IN THE NEW HOT PRESS:
Ahead of their much hyped Oxegen comeback appearance, we have an exclusive interview with BLUR’s Alex James. The bassist tells us what the band’s reunification has meant to him, talks about his recent collaborations with former members of New Order and why Clonakilty Black Pudding will definitely be on the band’s Punchestown rider.
We have a four page special tribute to the late MICHAEL JACKSON featuring interviews with those close to him. We spoke to Jackson’s Columbia boss and long-time mentor, Walter Yentikoff, about the singer he knew, and Grouse Lodge owner Paddy Dunning tells of Jackson's five month stay in the Irish recording studios. Also, we assess Jackson’s legacy as a musician, celebrity and enduring icon, with fans such as Mick Pyro and Louis Walsh paying their respects.
Plus we catch up with another Oxegen headliners THE KILLERS. Guitarist Dave Keuning chats to Stuart Clark about why the Punchestown festival is so important to the band.
In our Oxegen special issue we have the complete guide to the Punchestown Festival. Aside from the big interviews we have a rundown of the top acts to look out for on the Hot Press New Band Stage, a look at the wealth of Irish talent performing over the weekend, our tips for the hottest new acts to see, plus all the info you’ll need for travelling to and from the festival and a rundown of what to expect from the camping facilities.
On the music front we talk to GRIZZLY BEAR about their latest album and inherent nerdiness and DONOVAN talks about his latest plans, and the Cavan festival celebrating his work. We also review he latest albums from Wallis Bird, Iggy Pop, the Lemonheads and La Roux. And a trip to the movies with the official verdict on Public Enemies, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee and 35 Shots of Rum.
And in Frontlines, Mick McCaughan to Mayo Fishermen and anti-Shell protestors Pat and Jonathan O’Donnell about their campaign against the Corrib gas project, and Edwin McFee finds out why ex-WWE champ Amy Dumas has chosen punk rock over wrestling, with her new band The Luchagors.
And of course, the latest on sex, fashion, politics, music, travel and more in our current issue of Hot Press, on the stands of your local newsagents now for only €3.50!
