New Wheatus record focuses on LGBT issues

"In rock 'n' roll music we should definitely make an effort to support them," says Wheatus mainman, Brendan B. Brown, whose New York-based band have been adopted by 'Directioners' worldwide thanks to the boyband covering their ever-green outside anthem, Teenage Dirtbag.

"I have been fortunate enough to have come into contact with a group of LGBT teens through the One Direction thing and to say they've had troubles is an understatement.

"They have had a hard time," he continues. "I began mulling over what it must be like to be a teen in Arkansas for example, where these Christian Taliban-esque lunatics are trying to cure people of gayness and all this other draconian caveman nonsense, so I wrote some songs about it."

Valentine is Wheatus' sixth record and their forthcoming Irish date holds special resonance for Brown.

"I'm really excited about visiting Ireland again. I'm actually an Irish citizen."

Brown's Grandmother was born in Co. Roscommon and the singer-songwriter and producer was delighted to go and get his Irish passport a few years back...

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