What persuaded Mike Scott to move to Ireland? How did he finally settle down into fatherhood and marriage? Why was hip-hop influential for the newest Waterboys record? And, most importantly of all, are they the greatest rock'n'roll band in the world?

In a revealing interview with Olaf Tyaransen, Mike Scott answers all these questions and more as he dives deep into his 35-year career. Reliving old triumphs, expounding on marrying controversial Japanese artist Magumi Igarashi, and giving the most honest reflection on his father's passing to date, this is a no-holds-barred interview with one of the most interesting frontmen in music. The Hot Press crew also look back on The Waterboys' gem-studded history and pick out some of their best albums.

Also in the issue, former Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter, gets fiercely outspoken as he sits down with Jason O'Toole for The Hot Press Interview. He sets out why he believes he was cynically betrayed by ex-Taoiseach Enda Kenny following the Guerin Report, as well as hitting out against current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; "Leo’s main focus in politics is self-promotion. Leo would adopt whatever view he thinks will benefit his own beneficial self- promotion.”

Elsewhere, we pay a moving, honest tribute to Sean Hughes - one of the genuine trailblazers of Irish comedy. Irish comedian Michael Redmond and Father Ted co-creator Arthur Matthews help us out on that front.

For our big music interviews this fortnight, Ed Power meet English singer Jessie Ware to talk about her newest album; Peter McGoran talks to Martin Hayes about the legacy of Irish trad and separating politics from music; while Christy Dignam talks to Jason O'Toole about going through the wars, and coming out smiling....

In our film section this month, Roe McDermott speaks with Sophie Fiennes - director of Bloodlight and Bami - about the cultural legacy of Grace Jones. She also meets with Cillian Murphy, who opens up about Brexit and the politics behind his newest film, The Party.

Reporting directly from the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, Concern's Kieran McConville talks to Stuart Clark for our Frontlines section about the horrors that the Rohinya have experienced in the country, and the worsening refugee crisis in the neighbouring Bangladesh. Also, in the Frontlines section, writer and scientist Naomi Elster explains why the Repeal the 8th movement needs to remain inclusive, while Ed Power gets an interview with Holt McCallany, star of new Netflix drama Mindhunter.

We also have all the usual previews, reviews and news that you'd expect from Hot Press, including coverage of the newest releases from Niall Horan, The Joshua Tree Covers Album, Demi Lovato and more.

The new Hot Press starring The Waterboys is available in stores now (October 26)– or you can order it now direct from hotpress.com. or via download in the iOS app .