REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL PT. 4: Billie Eilish, Dave Grohl, Backstreet Boys, Josh Ritter & Skripteh are making lockdown Monday a whole lot better

There were highlights galore last night as a ton of major American acts came together for the online #iHeartConcertonFOX. From Billie and Finneas performing 'Bad Guy' together on the sofa and Dave Grohl strumming his way through 'My Hero' to the Backstreet Boys belting out a Zoomed 'I Want It That Way' and Camina Cabello and Shawn Mendes cozying up in Miami to bring you 'My Oh My', it was quite the show.
As it happens, it is exactly one year since Ms. Eilish blew our minds with the release of her When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? album, which is getting yet another spin here as we bring you this.

Dave Grohl * My Hero * ❤❤ #iHeartConcertonFOXpic.twitter.com/LJZPdicmzF

— Marie C (@9woodMac) March 30, 2020

Billie released her debut album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” one year ago today.
Listen: https://t.co/WpjPWqNI20 pic.twitter.com/JBmroFVx4o

— billie eilish (@billieeilish) March 29, 2020

A massive "well played, sir!" to Hunter Hall who's entered into the spirit of our #MyLovelyTshirt initiative, and then some. We can really see this gaining legs - or should that be arms? Anyway, thanks to everybody who's been participating with such gusto.

#HotPressMyLovelyTshirt is a @hotpress initiative to encourage artists and fans to support each other during these trying times.

Here's my offering featuring @weareleboom @AEMAKofficial @MylesManley @larryismyband @weareelephants_ pic.twitter.com/LaqFr7XJ25

— Hunting Hall (@hunting_hall) March 30, 2020

#HotPressMyLovelyTshirt
Today @hotpress are asking everyone to wear their favourite band tees, to remind us of the good times & show your support for artists we love. Post a pic with your favourite band tee and the hashtag #HotPressMyLovelyTshirt. We’re all in this together 🖤 pic.twitter.com/pDIZ3PVkKn

— SICK LOVE (@wearesicklove) March 30, 2020

#HotPressMyLovelyTshirt
The folks at @hotpress have asked Irish artists to wear t-shirts of their favourite bands, to show appreciation for the acts that give us joy during this tough time. I've gone with my Prince-Purple Rain T-shirt. I also had a little sing song 😂. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/pe2clbNdDm

— dcullenmusic (@dcullenmusic) March 30, 2020

Hot Press' old mucker - in terms of the duration of the friendship, not his age! - Josh Ritter is live streaming tomorrow night from his living-room. You'll be able to watch and interact with him on the dedicated YouTube channel he's set up for the duration.

One of the rappers who features in our current issue's Irish hip hop special, Skripteh, has released this cracking video to accompany his 'Boyz In The Hood' track. It finds him working with fellow member of the Wexford massive and friend of Maverick Sabre, Plan B and Joey Bada$$, New Machine.

Also making serious waves is Infandum, a prodigiously talented Lucan 16-year-old whose 'Blast Furnace' track has a great summery pop vibe. He's also a dab hand at this video lark. Rest assured, we'll be keeping an eye on young Dylan Donegan...

Aimée underlines her pop star credentials (again!) with this great promo for her 'What My Mamma Gave Me' single.

Modren Christy outdoes himself with this trad to the bone version of the Spice Girls' 'Wannabe'. The overriding message being, "Stay at home, yer pricks!"

While not able to present his KCLR FM show at the moment, Roddie Cleere is gathering lockdown messages from artists to their fans, which Hot Press will be helping to get out into the ether.
It's yet another example of the Irish music community coming together rather beautifully...

Another shout out to Irish artists to record a short audio message for your supporters - mentions new releases if you wish - send them to - [email protected]

I will collate them and post@PlayIrish_com @hotpress @stuartclark66 #irishmusicparty

— Roddie Cleere ☘️🇮🇪 (@AreYouRoddie) March 30, 2020

We've gotten a good old chuckle over Imelda May's possibly not 100% serious Twitter beef with Russell Crowe.

Oi @russellcrowe did you drop my cousin @LindaOkaythen . She’s still upset. More than you were re: Doncaster at Wembley.)Thought we were meant to be all marching on together?!?! I’m telling #bielsa!#lufc #mot https://t.co/xmGbUexKgA

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) March 29, 2020

Now, if you'd like to breathe calmly for a couple of minutes...

Wednesday 28th March 2018 pic.twitter.com/OD2z5PIwzu

— GlendaloughPhotoPost (@UpperLakePhoto) March 30, 2020

Finally, our daily dose of classic comedy comes courtesy of The Two Ronnies and their Four Candles.