Latest news with #VanMorrison
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Inside the luxurious ‘once-in-a-generation' Killiney home that's on sale for €10m, and has Bono and Enya as neighbours
Mount Mapas House, a Georgian home with unobstructed views of the sea from Killiney Bay to Bray Head, has a drawing room, a sauna, multiple marble fireplaces and direct access to the beach below. It has been owned by many high-profile figures throughout its lifetime, including a prominent Dublin surgeon, top civil servants, a former manager of the Daily Irish Independent in the 1900s and the late Cormac O'Connell, one of Ireland's best-known pharmacists, who bought the property for £2.3m at auction in 1997. Neighbours past and present have included singer Van Morrison, ex-Formula One driver Eddie Irvine and Simple Minds star Jim Kerr. The six-bed, four-bath property has been described as 'one of the finest homes to come to market' this year, offering 'a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a coastal Georgian masterpiece'. It has landscaped gardens spanning 1.25 acres and was one of the first houses built on the corner of Vico Road in the affluent area of Killiney, just beyond Dalkey, around 1800. The property has been described as a house with 'timeless grandeur' and as 'a fine example of an early 19th-century villa with a graceful ironwork veranda at first floor level that lends it a distinctly colonial elegance', with a terrace that once provided 'driveway space for carriages'. The house, which spans approximately 585 sq m, with 'stately architectural heritage and refined contemporary luxury' is private despite its place on one of Dublin's most sought-after roads. 'Mount Mapas House is not merely a residence – it is a legacy. A home that offers stately elegance, modern comfort, unmatched views, and a prestigious address,' the estate agent, Lisney Sotheby's, said. It has a reception hall, a drawing room, a dining room, sash windows, a split-level staircase with 'a magnificent cathedral-style skylight', a family bathroom with a sauna, a 'guest cloaks area' and a reception room. The main bedroom, along with a bay window and panoramic views, also has an intercom to the front door, a digital security alarm panel and a CCTV camera control panel. One en-suite bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, while another has 'a power steam shower room'. A conservatory overlooks 'the pond and bridge to the rear gardens and planting to the side and double folding double glazed French doors opening out to the patio area which looks directly out over the grounds and Killiney Bay'. There is also a dining terrace in the tiered gardens, which include direct private access to Killiney beach, and a 120m deep natural well with a pump and filter for drinking water and garden watering.
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
New Irish albums reviewed and rated: Van Morrison, 49th & Main, Baba, Liffey Light Orchestra, Kean Kavanagh and A Smyth
Van Morrison: Remembering Now (Virgin/Exile) ★★★★ Van Morrison: Remembering Now Van Morrison 's strike rate of seven albums in the past five years has been perhaps a tad overgenerous. Inevitably, quantity rode roughshod over quality. Yet his 47th studio album is easily his best since the lyrical Avalon Sunset, from 1989. Songs such as (the self-referencing) Haven't Lost My Sense of Wonder, Cutting Corners, Once in a Lifetime Feelings, Stomping Ground ('See where I started from'), the mantra-like title track, and the superb nine-minute closer, Stretching Out, find Morrison in reflective, beautifully autumnal mood. 49th & Main: Happy Tears (Counter/Ninja Tune) ★★★★ 49th & Main: Happy Tears After four years of gigging like there's no tomorrow, racking up more than 100 million streams, and suffering a lengthy bout of illness, the Kilkenny schoolfriends Ben O'Sullivan and Paddy King finally release their debut album. O'Sullivan's period of convalescence has proven beneficial, as the fresher material (Rewind, Hold On, Feels Right) generates more than the usual indie-electronic sparks. Throughout, there are nods to identity (the folksiness of Ardbeg, the Irish-language manifesto of Invictus), tenderness (Glenmalure Blue) and sleek techno push and pull (Distractions, Come Home, Mr Rain). Baba: Truth (Self-Released/Baba) ★★★ Baba: Truth 'To breathe, I had to let myself drown,' Siobhán Lynch sings on the title track of her seriously soulful debut album. She tells some deeply sad stories through the lyrics of Truth's nine songs – but also know that life goes on despite the turmoil. Stylistically, this is depth-charged soul/pop delivered by a singer whose nuanced style references Adele and, in particular, Duffy but whose voice is very much her own. Liffey Light Orchestra: Jigs and Other Stories (Legal) ★★★ Liffey Light Orchestra: Jigs and Other Stories Anyone with a hankering for 1970s prog rock should lend an ear to the latest album from Liffey Light Orchestra, Paul Egan's infrequent ensemble group. Jigs and Other Stories nods to the intricacies of Mike Oldfield, Rick Wakeman and Focus, among others, but also waves to Pentangle (Margarita Time), Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin (Jig for Micheál) and Michael Quatro (Grande Duchesse). Noted Irish musicians (including David Agnew, Michael Buckley, Anto Drennan and Philip Begley) feature throughout, but at the centre of it all is Egan's skill at holding it all together with musical style and wit. READ MORE Kean Kavanagh: The County Star (Heaven-Sent) ★★★ Kean Kavanagh: The County Star Kean Kavanagh has undertaken a notable stylistic shift with his new album. Swerving from hip-hop beats to punchy Americana with a side order of Irish folk is something few people would have expected, but Kavanagh is smart about it. As with Kojaque, his Soft Boy Records cofounder, an identity switch drives the song narratives, with Kavanagh (who was born in Houston, Texas) adopting the character of a cowboy and filtering that through layered songs centred on his hometown of Portlaoise. A Smyth: Hello Goliath (Lover Records) ★★★★ Hello Goliath: A Smyth Life, says Aaron Smyth, is all about balance. Which is probably why it has taken him four years to follow up his sterling 2021 solo debut album, Last Animals . Hello Goliath looks into the face of what can seem insurmountable – making time for what you want to do as well as what you have to do – but manages to resolve the challenge. Smyth's songs are a superior blend of familiar styles, taking constituent parts of psych-pop, country-rock and Americana to create memorable, textured work.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Here's every single artist who has headlined Glastonbury since 1970
Glastonbury Festival is legendary, pulling in some of the biggest names in music throughout its 53-year legacy, from David Bowie to Sir Elton John. Speculation over who will take to the Pyramid Stage is always huge, with The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo taking the crowns for 2025's lineup. Looking back at the incredible headliners, it's no surprise that even legends have to wait their turn (unless you're Coldplay, who, as of 2024, have played five times and hold the record for most times as headliner). Come rain or shine, Glastonbury is usually held in late June but not every year as the ground needs to recover with the occasional fallow year — just like next year. Ever since the Somerset music festival opened its doors in 1970, it's pulled in some massive names, especially for a gig that only cost £1 to get into originally. With anticipation for 2025 at an all-time high, we look fondly back at the headliners who've come before… 1970 – T. Rex Tyrannosaurus Rex (soon to be took the first-ever top spot for the launch of Glastonbury Festival after The Kinks pulled out. 1971 – David Bowie Ziggy Stardust became a headliner after Pink Floyd cancelled and, despite his icon status, he would only headline one more time. 1972 to 1977 – No Glasto! 1978 – No headliner This one is known as the 'impromptu' festival with no headliners as such. 1979 – Tim Blake and Peter Gabriel 1981 – Ginger Baker, Hawkwind, and Taj Mahal 1982 – Van Morrison, Jackson Browne 1983 – Curtis Mayfield, UB40 1984 – Weather Report, Black Uhuru and The Smiths 1985 – Echo & The Bunnymen, Joe Cocker and The Boomtown Rats The Style Council and The Pogues also performed but didn't get the top billing. 1986 – The Psychedelic Furs, Level 42, and The Cure Festival goers could also see Madness and Simply Red, with tickets costing less than £20. 1987 – The Communards, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison 1989 – Suzanne Vega, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison This year saw some firsts with the first consecutive headliners, as the festival skipped 1988, plus Suzanne Vega as the first-ever female headliner 12 Glastos in! 1990 – The Cure, Happy Mondays and Sinead O'Connor 1992 – Carter USM, Youssou N'Dour and Shakespeare's Sister 1993 – The Black Crowes, Christy Moore and Lenny Kravitz Red Hot Chilli Peppers were set in the headline slot but decided to drop out of the then £58 festival. 1994 – Levellers, Peter Gabriel and Elvis Costello Lower on the listing were some truly incredible talents and future headliners with Johnny Cash, Rage Against the Machine, Radiohead, Blur, Oasis, and Bjork all performing at the festival. 1995 – Pulp, Oasis, and The Cure 1997 – Ash, The Prodigy, and Radiohead 1998 – Primal Scream, Pulp and Blur 1999 – Skunk Anansie, REM, and Manic Street Preachers This year saw two Glastonbury debuts from future Pyramid Stage headliners Muse and Coldplay. 2000 – Travis, The Chemical Brothers and David Bowie Fans this year were treated to an extra special show as this is the last time the Heroes legend would take to the Pyramid Stage. 2002 – Rod Stewart, Stereophonics and Coldplay 2003 – Moby, REM, and Radiohead 2004 – Muse, Oasis, and Sir Paul McCartney Bellamy, Muse's guitarist, gave the band's headlining performance some extra spark when he smashed his guitar on stage. 2005 – Basement Jaxx, The White Stripes, and Coldplay Jack White has returned to Worthy Farm since but the White Stripes split shortly after this. 2005 was also the year the legendary Kylie Minogue was set to headline but cancelled last minute. 2006 – Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Who All first-time headliners this year in an impressive lineup but elsewhere icon Adele was chasing pavements — 10 years before taking the headline spot. 2008 – Kings of Leon, The Verve and Jay Z Every year without fail, Kings of Leon are mentioned as possible headliners; this is the one time it proved to be true. On Sunday, Jay Z made history as the first hip hop headliner, much to Noel Gallagher's chagrin. 2009 – Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Blur 2010 – Muse, Stevie Wonder and Gorillaz 2011 – Coldplay, U2 and Beyonce While Coldplay returned to the festival for the umpteenth time, U2 managed to nab a headline after dropping out the year before (replaced by Gorillaz). Beyonce was the first solo female headliner since Sinead O'Connor and only the third solo female ever. 2013 – Mumford & Sons, Arctic Monkeys and The Rolling Stones 2014 – Arcade Fire, Kasabian and Metallica Dolly Parton was also here for this year's Legend slot and pulled in a massive crowd despite not headlining. 2015 – Kanye West, Florence & The Machine, and The Who Florence only took the top spot after the Foo Fighters dropped out and Ye proved a controversial choice (not for the reasons he would be now, though). 2016 – Muse, Coldplay and Adele 2017 – Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran 2019 – Stormzy, The Killers and The Cure 2020 – Kendrick Lamar, Sir Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift Only it never happened because, as we all remember, the world was put on pause in the global pandemic. Sir Paul and Taylor have reunited, though, at her Eras Tour in London, while Kendrick featured on her track Bad Blood. This lineup would have been legendary. 2022 – Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar and Sir Paul McCartney In a slight switch-up of the promised 2020 headliners, Billie became the youngest-ever headliner while Sir Paul took the title of oldest-ever headliner. 2023 – Arctic Monkeys, Guns N' Roses, and Sir Elton John A double debut from two icons here – both Guns N' Roses and Sir Elton had never headlined before. 2024 – Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Sza Yes, Coldplay again. It's no secret that this line-up caused a little controversy with fans complaining. However, it is also one for the history books as it marked the first time two headline slots have been taken up by female performers – it only took 54 years! More Trending 2025 – The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo Another American pop princess, Olivia Rodrigo, is set to headline and close the show on Sunday — a risky choice after Sza failed to impress but fans have faith in her ability to turn out a show. The 1975 are also a controversial one, as frontman Matty Healy has a tendency to be an absolute menace. Neil Young is probably also controversial to someone, so pinch of salt with the complaints. Other big names this year are Charli XCX being Brat and the return of The Prodigy, as well as Patchwork rumours and our legend, Sir Rod Stewart. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: AliExpress to stock Pop Mart's viral Labubu's ahead of unmissable sale MORE: 'Secret Glastonbury performers' celebrate UK number 1 album weeks before festival MORE: From Glastonbury to Wilderness – what to wear this festival season
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Keltic Storm brings Ultimate Irish Hooley to Airdrie
Billed as the Ultimate Irish Hooley, the event at Airdrie Town Hall on August 2 is promising a night of high-octane music, comedy sketches, and traditional Irish reels and jigs. With an all-star cast of musicians, legendary Irish songs and party anthems from artists like The Pogues, The Dubliners, Christy Moore, Van Morrison, and Thin Lizzy are all expected to grace the evening's festivities. Read more: No trains to run on part of major Glasgow railway line this weekend Why this pub with a 'mind-blowing' selection of whiskies is Glasgow's top-rated Brand-new food spot to open 'first' of its kind drive-thru in Glasgow A surprise performance from a Donegal artist is also expected to be part of the event. The event starts at 7.30pm. For tickets and further details, contact the box office on 01698 274545 or visit the website
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Van Morrison talks about his new album, an excess of songs, and his Covid backlash
Few musicians are so productive in their old age. For quite some time now, Van Morrison – now 79 years old – has brought out a new album every year, and now he has a problem that other recording artists would envy: too much material. Advertisement The restless Belfast belter of soulful stream-of-consciousness has recorded so much music that he has a backlog of songs waiting to be released. 'There are new arrangements and projects that have just been sitting there gathering dust,' Morrison says in an interview published on his website. 'Distribution can only deal with so much at a time. It'd be difficult to get out two records a year. One is manageable.' With his latest album, Remembering Now, Van Morrison is tackling some of the backlog with songs he recorded years ago. One is the moody opening number 'Down to Joy', which film buffs should recognise as the Oscar-nominated track from the 2021 film Belfast by Kenneth Branagh.
