The line-up looked great on paper and was even better in reality! With a record number of exhibitors, bands and attendees, the 2012 Music Show was the most successful yet – and the first to be attended by the President of Ireland.

Delivering his keynote address on music and activism, Michael D. Higgins declared, “I was anxious to come to The Music Show. It’s about vibrancy and the debate in music.”
The round of applause that resonated through the RDS afterwards underlined just how instinctive the new man in the Áras’ understanding is of music, and of the wider arts.
The main exhibition area was packed throughout the weekend. Musicians tested and tried instruments and equipment. Former AC/DC man Chris Slade held drumming court on the impressive X Music stand. There were demonstrations, conversations, purchases and banter. The stands were busy throughout and just about everyone went home a winner...
One of the star attractions was the launch of former 10cc man Kevin Godley’s WholeWorldBand app, which allowed all-comers to jam along with the likes of Ron Wood, Cathy Davey, Gemma Hayes, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mick Pyro, Danny O’Reilly and loads more top musicians.
Elsewhere, the highlights were many and varied – barrister Gavin Bonnar, Bressie, Barry Devlin and Steve Wall launching the global Artists’ Charter; Street Literature member GI demonstrating why Irish hip-hop is on the up and up; Donal Lunny discussing his remarkable 40-year-plus career; The Rubberbandits sharing their unique insights on life, love and Joe Duffy; Minister Sean Sherlock making a statement on the Government’s evolving digital policy; producer Steve Levine reminiscing about the first time he recorded with The Clash; lighting man Tom Kenny recalling his on-road adventures with The Who, Beyoncé, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin; and the aforementioned Mr. Slade wowing a packed Green Room with his complete drumming masterclass.
Kicking off on Saturday with Lift Off @ The Music Show winners Shadowplay – congratulations chaps! – and coming to a rousing climax on Sunday with Royseven, the Live Stage underlined just how vibrant the Irish music scene currently is.