Tom Robinson set for Irish dates next week

Songwriter, broadcaster, activist and true Renaissance man Tom Robinson hits Irish shores next week for a pair of shows.
It's been a long and winding road for Robinson since being discovered by Ray Davies more than 40 years ago, one which has seen him become a divisive political figure, a decorated radio host and an artist like few others.
This year saw the veteran performer unveil Only The Now, his first new album in 20 years, teaming up with virtuoso fiddle player Gerry Diver. Having crowdfunded the release through PledgeMusic, he then called in a cavalcade of stars to play guest roles on the LP, including Billy Bragg, Lisa Knapp, Swami Baracus, Nadine Shah, Nitin Sawhney, TV Smith, Ian McKellen, Martin Carthy and John Grant.
It's all on his own that he hits the road next week, though, stopping off at Whelan's on Wednesday, December 9, before playing Cork's Cyprus Avenue the following day.
Looking ahead to his shows here, he said: "I've always always enjoyed a small but loyal audience in Ireland, and so this week I'm returning to my solo acoustic roots to try out the new songs on them alongside the old favourites. The moment of truth always comes when you strip your new material back to its bare bones and play it face to face with a club audience. I've haven't been back to Ireland since the mareriage equality referendum and haven't played Cork in ages. I can't wait."