The chart-topping dance-rock trio Gossip will headline at The National Museum of Ireland, Collin Barracks, alongside James Blunt, THE THE and Deacon Blue as a part of Wider Than Pictures 2024 this August. Presented by Singular Artists, the concert series is quickly becoming a staple of summer in Dublin.

Punk revivalists Gossip, composed of front-woman Beth Ditto alongside Nathan Howdeshell and Hannah Blilie, are best known for their indie anthem ‘Standing in the Way of Control,’ effortlessly blending sonic textures and genres from rock ‘n’ roll to disco.

The American three-piece recently announced their first project since 2012, an album entitled Real Power and produced under the expansive prowess of legend Rick Rubin.

“We all experienced a lot of deep loss, and we each turned 40 since we last recorded together,” said Ditto, “Those are such big moments in your lives.”

Reuniting in a post-pandemic world, the three bandmates each brought new life experiences to the mix, adding a renewed sense of purpose and maturity to the album. “I’ve come to realise a lot of powerful things: that friendship is beautiful, that music is powerful, that we should never take life for granted,” says Howdeshell. “I can see the beauty of small things now.”

Poised to take on a headline at Wider Than Pictures on 27th August, Gossip’s return marks the beginning of a new era for the trio.

“What a way to come back after years of being gone: to come back strong and with purpose and so much joy and gratitude, but also getting out a lot of that fuck-the-world kind of energy,” said Blille.

Tickets for Wider Than Pictures 2024 are available from €41 via Ticketmaster.ie