It’s a cracking one too with The Script, Bobby Womack, Emeli Sandé, Manic Street Preachers, James Vincent McMorrow, Janelle Monae, Girl Band, Bouts and The Original Rudeboys all confirmed at this morning’s official launch in Dublin.
Also ambassadors for the Music category of the Arthur Guinness Projects, The Script are currently running round the States with fellow stadium-filler Gavin DeGraw and will then try to make it four chart-topping albums in a row when they start work on the follow-up to the multi-platinum 3.
Also enjoying a prolonged run in the charts with Our Version Of Events is Sandé, the Scottish singer whose 2013 has included picking up BRIT, European Border and Ivor Novello awards and performing in the White House for the Obamas.
One of the all-time soul greats – if you don’t believe us check out such ‘60s and ‘70s gems as ‘It’s All Over Now’, ‘Lookin’ For A Love’, ‘Woman’s Gotta Have It’ and ‘Across 110th Street’ – Womack has come to the attention of a whole new generation of music lovers courtesy of his involvement in Gorillaz and the subsequent Damon Albarn-produced solo album, The Bravest Man In The Universe.
The Manics meanwhile are gearing up for the September 13 release here of Rewind The Film, their 11th studio album in a career that’s taken them from Blackwood in Wales to Havana in Cuba and all points beyond.
The Stax ‘n’ Motown referencing lead single ‘Show Me The Wonder’ suggests we’re in for another treat.
It'll be a special homecoming for James Vincent McMorrow who’s spent a goodly part of 2013 in El Paso, Texas assembling the follow up to his 2011 Early In The Morning debut.
As in previous years, the aforementioned acts will be making surprise appearances in Guinness-serving pubs nationwide and at five ticketed gigs in Belfast, Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Tickets priced €10 go on sale from Ticketmaster on September 4.
There will also be 500 free music events taking place throughout the 32 Counties – stay tuned to hotpress.com for regular updates.