Music
10 Mar 21

The Slane Sessions: THUMPER and Damien Dempsey set for unique online gig at Slane Distillery on Saturday

Musical fireworks are assured this weekend, at The Slane Sessions with THUMPER and special guest Damien Dempsey – in association with Slane Irish Whiskey.

The countdown is officially on for Slane Irish Whiskey's special St. Patrick's Week celebration: The Slane Sessions! The highly anticipated online gig is set to be broadcast from Slane Distillery in Co. Meath on Saturday – featuring performances from THUMPER and special guest Damien Dempsey.

Ahead of St. Patrick's Day, this very special night of music on March 13 – streaming on the Hot Press YouTube channel – will see the craft, graft and innovation of Irish music broadcast to the world from one of Ireland’s most distinguished distilleries…

As aficionados of Irish music will know, Slane Castle has played a vital part in opening Ireland up to rock music. It was against this backdrop that Slane Distillery was born – honouring an ancient art of craft, graft and innovation. Keeping in line with this tradition, two of Ireland's most compelling acts are set to present a unique and captivating show at Slane Distillery. Co. Meath.

Since being tipped as one of the Hot Press 'Hot For 2019' Irish Acts, THUMPER have been blazing a trail through Ireland, across Europe and into the US. At the forefront of the Irish post-punk scene that is being pioneered by outfits like Fontaines D.C. and The Murder Capital, they stepped up to the plate in style with a raucous Eurosonic show and a month-long tour of the UK and Europe in early 2020.

Their touring plans may have been put on hold due to the ongoing pandemic – a sell-out UK tour scheduled for early 2021 had to be delayed – but THUMPER have continued to establish themselves as one of the most thrilling bands in the country with the release of two blistering new singles, including their latest meisterwerk, the acclaimed ‘Topher Grace’.

Irish hero Damien Dempsey – widely regarded as one of the greatest Irish voices of the modern era – will be the special guest on the night, in what is set to be an intriguing coming together of brilliant musical talents. The legendary Dubliner’s collaboration with THUMPER is set to be a must-watch performance for all Irish music fans.

Over the course of his remarkable career to date, Damien Dempsey has established himself as one of the country's most beloved artists. Drawing influence from the likes of Bob Marley, Christy Moore, Luke Kelly and Shane MacGowan, the award-winning, chart-topping singer-songwriter has crafted a unique, soulful sound, centred on his marvellously powerful voice. His most recent album, 2018's Union, saw Dempsey showcasing new songs and re-imagined classics, through collaborations with Finbar Furey, John Grant, Kae Tempest, Maverick Sabre, Lisa O'Neill and more.

With the coming together of these two giants of modern Irish music, The Slane Sessions will celebrate the meeting of tradition and innovation – and the best of Irish – in a very special night of music.

HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD PREMIERE:

The world premiere will take place on the Hot Press YouTube channel – youtube.com/hotpressmagazine – kicking off at 8pm GMT / 3pm EST / 12pm PST on Saturday, 13 March.