Music
08 Dec 17

Glen Hansard teams up with Hot Press illustrator David Rooney in aid of Help The Homeless

Ahead of a string of concerts across Ireland, Glen Hansard has gotten together with Hot Press illustrator David Rooney to reproduce Rooney's homeless-themed illustration, featured in the new issue of Hot Press, as a limited run poster.

Glen Hansard is well known for his activism, especially when it comes to addressing the homelessness problem in Ireland. He was famously one of the main players in the Apollo House occupation last December and has been outspoken about his criticisms of the way the Government has failed to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

David Rooney is also no stranger to addressing the pertinent social issues of our time. He's been a visionary illustrator for Hot Press for years now, and his pieces have the ability to be both confrontational and beautiful apt - as is evident here.

Signed by both Glen and David, these high quality A3 prints will be available at Glen’s December gigs.

There will be a total of 250 of these poignant posters printed. They'll be priced at €20, with all proceeds going to Inner City Help The Homeless.

Speaking about the move, Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes said: “We are really pleased to be involved in this initiative. Here in the heart of Dublin, you see first-hand the devastating effects of homelessness on ordinary people. It is shocking to see so many citizens of Ireland sleeping in doorways, desperately vulnerable to the cold.

"One of the most important developments on this huge issue happened on the run-in to Christmas last year, when Glen Hansard – along with activists like Dean Scurry – was at the centre of the takeover of Apollo House. We have highlighted that event, and the fall-out from it, again in the Christmas issue of Hot Press. In that context, David Rooney’s brilliant image was especially timely.

“I think using the illustration as the poster for the Glen Hansard’s gigs is a great idea. And the sale of posters, signed by Glen and David, provides another opportunity to raise money for Inner City Help The Homeless. It is a wonderful gesture on the part of Glen and David that is well worth supporting."

Glen Hansard will play in Galway, Clonakilty, Belfast and Dublin this month. Find out more details here: glenhansardmusic.com