She's the biggest pop star in the world - beloved by millions but not above the occasional controversy. As TAYLOR SWIFT prepares to touchdown in Croke Park, Hot Press looks at her incredible rise to global superstardom, how she managed to stay on top, and talks to those who've been present during her remarkable journey, including Dublin producer Jacknife Lee.

For our flipcover, we talk to comeback heroes SNOW PATROL. It's taken seven hard years to make, but their newest record Wildness is the album that Gary Lightbody is most proud of. In a searingly honest interview, he talks to Stuart Clark about the personal demons he's had to exorcise in order to get his musical mojo back, and why ever Irish man has to vote Yes on May 25.

Of course, Mr. Lightbody isn't the only person advocated a Yes vote in the upcoming referendum. Ahead of the vote, we asked 100 voices in Ireland's musical, artistic and cultural community to tell us why they're urging people to Repeal the 8th. From Laura Whitmore to Emma Donoghue; Seana Kerslake to Cillian Murphy; from the long, considered contributions of Lenny Abrahamson and Carol Keogh, to pithy one-liners from people like Cathy Davey and Eleanor McEvoy, the 100 voices here combine emotional pleas with reasoned arguments; facts and research with meaningful real-life stories. These are 100 Voices saying loudly, and clearly, the time has come to Repeal.

Elsewhere in our new issue, we have a special supplement on North Dublin. After 41 years of living on the southside, Hot press has crossed the water and taken up residence at the top of Capel Street, part of a historic neighbourhood where all forms of Dublin life can be found.

In our film section, Roe McDermott speaks to Gebrielle Union, star of gripping new thriller Breaking In. We also review the last films to hit the big screen.

The Rolling Stones roll into the home of GAA this month, and we get set for their arrival by regaling stories of Ronnie Woods' past adventures and encounters with Hot Press.

In our live section this issue, we report from U2's opening night on their eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE tour, as well as Ed Sheeran's first stop on his Irish tour.

We also have interviews with George Ezra, Ciaran Lavery and author Declan Lynch. There's also as well as all the usual previews, reviews and news that you'd expect from Hot Press, including coverage of the newest releases from Snow Patrol, Anne-Marie, J. Cole and more.