Even in a year of other exceptionally good records, Dogrel stands out as a thrilling rock ‘n’ roll statement. Grian Chatten of our cover stars Fontaines D.C. talks to Stuart Clark about the band’s triumphant 2019 – covering family, kindred spirits, Michael D., Jimmy Fallon, Derry Girls and his beloved dog Kizzy. The band also take home the prestigious title of Hot Press Album of the Year.

Also featuring in the Hot Press Annual 2020 is Grammy Award-winning artist Beck, who talks to Peter McGoran about working with Pharrell Williams, touring as a megastar, and his contribution to the posthumous Leonard Cohen album; while Sorcha Richardson discusses her long-awaited debut, First Prize Bravery, and why she’s happy to be back home in Dublin.

Jeff Lynne is crowned our Legend Of The Year, and talks to Pat Carty about his latest record, From Out Of Nowhere, and reflects on a glittering career that’s included producing The Beatles. Stuart Clark also sits down with Joe Elliot, to discuss Def Leppard’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall Of Fame induction.

Our Breakthrough Act Of The Year, meanwhile, is English bedroom-pop maestro Rex Orange County, who sits down to discuss his hit album Pony, toxic masculinity, wrestling with self-doubt and how he learned to deal with pressure – kind of.

The Irish women’s hockey team take the title of Sports Team of The Year – with captain Katie Mullan talking to Lucy O’Toole about their remarkable year-and-a-half, including qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

On the acting front, we talk to Lesley Manville about her brilliant new drama Ordinary Love, as well as Edward Norton, who discusses his latest movie, the subversive noir flick, Motherless Brooklyn.

We also run down our definitive list of Albums of the Year, Films of the Year, Books of the Year and Games of the Year; plus Hozier, Tara Stewart and more tell us about their 2019. Meanwhile, The Hog looks back at another tumultuous 12 months, when climate change, Brexit and impeachment hearings loomed large on the news agenda.

That’s all before mentioning interviews with Brían Mac Gloinn of RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards triple-winners Ye Vagabonds, INXS’s Tim Farriss, Tipperary hurler Niall O’Meara and more!

Pick up your own copy of the Hot Press Annual 2020 in-stores or online now: