Pillow Queens, Wyvern Lingo, Rodrigo Y Gabriela & more to play Rock Against Homelessness for Focus Ireland

Independent.ie’s Rock Against Homelessness event have added a rake of major names to the bill, hosted by Panti Bliss.

The event which is in aid of Focus Ireland will be streamed from Dublin's Olympia Theatre and Windmill Lane Recording studios. It will be directed by Dave Merriman of Savoy One Films and produced by Barry Egan from The Sunday Independent.

Panti Bliss will be the main MC on the night with Laura Whitmore co-hosting the event alongside Ireland’s most beloved drag queen. Pillow Queens will play a four song setlist from Windmill Lane which follows their US television debut on James Corden's late night show.

"We were honoured to be asked to take part in Rock Against Homelessness for FOCUS Ireland and Belong To," Pillow Queens said of the event. 

"Homeless people are already on the fringes of society, and homeless LGBTQ people are trying to exist within an already marginalised community. Playing at this event is something we didn't have to think twice about. Sister Stan is our hero. Thanks for having us."

Aslan will perform in the Olympia with guest appearances from Gilbert O’Sullivan and Paul Walsh from Royseven. Tolü Makay and Bray outfit Wyvern Lingo will also add their talent to the line-up, while Oscar-winning director Jim Sheridan will be interviewed by Panti Bliss.

Lesley Dowdall will play a set from Windmill Lane studios as a host of acts will stream their performances from around the world. Rodrigo y Gabriel perform from Mexico, Ryan McMulllan joins the stream from Belfast, Ken Griffin and his new band, The High Leaves will play in New York and Blindboy Boatclub will stream from his living room.

"Focus Ireland needs to raise nearly 40% of our annual budget through donations so we really need people to support this great event again this year. Rock Against Homelessness raised over €70K last year. These funds were vital to help Focus Ireland support the most vulnerable families and individuals and keep them safe during Covid19,” said Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland

This is the 6th year of Rock Against Homelessness which has gained huge support around Ireland.

"I'm delighted to be involved in this event to highlight the ongoing crisis of homelessness which is a stain on all of our souls," said Panti Bliss.

Homelessness in Ireland was declared a crisis by Jan O’Sullivan in 2014. The situation has continued to deteriorate since then. 800 people are currently homeless in Ireland which includes 2200 children and 900 families.

Focus Ireland worked with the state to help a record number of homeless people secure a place to live during the pandemic however homeless figures in Ireland are still shocking.

“Our homeless crisis is still very much a crisis. People are sleeping in tents, children are without homes. I am grateful for the work Focus Ireland does to fight homelessness and events like Rock Against Homelessness are essential in raising much needed funds for them,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu.

Tickets for the event are available on Saturday the 29th of May from 10am for €23 via Ticketmaster. The concert will be available to view for the seven days following the June 20th event.

You can donate to the event here.

Delighted to be hosting @Independent_ie's Rock Against Homelessness in aid of @FocusIreland June 20th with a stellar lineup, including @PillowQueens @OfficialAslan @WyvernLingo @Rubberbandits @ToluMakay @GilbertOSull_ and many more.
Tickets from Ticketmaster €23 https://t.co/tbbUe1Tn8M

— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) May 28, 2021