Following some serious debate backstage in the judge’s quarters, rock outfit Leaders Of Men were chosen as winners of the national final of the Guinness Arthur’s Day Play On The Day competition in a packed Roisin Dubh last night.
The Dublin five-piece were competing against Limerick’s Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters, Cork’s Zombie Computer, and Donegal’s Mojo Gogo.
The judging panel was chaired by Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, and consisted of 2fm’s Ian Wilson and Cormac Battle (who also MC-ed the evening), Hot Press’s Olaf Tyaransen, and Galway Bay FM’s Jon Richards.
“All of the bands were of an extremely high standard, but Leaders Of Men really had that something special on the night,” said Tyaransen. “They had truly great songs, amazing energy and a wonderfully inclusive stage presence – interacting brilliantly with the audience and really reaching out to the room. They’ll certainly be able to able to hold their own against the other international acts appearing on the main stage on Arthur’s Day.
“Having said that, it wasn’t an easy decision to make. All of the bands had something going for them. They wouldn’t have made it to the final if they hadn’t.”
Leaders Of Men will now play the main stage at the Guinness Hopstore in Dublin on Arthur’s Day – that’s September 22nd - sharing the bill with Stereophonics, Paolo Nutini and Yasmin.
In addition to a major Hot Press feature, full recording session with 2fm, and one-off single release, the band have also won €4,000 worth of guitars from FENDER, €4,000 worth of YAMAHA equipment, and €3,000 worth of goodies from WALTON’S MUSIC.
Not a bad night’s work. Congrats!

You can also check out the band's EP, titled The Debut right here.