Live At The Marquee was originally conceived of as an event to take place during Cork’s reign as European Capital of Culture in 2005. Its inaugural year featured performances from Brian Wilson, Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Van Morrison and Damien Dempsey amongst many others. Such was the festival’s huge success, it returned again in 2006.

After another wonderful run last year, which saw headline performances from Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Roxy Music and Roger Waters, Live At The Marquee returns to Cork this summer with its strongest line-up yet.
Undoubtedly, the key appeal of the festival lies in its extraordinary diversity. From the hypnotic dance rhythms of Faithless to the old school rock anthems of The Who and Status Quo, the classic pop tunes of Duran Duran and Elton John to the metallic KO of Slayer, there truly is something to cater for every taste.
Indeed, when you consider that event also boasts alternative artists such as The Flaming Lips and Antony And The Johnsons, global hip-hop star 50 Cent and one of the all time greats of Irish music in the shape of folk icon Christy Moore, Live At The Marquee has a strong claim on being the most eclectic festival in the country.
Festival promoter Peter Aiken is in agreement that Live At The Marquee’s remarkable stylistic breadth gives the event a very distinctive identity.
“The great thing about Cork from a promoter’s perspective is that there’s an audience there for every kind of music,” he enthuses. “Des Bishop was on at me to do a hip-hop show, so in 2006 we brought in Kanye West who sold-out two nights. We could have done three this year with 50 Cent, but unfortunately he only had the one spare date in his diary.
“We put the word out that we wanted a local band to support Slayer and Mastodon,” he continues, “and got 22 demos in response, so there’s huge demand for metal as well.”
Peter’s biggest coup this time round is getting Elton John to play what by his superstar standards is an extremely intimate show.
“We had Roger Waters back in May for a Point date and the first words he spoke to me were: ‘Wasn’t Cork last year brilliant?’” he reveals. “When big names like Elton hear that him and Bob Dylan have had a great time in the Marquee, they want to do it too. It’s known everywhere now as being a great gig.”
More on Cork Live At The Marquee

• Dates and info
• Podge and Rodge interview
• Cascada interview
• Duran Duran
• Best of the rest - profiles of all the bands playing