Hopkins will conduct a drum clinic and workshop, hosted by Yamaha, who are among the major new exhibitors at this year’s extravaganza. The Music Show runs over two days and features an astonishing line-up of leading musicians and bands, as well as Ireland’s biggest ever exhibition of instruments and equipment.

One of the country's best-known drummers, Hopkins honed his skills in Kilkenny's My Little Funhouse before moving on to worldwide success with Northern rockers Therapy? Following his departure from the Therapy? fold, Hopkins put together his own band Halite, with whom he played guitar and sang lead vocals. Halite recorded two albums and played at Slane with the Foo Fighters and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Having made a name for himself as an uber-talented skinsman, Hopkins also played drums both live and on record along the way with a host of luminaries, including The Frames, Gemma Hayes, BellX1, Snow Patrol and Dolores O'Riordan. Most recently he enjoyed success with Dublin outfit Boss Volenti, before bowing out to return to his role among the industry's best-loved session drummers.

Also doing a drum clinic this weekend is ace drummer Conor Guilfoyle, who – as well as being an extraordinary player, with a virtuoso range of skills – is right up there at the apex of Ireland’s drum teaching community.