Music Show, one of the biggest music events of its kind in Europe, with a reputation as one of the leading music exhibitions worldwide, is happening in Dublin, Ireland on the 2nd and 3rd October 2010. The Music Show includes one of Europe’s biggest ever exhibitions of musical instruments, a live stage featuring some of the hottest musical talent, as well as seminars from some of the biggest names in the international music industry including Bob Geldof, Steve Lillywhite, Newton Faulkner, Louis Walsh, Andy Gill and John Reid. In addition to all this there will be panels, workshops and public interviews, all taking place over a fun-filled weekend at the RDS.

 In 2009 almost 12,000 visitors attended The Music Show, and this year's event is gearing up to be even bigger and better. Music fans of every persuasion are in for a huge treat. Among those already lined up to play the live stage include some of the hottest new acts from Ireland that are gearing up to take the music world by storm – Cathy Davey, The Cast of Cheers, Sharon Corr, Damien Dempsey, Codes, Republic of Loose, Fight Like Apes, Mick Flannery and lots more.
 
In what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the event, musician, songwriter and humanitarian activist Bob Geldof is lined up for a public interview covering all aspects of his extraordinary career. Westlife, Jedward manager and X-Factor judge Louis Walsh also joins the line-up of participants at this year’s event. Walsh is one of the most successful music entrepreneurs ever to emerge from Ireland. Newton Faulkner, one of the world’s finest young virtuoso guitarists, with a million selling debut album under his belt in Hand Built By Robots, will be conducting a guitar masterclass.

Other key participants include: U2 producer and hitmaker Steve Lillywhite (who also produced the Christmas classic ‘Fairytale of New York’); Andy Cairns, frontman with Northern Ireland noiseniks Therapy?; broadcaster and songwriter John Kelly; Marc Marot, CEO of SEG International, whose clients have included Richard Ashcroft and Yusuf Islam; film director Nick Hamm, whose Killing Bono has just been completed; writer Neil McCormick, on whose book the film is based; artists Jerry Fish, Brian Kennedy, Joe Echo (who wrote the original music for Killing Bono and has worked with Madonna) and John Spillane; superstar producer Andy Gill, of The Gang of Four, who has worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Hutchence and many more; TV presenter, author and punk rock legend John Robb; Kim Frankiewicz, Vice President of International Universal Music; John Reid (CEO Warner Music Europe); Malcolm Gerrie (CEO Whizz Kid Entertainment); and Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan of the Green Party – among many other leading music and entertainment industry lights.

Among the exhibitions planned is a unique exhibition of Philip Lynott memorabilia, in advance of the 25th Anniversary of his death (which will be marked with a special Vibe For Philo in January of 2011).

Niall Stokes, Hot Press Editor commented, “It's shaping up to be a really amazing weekend. The music industry is going through a period of unprecedented change with all of the old assumptions being challenged. The question on everyone’s lips is: where is the money going to come from to sustain the creativity, which we have seen blossoming with such extraordinary effect over the past four or five decades. It is an issue that affects not just the music business but also the broadcasting, movie and communications industries. And the biggest question of all is: can we find a new model to fit the digital age that allows artists and musicians to be adequately rewarded for their work? All of these issues and more will be aired over the weekend at The Music Show.

“The Music Show was a fantastic success last year – and this year it’s going to be even better. Our message is: if you have a musical bone in your body, you really should be there! We’ll be announcing lots more key names and attractions. All told, it’s going to be a fascinating weekend of live music, exhibitions, master-classes, conversation and debate. Roll on October 2nd and 3rd.”
 
The Music Show, presented by Hot Press in association with RTE 2fm, runs from October 2nd-3rd in The RDS, Dublin. Saturday 2nd October 10 am - 6.30 pm, Sunday 3rd October 11 am - 6.30 pm.

Tickets available on Ticketmaster and are priced at  €12 (one-day pass), €16 (weekend pass) and €28/ €36 (family pass 2 adults & up to 4 children).
For more info see The Music Show's website