History In The Making: The Book of Hot Press Interviews is second big HP legacy project this year

History In The Making: The Book of Hot Press Interviews has been confirmed as the second project in Hot Press’ activities celebrating the oncoming 50th Anniversary of the magazine.

The build-up to the 50th was launched last week, with History In There Making: The Concert, which saw some Ireland’s biggest music legends deliver a stunning night of extraordinary music, comedy and spoken word to a packed 3Arena.

“That really was a magnificent way to get the focus on the upcoming 50th anniversary rolling,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “When we celebrated our 40th anniversary, there were so many things that we didn’t get around to doing – and so an early start this time made a whole lot of sense, with artists coming together to support Hot Press and its legacy in such a wonderful spirit of generosity and mutual respect. For everyone here in Hot Press, it was a very heart-warming and often highly emotional experience. But I hope that people will see how all the different elements fit together, as we take each new step forward.”

One of the projects that didn’t happen around the 40th is indeed next up, in what is planned as an entire suite of high-profile activities, spanning different artistic, musical, literary and cultural spheres.

“We’ve been promising ourselves for years that we would bring a selection of the legendary Hot Press interviews together in a book,” Niall Stokes added. “Well, now is finally the time. We gave a bit of an insight into the wonders that were, and will be, involved by running quotes on the big screens at the 3Arena show – and the response was brilliant, with lots of people talking about them afterwards. So we’re really enjoying working on the book and delving into these classic and often vital, history-making interviews. There's no doubt that it is going to be very special – and something to treasure.”

History In The Making:The Book of Hot Press Interviews will be the fourth in a series of very special Hot Press art books, which have been acclaimed for their gorgeous format, design and printing. Other titles include Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You; Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book; and Why Can't We? The Story of The Cranberries and the band's iconic frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan.

There will only ever be one print run of History In The Making, which will be presented in a gorgeous slip-case. Every copy will be hand-numbered and signed and authenticated by Hot Press editor Niall Stokes.

Pre-purchasers will also have their names listed on the Executive Producers list (opt-out available), personalising it in a way that is unique to every purchaser.

The good news is that the number of interviews to be included in the book has increased from the original estimate of 20.

“When you dig in, there is so much great stuff in the vaults, that we had to think bigger!" Niall Stokes says. "Charlie Haughey, Gay Byrne, Gerry Adams, Mary Robinson, Michael D. Higgins, Sinead O'Connor will all be in there. But even the selection process is an epic task. We’re currently sifting through archives, rediscovering fantastic encounters with the likes of Bertie Ahern, Garret Fitzgerald, Bob Geldof, Gerry Ryan, Colin Farrell, Bono, Dolores O’Riordan, Roy Keane, Fr. Michael Cleary, Katie Taylor, Saoirse Ronan in her first ever major interview – and lots, lots more. One thing is guaranteed: the final selection will offer an incredible window into the recent past – and an extraordinary blaze of insights into Ireland and its people."

The upcoming 50th also sees the magazine turn its attention to subscriptions and other forms of support.

“You don’t have to look very hard now to see the extent of the threat to media across the world,” Niall Stokes. “The way in which Jeff Bezos has laid waste to the staff The Washington Post is emblematic of the failure to challenge fake news and disinformation. Against that backdrop, we want Hot Press to grow bigger and stronger and to be able to do more journalistically. Independent voices committed to openness, truth, equality and human rights are more important than ever right now.

"That’s why independent media like Hot Press – that challenge fake news and propaganda, support artists, and fight for democratic rights, accountability and freedom – need your support."

By purchasing 'History In The Making’, taking out subscriptions or purchasing Hot Press merch, you are supporting us in our mission.

Now, let’s go – we have an issue to finish!