Music
13 Jun 14

Inside the new Hot Press

Cover star Paul Weller on going from an angry young man to a content middle-aged gent who oozes positive – he reckons England will win the World Cup! – playing with his heroes, the problem with politics and much, much more as he chats to Stuart Clark. Also: Sam Smith on his astonishing rise to the top, The Horrors on not compromising and Bill Whelan giving his most revealing interview about Riverdance to date….

A very special summer edition of Hot Press this month, as we catch up with The Modfather himself, Paul Weller, ahead of his Royal Hospital Kilmainham show. The former Jam man is in a retrospective mood, talking to Stuart Clark about his career to date, still being starstruck by the likes of Paul McCartney and Roger Daltrey, and his memories of England's 1966 World Cup win.

One of the most exciting bands on the planet, The Horrors open up to Craig Fitzpatrick as their stunning fourth album Luminous confirms their place at rock's head table. Singer Faris Badwan talks bad first impressions and their dance influences, while drummer Joe Spurgeon discusses their efforts not to be pigeonholed.

Elsewhere, Olaf Tyaransen talks to Sam Smith, the singer who has recently been sitting pretty at the top of various charts. He chats about doing something he loves for a living and the last time he cried.

In the Hot Press Interview, composer Bill Whelan talks candidly to Niall Stokes about Riverdance and rejects Michael Flatley's suggestions that the multi-million dollar earning show was really the American dancer's creation. He also talks U2, Kate Bush, Planxty and his concerto with James Galway.

With the World Cup now underway, Craig Fitzsimons goes through the 32 teams to find the key contenders, and tells you where the smart money lies. Stuart Clark also catches up with the RTE team for their predictions.

Add in a whole host of other interviews and, in Critical Mass, reviews of new offerings from 50 Cent, Ed Sheeran and more, as well as reports on Forbidden Fruit, The Eagles and more, and you have one incredibly jam-packed edition.

The new issue of Hot Press is on sale now.