Slane Castle has become one of the most iconic events in the world of rock ’n’ roll. In this issue’s Hot Press cover story, we reflect on our favourite Slane gigs of all time, with various Irish musicians and personalities weighing in with their fondest memories of stellar gigs in this historic venue. Also, in the run up to their highly anticipated visit, Paul Nolan hails the mighty Metallica – and predicts what fans can expect in Slane on the 8th of June.

To get you onto the festival spirit, check out our Summer Drinks Special – including a roundup of some of our fave drinking destinations and top tipple tips.

You want a good read? Lewis Capaldi is the hottest property on planet pop. And here’s the thing: he is a highly entertaining and likeable chap who talks the talk with great gusto. You’ll know what we mean when you read the interview! As Brian Kerr might say, it’s a dinger.

Pete Doherty is also in great form in a superb exchange with Hot Press Deputy Editor Stuart Clark, as he discusses new beginnings, old scores, Carl Barat, scumbag Margate drug dealers, antisocial media and homoeroticism. Worth the price of admission on its own? You bet!

In fact, our Slane preview issue is jam-packed with brilliant things.

• Ed Power hears Alessia Cara out, on duetting with Taylor Swift – and much more besides
• A Lazarus Soul have just released a fiercely acclaimed album that got 9 out of 10 in Hot Press. Brian Brannigan tells John Walshe all about it.
• On the subject of magnificent Irish albums, Aoife Power waxes eloquent on WhenYoung’s cracking debut. We think we might just be falling in love...

As always in Hot Press, there’s more… much more.

Have you ever heard of Kate Devlin? Well, you have now – and you really need to hear what this savagely sage Irish woman has to say about artificial intelligence, robots and sex. And she has some great advice for the Irish government too. We hope you don’t mind us shouting, but THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT INTERVIEW that should be read by everyone who cares about the future of the human species (and by people who just want to read about sex robots)...

Also important: a powerful think-piece by Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes on homelessness and the betrayal of Ireland’s youth.

Meanwhile, in our movie section, ace critic Roe McDermott talks to Jason Mantzoukas about John Wicks 3. Check out also what Roe has to say about the latest movies, Booksmart, Aladdin, Memoir of War and RocketMan. Only one of them gets the ultimate five star rating. But which one?

Hot Press Commissioning Editor Roisin Dwyer talks to cult hero James Ellroy on his latest crime novel This Storm…

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Sorry, we were just catching our collective breath there. (Wheeze...)

We also talk to: Billy Bragg talks about his new book The Three Dimensions Of Freedom; Neil Gaiman tells us all about Good Omens and Terry Pratchett; we hear from Dara Quilty and James Morrison. And new albums by The Waterboys, Flying Lotus, Snowtai, Marina, Morrissey – and loads more! – feature in our bumper Critical Mass section.

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You can… buy... the new Hot Press in stores (pause, wheeze)... today (May 24) or order it online below:

(This just in: A Hot Press reporter was found slumped at his computer late last night. Police say that no foul play is suspected. His battery, it seems, finally ran out).