'An infrequent conversation between fans of music, some of it long-lost’
The recent passing of John Douglas, a founding member of the band Trashcan Sinatras, has sparked reflection on life, music, and memory. His music served as a profound connection to personal and collective experiences. Douglas's legacy, enriched by his humble nature and artistic contributions, will be deeply missed by fans and loved ones alike.
In a contemplative guest post, Kieran Cunningham reflects on his personal journey following major life changes, including open-heart surgery and a cancer diagnosis. He expresses deep grief over the loss of family members and the impact of multiple tragedies, feeling emotionally closed off. As he navigates health challenges, Cunningham revisits poignant memories from his childhood, particularly the summer of 1996, blending music and nostalgia. He acknowledges the complexity of coping with illness and loss, emphasizing the role of music in helping him process his experiences and seek connection amid sorrow.
On April 10, 1999, I was in the producer’s chair in Studio 4 in RTÉ while we aired a special episode of a live Saturday night chat show called Kenny Live, hosted by Pat Kenny. The show was paying its respects to the late actor and comedian, Dermot Morgan, who died unexpectedly the previous year... Continue Reading →
In a triumphant return to Dublin’s 3Arena, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker took fans on a nostalgic journey through the band’s early Irish gigs—culminating in a sharp, hilarious callback to their very first Dublin show in 1993 at The Rock Garden. This piece dives into that chaotic, shoestring early gig, the roots of the city’s live music scene in the '80s and '90s, and the long, winding road Pulp took to stardom. From basement venues to festival stages, dodgy hotels to stolen gear, this is a story of perseverance, wit, and a band that finally claimed its moment—thirty years in the making
In this evocative and sharply tailored piece, David Heffernan takes us back to the dancefloors of 1970s Ireland — a world of mohair suits, platform shoes, and Dubonnet-fuelled dreams. From the revolutionary roots of disco in marginalised communities in New York to its shimmering takeover of Dublin’s club scene, Heffernan traces the music's global rise and local resonance. Part memoir, part cultural history, YES, DISCO unearths the glamour and grit of venues like Lord John and Sloopy’s, the fading charm of O’Connell Street, and the new urban identities being forged beneath spinning mirror balls. With nods to everyone from Donna Summer to U2, and stories of love, change, and weekend DJ sets in basement clubs, this is a vibrant portrait of a pivotal moment in Irish nightlife. For anyone who ever danced, or wanted to, this is a joyful, personal, and richly textured celebration of disco's pulse — and its enduring invitation to simply let go.
The Blackpool Sentinel 
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