The event was organised to celebrate 40 years of Hot Press and the publication of the special limited edition book, Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book, written by Niall Stokes.

London-based Irish broadcaster Laura Whitmore interviewed Hot Press’ Niall Stokes, and the singer Damien Dempsey performed for the invited audience, which included many of the leading lights of the Irish community in London, as well as key figures from the entertainment and music industry.

The Ambassador of Ireland, Mr Adrian O’Neill said, “I am delighted to be able to profile the contribution of Hot Press to Irish cultural and social life over the past 40 years by hosting a celebratory event tonight at the Embassy. I’m looking forward to hearing great stories from Niall, in conversation with Laura Whitmore, as well as hearing fabulous songs from Damien Dempsey”.

“It is a great privilege to have been invited here this evening,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said, “and to share a few old war stories with everyone. It has been a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience being involved in Hot Press – as well as ferociously hard work for everyone involved. As recent events have confirmed, Ireland has been transformed since the heady days of 1977, when the first issue hit the streets. The important thing is that we can look back over what we did and hold our heads high, knowing that we have contributed at least in a small way to the dramatic changes that have taken place.

“We wanted to produce something truly special in Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book, and the response to it confirms that the Hot Press team pulled that off in great style. I think it really is a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime book. But what was intrinsic to it was the support of the artists and cover stars, who signed the covers for us in a spirit of generosity and support for what we have done – and what the magazine represents. That kind of recognition and support for what we do makes all the difference in the long run."

The Embassy event was followed up by a special celebratory gig in Nell’s Jazz & Blues Club in Hammersmith featuring the Hothouse Flowers, Seamus Fogarty, NC Grey and a special set from Damien Dempsey.

NOTES ON HOT PRESS: THE FRONT COVERS

Hot Press magazine was launched in the midst of the punk/new wave explosion. Since then, many of the most important names in the history of music have appeared on the front cover of Hot Press. The magazine has also been crucial to the success of some hugely feted Irish artists of the modern era, from The Boomtown Rats and U2, through Enya, Sinéad O’Connor and The Cranberries, to modern superstars like Snow Patrol, Hozier and The Script.

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, and to look back on this incredible legacy, Hot Press staged the Hot Press Covers Exhibition featuring covers that had been signed by the artists themselves. This ran throughout the summer and attracted tens of thousands of visitors.

Now, in response to public demand, the covers that featured in the exhibition are being gathered together for Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book, which will contain beautifully hand-restored prints of the covers.

Covered In Glory will be a powerful record of 40 years of popular culture and music. For those who want to experience the history of Hot Press – and become part of it – we’re offering two beautiful editions of the covers book, available through shop.hotpress.com.

For further information please contact: Louise Kane, Hot Press Publications, tel: 086 7013610 or email: [email protected]