Tears For Fears Forced To Postpone Irish Gigs

English pop band Tears for Fears have been forced to postpone their upcoming shows in Ireland, due to "unforeseen health concerns and on doctor's orders".

Drake announces release date for Scorpion

Canadian rapper Drake has announced the release of his fifth studio album, titled Scorpion.

Jessie J wins Chinese 'X Factor'

English pop-star Jessie J has won the Chinese version of 'The X Factor', known in China as 'Singer', seeing off competition from Taiwanese singer Angela Chang among others.

Beyoncé to donate $100,000 to 4 historically black colleges

Beyoncé has announced that for her second BeyGOOD scholars program, she will award four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with $25,000 grants. One student from each selected university - Xavier, Wilberforce, Tuskegee and Bethune-Cookman - will be awarded $25,000 for the 2018-2019 year. To qualify, students must hold at least a 3.5 Grade Point Average.

Cut from the team: Eddie Reyes leaves Taking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday have parted with founding member Eddie Reyes after 17 years.

New Valley Wolves release video for 'Cut-Throat'

New Valley Wolves have released the music video for 'Cut-Throat', shot and directed by Joe McNulty.

Join Me In The Pines release new single and announces summer tour

Bell X1 frontman David Geraghty has released a new track under his solo moniker Join Me in The Pines. The track, 'Two To Fall in Love' is available now on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. The track comes ahead of a summer tour for Join Me In The Pines.

'Very limited number' of tickets available for Harry Styles tonight

MCD have tweeted that Harry Styles' solo gig in the 3Arena has a 'very limited number' of tickets available for tonight.

Too little, too latte: #BoycottStarbucks is trending across the US

The arrest of two black men sitting innocently in a Starbucks has prompted protests and calls to boycott the coffee conglomerate across Philadelphia and the US.

Kanye West is back on Twitter

Since deleting his Twitter and Instagram accounts in May last year, the most glimpses social media users had seen of the controversial rapper had been in posts by his wife - queen of social media - Kim Kardashian West.

Janelle Monáe drops new track 'I Like That'

Singer songwriter Janelle Monáe has released the forth single of her forthcoming LP 'Dirty Computer', titled 'I Like That'.

Midland to play Vicar Street

American country group Midland have announced a live show at Dublin's Vicar Street on December 7. The trio, made up of singer Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist Jess Carson and bass player Cameron Duddy, formed in Dripping Springs Texas in 2016.

Conchita Wurst reveals positive HIV status following suspected blackmail attempt

2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst has revealed that she is HIV positive in the wake of an alleged blackmail attempt. The Austrian singer and drag queen, born Thomas Neuwirth, said "coming out is better than being outed by a third party."

Madeline Peyroux and band live at the National Concert Hall

American jazz and blues singer-songwriter Madeline Peyroux has announced a one-off show with her band at The National Concert Hall on November 20. The gig follows a sold-out show in the Olympia Theatre last year.

The Feeling announce Dublin gig at The Academy

English rock band The Feeling have announced a gig at The Academy in Dublin on October 14.

Ed Sheeran rumoured to appear in Beatles comedy

Ed Sheeran is rumoured to been cast in a new comedy musical directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, The Beach) and written by Richard Curtis (Notting Hill, Love Actually, Blackadder).

Two new entries in Irish album charts

Kylie Minogue's 'Golden', and Cardi B's 'Invasion of Privacy' have taken the charts by storm, placing second and third respectively in their first weeks on the chart.

Cardi B smashes Taylor Swift's Apple Music streaming record

The meteoric rise hasn't peaked yet for Cardi B.

ABSOLUT Stage at Body&Soul 2018 - Line Up Announced

More good news for festival goers, as the Absolut stage at Body&Soul has announced a full line up.

Line up for Bulmers' Stage at Forbidden Fruit released

The line-up for the Bulmers' stage at Forbidden Fruit in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham on June 2, 3 and 4 has been announced.

The trailer for female reboot of Ocean's 11 has been released

The trailer for 'Ocean's 8', the new all-woman reboot of 'Ocean's 11' has been released.

Makers of Love/Hate to create new drama for RTÉ

The makers of Love/Hate and Irish crime novelist Jo Spain have been selected to produce a new six-part drama for RTÉ.

Listen to the new single from Sigrid 'High Five'

Pop star of the moment Sigrid has released a new single 'High Five'.

Here's tonight's Late Late Show line-up

Here's a look at who'll be joining Ryan on the sofa tonight...

Biffy Clyro announce MTV Unplugged album and Irish gig

Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro have announced their first acoustic album, 'MTV Unplugged: Live At Roundhouse London', which will be released on May 25, and an Irish show in September.

Details of Comedy Showhouse 2018 announced

RTÉ Radio 1 has released the details of Comedy Showhouse 2018, taking place in the Project Arts Centre between April 30 and May 5.

Le Galaxie release video for 'Day of the Child'

Dublin based electronic band Le Galaxie have released the video for their new single 'Day of the Child' off their album 'Pleasure'.

Brand new music from Zayn

In Cinemas this Week

The grim weather continues - in the current issue of Hot Press we review the films in cinemas this week if you fancy getting out of the house. Here's a preview -

Leo Varadkar urges followers to donate to Together for Yes

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed his approval of the current campaign by pro-choice umbrella group Together for Yes.

Amanda Palmer and Laurie Penny to appear at International Literature Festival in Dublin

Co-founder of the Dresden Dolls Amanda Palmer will appear in conversation with New Statesman Contributing Editor Laurie Penny at the International Literature Festival in Dublin on May 26.

Farranree native Tim Matley of The Overtones dies at age 36

Cork born Tim Matley, singer in vocal harmony group The Overtones, has sadly passed away at the age of 36.

Delorentos, Chasing Abbey, Jerry Fish, Kormac added to Sea Sessions Line up

Delorentos, Chasing Abbey, Jerry Fish, Kormac and more have been added to the 2018 Sea Sessions line up.

Una Healy will guest present ‘The Six O’Clock Show’ on Thursday and Friday

Former Saturdays' singer Una Healy will guest present The Six O'Clock show this Thursday and Friday, airing at 6pm on TV3.

THEM THERE release debut single 'Blaze' and remix

Former Archive frontman Craig Walker and former Nouvelle Vague singer Phoebe Killdeer have joined forces on a new indie/electronica act called THEM THERE, releasing their new single 'Blaze' and a radio edit remix by Orbit.

Janelle Monáe releases video for 'PYNK', featuring Grimes

Singer songwriter Janelle Monáe has released the third single of her forthcoming LP 'Dirty Computer'

Immaculate Deception play Toners this Sunday

Immaculate Deception, self described as "Ireland's oldest hardcore punk/metal crossover band" will play Toner's of Baggot Street this Sunday April 15.

Singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid prepares for a string of Irish dates

Spanish born singer songwriter Sarah McQuaid is due to set off on a six-week tour of UK and Ireland, kicking off on April 20, following the release of a short film 'Slow Decay'. The extensive tour sees McQuaid playing shows in Dublin, Armagh, Belfast, Newtownards, Castlerock and Belmullet.

Together For Yes surpasses €100,000 donation target in four hours

Together for Yes, the pro-choice umbrella group in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment, have surpassed the target of €100,000 in donations in just four hours.

Review: Dua Lipa at the Olympia Theatre

Dua Lipa is a musician of the zeitgeist. Her brand of feminism, female empowerment and independence is the vox populi. When her Dublin gig was announced in September, tickets sold out in a matter of minutes and the subsequent additional date even faster.

New Ariana Grande single due to drop on April 27

Rumours are rife that Ariana Grande will release the first single from her forthcoming album on April 27.

'Up the Dubs' banner on Ha'penny Bridge may be taken down for good

A banner in support of the Dublin football team, fixed to the Ha'penny Bridge is to be reviewed by Dublin City Council.

Toy Story 4 has a release date

Eight years since we left Woody and the gang with Andy's neighbour Bonnie, Toy Story 4 finally has a release date.

Zayn Malik teases new music

Former One Direction member Zayn Malik has teased new music after deleting all photos, including those with supermodel ex girlfriend Gigi Hadid, from his personal Instagram account.

Drake releases video for ‘Nice For What’

Amiable Canadian rapper Drake is back with a new single, “Nice For What”, paying homage to independent women.

Arctic Monkeys announce details of UK and Irish tour

Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys have announced details of their highly anticipated tour of UK and Ireland. The tour, taking place in September will showcase their new album ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino” which was officially announced last week.

Keywest and Finbar Furey climb the Irish charts

Dublin rock-band Keywest and multi-instrumental folk musican Finbar Furey are new to the charts this week, placing at 4th and 10th place respectively.

US group files complaint against Facebook’s ‘Tag Suggestion’ feature

Another day, another privacy related headache for Facebook.

Paddy Jackson releases statement following acquittal

Ulster rugby player Paddy Jackson has released his first statement following his acquittal in Belfast last week. Within the statement Jackson said he was “ashamed” and that “criticism of my behaviour is fully justified.”

Manic Street Preachers release tribute track for Hillsborough disaster ahead of 29th anniversary

Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers have paid tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, in the lead up to the 29th anniversary, in a poignant new single ‘Liverpool Revisited’.

The world reacts to Conor McGregor’s arrest

UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has been caught up in some trouble, being arrested and charged with three counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief following an altercation at a media event in Brooklyn, New York.

Johnny Marr announces new album and Dublin gig

English singer-songwriter and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr will release his new album ‘Call the Comet’ on June 15. This will be Marr’s third solo album, following ‘The Messenger’ in 2013 and ‘Playland’ in 2014.

Cardi B’s debut album ‘Invasion of Privacy’ drops tomorrow

In what has to be one of the most hotly anticipated album releases of the year, rapper Cardi B will finally drop her debut album ‘Invasion of Privacy’, tomorrow.

Here’s the line up for this weeks Late Late Show

An episode not to be missed by sports enthusiasts – Ryan will be joined on the sofa by horseracing legends Ruby, Ted and Katie Walsh in their first television appearance since Ruby’s recent fall at Cheltenham.

Facebook receives yet more complaints over ‘confusing’ donor feature on ads

Things go from bad to worse for Facebook, who have been forced to remove a feature that seemingly suggested to users that people on their friends list had donated to certain causes.

Bob Dylan lends his voice to LGBT wedding compilation

Nobel Prize winner Bob Dylan is one of six acts featuring in a new EP that showcases reimagined versions of traditional wedding songs for same-sex partners. Dylan has rerecorded the 1929 American classic of ‘She’s Funny That Way’ as ‘He’s Funny That Way’.

Nirvana pay tribute to Kurt Cobain on 24th anniversary of his death

24 years ago today, on April 5 1994, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died from suicide at the age of 27. The grunge icon was discovered on April 8 1994 in a room above the garage of his home in Seattle, with investigators later concluding that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot three days earlier.

Ben Howard announces first album in four years

Singer songwriter Ben Howard has announced a new album, titled ‘Noonday Dream’ due for release on June 1.

Ivanka Trump graces the cover of Gang of Four’s new EP ‘Complicit’

British punk four-piece Gang of Four, will release a new EP titled ‘Complicit’ due out on April 20. Of special note in this announcement was the confirmation that Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald, will grace the front cover.

Stevie Wonder, the Obamas and Paul McCartney share tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Following the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination, American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder shared a video ‘The Dream Still Lives’, a modern-day version of the civil right leader’s “I have a dream” speech, widely regarded as the most famous speech of all time.

Rumours are rife that Ruth Negga and Dominic Cooper have split

After the split of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan earlier this week, we don’t need much to convince us that love is dead.

Tulisa wins five-year legal battle against Britney Spears and Will.i.am

Former N-Dubz singer and one-time X Factor judge Tulisa has won a five-year legal battle against Britney Spears and Will.i.am after being left out of the writing credits for their hit track Scream & Shout.

Dónal Lunny wins Lifetime Achievement award at BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards

Irish folk musician and producer Dónal Lunny collected a Lifetime Achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at the Belfast Waterfront.

'Yellow Submarine’ returns to cinemas for 50th anniversary

The 1968 animated film by The Beatles, ‘Yellow Submarine’ will celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year, and to mark this, the film is returning to cinemas with 4K digital restoration and a 5.1 stereo surround sound remix.

Radio X’s ‘Best of British’ features 15 Oasis hits – and no women

Radio X have faced backlash over lack of diversity after publishing their poll, ‘Best of British’ which contained 15 tracks by Oasis, and no songs at all by any stand-alone female musicians.

Consent to be taught to schoolgoers in full review of sexual education teaching

Education Minister Richard Bruton has ordered a full review of the teaching of sexual education in Irish schools. Bruton’s review will focus on key areas of consent and contraception.

BBC aim for a 50:50 gender balance of contributors by April 2019

The BBC has announced the implementation of a policy ensuring there is a 50:50 split of experts and contributors in news, current affairs and topical programmes by April next year.

In Cinemas this Week

In this wet and windy weather, a trip to the cinema might just be the most tempting reason to get out of the house. In the current issue of Hot Press,we run through what to catch in theatres this week.

Ben Mendelsohn, “It’s about how you treat fame, that defines how fame treats you.”

Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn is in the business of playing bad guys. From the head of an antagonistic crime family in Animal Kingdom, to a child molester in Una, Mendelsohn cut his acting teeth portraying alternating forms of villainy.

Stellar week for Irish acts in the Album Charts

It’s a good showing for the Irish with a total of four Irish acts in the top 10.

Alastair Campbell describes the character based on him as ‘a creation of genius’

Alastair Campbell, journalist, political aide and former spokesman for Tony Blair, has long been recognised as the basis of the character foul-mouthed Minister Malcolm Tucker in BBC comedy The Thick of It.

Bryan Cranston on how Isle of Dogs is scarily relevant to today’s political climate

Bryan Cranston’s latest role as the voice of an animated dog in maverick director Wes Anderson’s newest film ‘Isle of Dogs’ sounds about as far away from Breaking Bad’s Walter White - the character that cemented his acting talent for posterity - as it is possible to get.

Rejjie Snow: ‘a lot of current rap out there can just be trash’

Drumconda-raised rapper Rejjie Snow (aka Alexander Anyaegbunam) is an artist on the rise. The 24-year old is on a high from the critical acclaim afforded to his debut album, ‘Dear Annie’, released in February.

Tonight’s Late Late Show line-up has been announced

The line-up for Good Friday’s Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy has been announced – and it’s not to be missed.

The Weeknd releases six track EP ‘My Dear Melancholy’

Abel Tesfaye , known professionally as The Weeknd dropped a new EP, ‘My Dear Melancholy’ at midnight stateside, following much speculation.

Listen to 'Okra', the surprise new track from Tyler, the Creator

American rapper, and co-founder of hip hop collective Odd Future, Tyler the Creator, dropped a surprise track called 'Okra' this afternoon. Tyler the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, released the news on Twitter.

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda announces new album ‘Post Traumatic’

Former Linkin Park guitarist, songwriter, musician and vocalist Mike Shinoda has announced the release of his debut solo album, titled Post Traumatic. Due out on June 15, Post Traumatic marks the first album release from Linkin Park members following the suicide of lead singer Chester Bennington in July last year.

Mø releases new single ‘Nostalgia’

Following a sold out show in the Olympia this week, Danish electro-pop singer and producer Mø has released a new single titled ‘Nostalgia’. The track is accompanied by a lyric video set to childhood photos of Mø herself.

Watch: Fascinating mini-doc 'The Truth about Irish Hip Hop’

“If you don’t love where you’re from, where you’re from won’t love you. And that’s the essence of hip hop” says Dublin rapper Mango. In essence, that’s what the documentary ‘The Truth about Irish Hip Hop’ attempts to address.

CHVRCHES drop new single ‘Never Say Die’

Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches have released a new single, ‘Never Say Die’ off their forthcoming album ‘Love is Dead’.

May 25 announced as date for referendum on Eighth Amendment

The referendum on the Eighth Amendment will be held on Friday May 25. Polls will be open from 7am until 10pm. Legislation allowing for the referendum was passed in the Seanad by a majority of 40 to 10.

Garbage announce 20th anniversary reissue of ‘Version 2.0’ plus a bonus track

Garbage have announced a re-issue of their seminal album ‘Version 2.0’ in time for its 20th anniversary. The No.1 album features singles ‘I think I’m Paranoid’ and ‘Push It’ as well as bonus track ‘Lick the Pavement’ and is due to be rereleased on June 22. In addition to the original album, the re-issue includes posters and excitingly, rare b-sides accessible via multiple formats – CDs, vinyls and digital. =

Social media has a burning question: who bit Beyoncé?

Social media has been ablaze over the last days with a mystery. The source of this mystery came from an interview with GQ when The Girl’s Trip star, Tiffany Haddish, alleged that an actress at a party had bit Beyoncé on the face. Internet sleuths have been investigating social media accounts of anyone who could feasibly have been at the party, and #whobitbeyonce has been trending on Twitter for several days.

Hothouse Flowers and Paddy and Saoirse Casey are the latest acts added to Bulmers Live at Leopardstown programme

Hothouse flowers and Paddy Casey with special guest, his daughter Saoirse Casey, have been added to the programme for this summer’s Bulmers Live at Leopardstown series. The outdoor concerts are set to take place at the Leopardstown racecourse on Thursday evenings between June and August.

More acts added to Vantastival 2018 line up

Third Smoke, Slow Place Like Home, Wolff and Maija Sofia are among the latest acts announced for the Firestone Stage at Vantastival. The Firestone Stage at Vantastival is a key event within Firestone Live, an original programme of festivals sponsored by Firestone tyres. Firestone Live funds festivals across Europe in Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Ireland and the UK.

Reef announce further details of long awaited new album and Dublin gig

Glastonbury based rock band Reef have announced the details of their first album in 18 years, which they recorded in Ireland. Revelation is due to be released on CD, LP, download and stream on May 4. Also on the cards is a gig in Dublin’s Academy Green Room on May 31.

Concert in aid of mental health charity Aware to be held at Olympia Theatre

Mental health charity Aware have announced a special fundraising concert in the Olympia Theatre on April 6. ‘A Night for Aware’ will see a host of Irish musicians take to the stage in order to raise awareness of mental health issues in Ireland and collect much needed funds.

Run the Jewel’s Killer Mike apologises for ‘misused’ NRA interview

Killer Mike (aka Michael Render), one half of American hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, has apologised publicly for an interview with the National Rifle Association (NRA), ostensibly about black gun ownership, in which he appeared to condemn the anti-gun movement.

Christy Moore announces solo show

Irish folk powerhouse Christy Moore will play a solo show in the National Concert Hall on June 20, it has been announced.

Hot Press Track of the Day: Alan Finan’s ‘Slumber’

Donegal native Alan Finan has premiered his new single ‘Slumber’ with Hot Press today, having spent the best part of the last year working on his debut EP The Undwelling.

Former Augustine’s guitarist William McCarthy announces Dublin show

Former Augustine’s guitarist William McCarthy has announced a gig in The Grand Social on April 26.

Flight of the Chonchords 3 Arena gig rescheduled

Grammy-award winning New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Chonords, aka Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, have announced the rescheduled dates for their Dublin gigs.