Before the Oscar, before Once and before international recognition, there was a struggling band, a tiny Dublin café and an unexpected act of kindness that stayed with Tom Lyons for a quarter of a century.
Despite global fame, an Oscar, and approval from Dylan, Hansard, who has died aged 56, remained at ground zero of political, world-shaking art.
Stars such as Harry Styles are visiting fewer cities, so fans have to drum up additional money for travel and lodging, writes Elias Leight, The Wall Street Journal.
The open mind and sheer energy of the current Irish music scene would do you good. It is tapping into a solid tradition without falling into the trap of fake purity.
On Sunday, Wicklow-based music and arts festival Beyond the Pale said it had secured the backing of a "very highly-regarded operator" without saying who. Now it has emerged it is a successful Irish-owned experience and entertainment group.
With a career spanning nearly four decades and 15 albums, Eleanor McEvoy remains one of Ireland’s most passionate musical voices. But she is also a fierce advocate for creators’ rights, a seasoned entrepreneur, and the chair of Imro.
Over the years, many Irish musicians have taken the road to Germany to establish their careers. Most don’t make it. One of those who has is now a national rock and reality TV superstar and mentor to other Irish music hopefuls.
London-based Seat Unique wants to shake up how consumers buy tickets and experience events. It has received backing from sports stars and two leading Irish entrepreneurs.
Mick Kiely raised millions of dollars to build a music startup called Xhail. At one stage he hoped it would be worth $250 million.
Sam Smyth talks to the singer's former manager Fachtna Ó Ceallaigh and shares his own memories of meeting a unique and great talent.
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