Latest news with #HothouseFlowers
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Bottle-feeding lambs, poitin at TOTP & punching megastar – iconic Irish 80s acts reveal incredible secrets of golden era
A TOUR manager for Irish rockers The Stunning gave one of megastars Blur 'a dig' — after mistaking him for a drunken music fan. The Brewing Up A Storm band were making serious inroads in the Advertisement 5 The Stunning's Steve Wall revealed how the shock incident happened Credit: Redferns 5 Blur supported The Stunning at a raucous London gig. Credit: Getty 5 The Hothouse Flowers feature on episode 4 of the Irish Sun's Fields of Dreams podcast Credit: Getty Singer 'Derek, the guitarist at the time, had a tendency to play in his bare feet. One of these b*****ds broke a glass on purpose in front of Derek's guitar pedals so he couldn't get to it — and they were really p***ing us off. 'After the 'What he was trying to do? I don't know. Maybe he just thought like, 'I'll go in and say hello to the lads, I'm from Mayo', or wherever. Advertisement Read more on Field Of Dreams Listen to Fields Of Dreams on 'So we had this tour manager, a big strapping fella from Co 'He grabbed your man and he basically rammed him up against the door, threw him out — got the bouncers to kick him out." So far so good, then. He added: 'So we were towelling down. And then this other guy came in the door and it was Graham Coxon from Blur. I mean, we didn't know that at the time. And he was coming in because he thought he'd left something behind in the dressing room. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Breaking Breaking 'Tony grabbed him and rammed him up against the wall. And he said, 'I thought I told you to f*** off!' I think he gave him a dig.' Steve added: 'I never got to meet him again after that, but I always wanted to apologise.' Róisín O says Vogue Williams 'fan-girled' over her mam Mary Black Episode 4 of the Fields of Dreams podcast examines the astonishing quality of the scene nationally in the 1980s and '90s which resulted in many Irish bands — including Founder member Fiachna O'Braonain recalls a shock visit from Irish broadcasting royalty while over in London and about to head out and perform on legendary Advertisement He said: 'We get a call from security. They say, 'There's a guy here, he says he's come to see you. He's from Connemara, and he's come all the way over to see you guys, and his name is Sean Ban Breathnach'.' The POITIN IN HAND Fiachna added: 'F***ing SBB is here! So we go, 'Yes, let him in'. SBB arrives in… he had a bottle of poitin with him.' The Fields of Dreams podcast also hears hilarious stories from Sharon Shannon, the accordion star who was propelled into fame with Advertisement Just before her debut album became the biggest selling trad album in Irish history, she toured with the Whole Of The Moon hitmakers for 18 months. Mike Scott decided they needed to tour on a massive bus, which they took to the Shannon farm in the west of Ireland one day. BIG HOOLEY She said: 'I don't know how it even fitted on the road. The road to our house where I grew up is a tiny little road with grass in the middle of it. I don't even know if my parents were expecting us. 'And this huge, big, luxurious bus comes in, drives into the driveway of the old farmhouse at Advertisement 'My mother was putting dinners in front of them. And if they were staying for any length, any long period of time, the bottle of whiskey would be out as well. 'So we had a mighty big hooley, a big session. FEEDING THE LAMB 'And I remember Noel Bridgman, the drummer in the band, had a pet lamb, one of our pet lambs in his lap, and he was feeding the lamb with the bottle of milk. 'I can't get over that. Advertisement 'Real cool, you know, the leather trousers and the beautiful long hair and Steve with the feathers in his hat and all this — and all of them here in the middle of this old country farmhouse having a drink of whiskey and having a big session and feeding the lamb.' This episode also focuses on the charity single craze which began with 5 Hothouse Flowers star Fiachna O'Braonain got a shock visit from from Irish broadcasting royalty while over in London Credit: Redferns The 14-hour gig in Advertisement However, the event was criticised before it even began. Some saw it as doing the work of government, and the fury levelled at its main players left lasting marks on some. These include Paul Doran, who co-wrote the song Make It Work — derided as 'Make it Worse' by some folk at the time — with Christy Moore. Make It Work topped the charts in May 1986. For Doran, the instant fame, his struggles to deal with the attention and the criticism, and then failure to capitalise on what was a good song left a bitter aftertaste. Advertisement 'A BIT OF A SHOCK' He revealed: 'I became very, very well known almost overnight, you know. 'And then to have people kind of criticizing this event that you're associated with and best known for, it was all a bit of a shock to the system really. 'I guess I didn't really know how to handle it. 'So yeah, my thoughts have changed over the years. There are times when I cursed it and thought, 'God, you know that's the only thing I'm known for'. Advertisement 'Tony grabbed him and rammed him up against the wall. And he said, 'I thought I told you to fk off!' I think he gave him a dig.' Steve Wall 'It's a kind of a weight around my neck, you know — it's that kind of thing. 'I didn't capitalise on it at all.' REGRETS Paul continued: 'I regretted that at times, especially when I was on hard times in my life, and I was broke, and you know what I mean, I would say, oh, why didn't you do that?' That followed 1985's Show Some Concern, by a 'supergroup' called The Concerned. Advertisement Mike Hanrahan from Stockton's Wing was among those who joined forces for the single that topped the charts. However, he admitted: 'If I'm been really honest about it, I think it's more of getting your face in the video, you know? 'PUBLICITY FEST' 'Those things… that was a publicity fest for artists. 'Maybe I'm a bit cynical — but what's wrong with that?' Singing superstar Mary Black also lifts the lid on the time Christy Moore kind of gatecrashed her wedding. Advertisement The Field of Dreams podcast harks back to the time when she was starting to make waves as a solo singer in 1980. It was when the She said: 'I got married on March 6, 1980, and the wedding had to be stopped. 'Because it was being aired at half 9 that night, and we all squeezed into this room. Advertisement 'We were down in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin, having a knees-up wedding, and everything had to stop so they could see Mary on television singing on the Christy Moore show.' EPISODE four of Fields of Dreams is out now on 5 The Waterboys star Mike Scott insisted they needed to tour on a massive bus Credit: Redferns
Irish Independent
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Legendary Irish band Hothouse Flowers heading to Wexford for guitar festival
Fresh from an extensive UK tour, including a coveted slot on the Glastonbury Festival Acoustic Stage, their return to Irish soil promises to be one of the highlights of the summer. Celebrating 40 years of music, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Fiachna Ó Braonáin have carved out a unique place in Irish music history by doing things entirely on their own terms. 'The way we've operated over the past 20 years, if not more, has been kind of flying by the seat of our pants, a bit like we did in the very beginning,' said Ó Braonáin. 'It's back to the spirit of busking and improvisation and making up things as you go along.' That same spirit continues to drive the band today, making each performance a unique event. With no rigid plan or formula, Hothouse Flowers thrives on spontaneity, both on and off the stage, creating a truly magical connection with their audience. Just two nights earlier, on Thursday, July 17, the festival opens with a very special appearance by Eric Bibb, the globally revered, Grammy nominated American bluesman, whose music blends deeply personal storytelling with powerful social insight. With a career spanning five decades and over 40 albums, Bibb's concert in New Ross marks his only Irish date this summer. Raised in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village folk scene, Bibb was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical and civil rights activism. Icons like Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger were frequent visitors to his family home, and those early influences shaped a voice grounded in blues and folk, infused with soul, spirituality, and reflection. Though often described as a bluesman, Bibb transcends genre. His performances are a blend of heartfelt storytelling, intricate fingerpicking, and an unmistakable message of hope and humanity. Together, Eric Bibb and Hothouse Flowers represent two powerful poles of the musical spectrum, American blues and Irish rock, yet both are united by their authenticity, emotional depth, and the ability to create unforgettable live experiences. These powerhouse performances are part of the New Ross Guitar Festival 2025, which upon the back of its previous success, is now entering its fourth year. From July 17 to 20, the festival will transform the town and surrounding villages into a vibrant hub of music with free public events, an exclusive masterclass and world-class concerts of internationally acclaimed artists including Paris-based classical guitarist Vera Danilina and Ireland's own John Feeley. It's a celebration of the guitar in all its forms including blues, classical, traditional, folk, and beyond, which will be heard in various venues across the town such as St. Michael's Theatre, St. Mary's Church, and Killesk Church in Duncannon. Festival Artistic Director David Creevy commented: 'To welcome both Eric Bibb and Hothouse Flowers in one weekend is an absolute dream. These are artists who don't just perform, they connect, uplift, and leave lasting impressions. We're honoured to have them here for New Ross Guitar Festival.' Tickets are available online at or contact St Michael's Theatre on 051 421255.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hothouse Flowers 'privileged' to play at new Torquay music venue
The Hothouse Flowers are among the musicians who have welcomed a new music in Torquay, saying it could be a game-changer in a challenging industry. Arena, which aims to offer a varied range of events, has been praised for its potential to support both established and grassroots Ó Maonlaí of the band, which played at the venue last week, expressed his excitement about Arena, highlighting the importance of live music spaces. "It's a privilege to mark a place with your sound," he said. The Irish rockers emphasised the significance of live music venues, especially as many are closing down, citing the recent closure of Sheffield's Leadmill."The welcome we were given here was like as if we could lie on the hands and just float," said Ó Maonlaí. "With your tribe, you can fill a room. It's up to you then to refill that room."Bandmate Fiachna Ó Braonáin said: "We need our live music venues more than ever, because live music is so important." Steve Garratt, co-director of Arena, believes that offering a mix of events was crucial for sustainability. "If we just offered music, as much as we love it, we might be closed within a year," he said. The venue, with a capacity of 1,200 standing, aims to cater to diverse bands like 3 Days of Wonder are hopeful that Arena will help build a local music scene. "We want to explore new places, play to different crowds, and build our local scene," said Luke Notman from the band.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
International stars and local legends to unite across multiple stages during New Ross Guitar Festival
The festival is set to ignite the town from Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20, with an array of musical performances that span genres from blues to classical to Irish rock music, while plans are also under way to expand the event to locations across Duncannon beach. This year's festival promises an unforgettable experience in the vibrant community of New Ross, with the support and sponsorship of Wexford County Council and taking centre stage are the Irish legends, The Hothouse Flowers. Fronted by the charismatic Liam Ó Maonlaí and Fiachna Ó Braonáin, the band is renowned for its unpredictable energy and raw musical power. Reminiscent of their days on Dublin's late-night dancefloors, The Hothouse Flowers blend a grand repertoire with spontaneous improvisation, promising to evoke deep emotional nostalgia and keep the audience rocking in the aisles. The New Ross Guitar Festival, which began in 2022, has quickly established itself as an exciting platform where Irish and international guitarists of the highest calibre come together to celebrate a wide array of guitar genres. With a vision to inspire a new generation to experience the benefits of playing a dynamic instrument, the festival continually develops its diverse line-up. Artistic Director, David Creevy, reflected on the three-year journey and said: "We are delighted with how the festival is evolving, with fresh programming and events that continue to celebrate diverse guitar styles while also offering more accessible experiences for all. The success of past festivals has only strengthened our committee's bond as we work together with the community to curate an experience that I believe is truly special, something I am incredibly proud of and grateful for." Also lined up for the event and equally as captivating as the Hothouse Flowers, is Grammy-nominated American blues pioneer Eric Bibb, whose signature fingerpicking and expressive vocals have earned him global recognition. With both folk and blues influences, Bibb's dynamic style defies simple categorization, inviting concert-goers on a journey of heartfelt storytelling as he reflects on both world events and personal experiences. Among the other featured performers is the internationally acclaimed Vera Danilina. Celebrated for her captivating stage presence, virtuosic talent and stunning tone, Vera has dazzled audiences at prestigious venues across Europe, Asia, and America. Her diverse repertoire showcases both her technical brilliance and profound musical sensitivity. In addition, an exclusive masterclass with Vera will provide four aspiring guitarists the unique chance to learn from her insights into technical and artistic challenges which is a rare opportunity for budding musicians. The Festival also welcomes back John Feeley who has been described by the Washington Post as "Ireland's leading classical guitarist." Feeley has captivated audiences worldwide with performances at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, L'Arena in Verona, and New York's Carnegie Hall. Performing in the more intimate setting of Killesk Church in Duncannon, Feeley will showcase the mastery that has earned him international acclaim. The haunting acoustics of the venue will beautifully capture his exquisite tone, promising an unforgettable evening. Local sounds come to the forefront with Kiss my Grass, a vibrant bluegrass and Americana band from Wexford. Their toe-tapping, foot-stomping performance in the new outdoor venue at Brennan's Lane in New Ross promises a refreshing twist on favourite tunes, making it the perfect free event for friends and families. Meanwhile, other destinations of the festival's concerts will be held in some of the area's most iconic venues, with performances in New Ross taking place at St. Michael's Theatre and St. Mary's Church. ADVERTISEMENT Not to be missed is the first-ever Busking on the Beach event at Wexford's kilometre-long Duncannon Beach, right under the shadow of its 16th-century fort, staged in collaboration with This free event, held on Sunday, July 20, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., will showcase musicians across genres, from classical and blues to bluegrass, trad, pop, rock, and country. Performances will be at three dedicated areas: Roche's Green, the Bass Rock, and near the beach apartments. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Duncannon Beach Market will feature a host of handcrafted gifts, while visitors to the village can also enjoy the inviting ambience of two pubs, two cafes, and a local shop. Adding to the Director's comments, local Councillor Brídín Murphy, Chair of the Festival, welcomed the festival's expansion: 'We're delighted to have such a strong line up for the guitar festival this year and very pleased to announce two additional free public events in the form of an open air concert featuring Kiss my Grass in the new public performing space at Brennans Lane, and the eagerly anticipated Busking on the Beach on Duncannon Strand which we are staging in collaboration with
