Richard Purden

Growing up, Metallica felt like a subcultural band, something passed between metal fans. At school, a handful of us would gather in the music room, trading tapes and playing tracks such as Orion or For Whom the Bell Tolls. Some parents confiscated records or T-shirts, which only made them more desirable. In October 1992, a […]

The long road to the Castle. Callum Beattie will headline one of the biggest concerts of his career next week before moving on to another extraordinary date later this year, when he’ll perform alongside members of David Bowie’s legendary band at the Bowie: Live on the Loch charity event alongside Duff from Guns N’ Roses […]

From Van Morrison to the blues and the Fleadh, Belfast is the perfect destination for music-lovers

Hothouse Flowers emerged during the late 1980s with a run of singles that quickly established them as one of the most distinctive Irish bands of the era. Don’t Go, from their 1988 debut album People, was a breakthrough hit, reaching No.11 in the UK singles chart. They cemented their reputation as a formidable live act, […]

Three songs from 1996’s breakthrough album “Casanova” took the audience back to the band’s heyday. Hidden behind dark sunglasses and dressed in a dark pinstriped suit over a black shirt, Neil Hannon cut a suitably enigmatic figure as he launched into opener “Something for the Weekend”. Despite the Usher Hall being an all-seated affair, “Becoming […]

Three songs from 1996's breakthrough album “Casanova” took the audience back to the band's heyday.

Motherland star Paul Ready, talking about his Scottish roots, male friendship and his Edinburgh Fringe debut.

What began as a modest anniversary celebration of The Pogues' debut Red Roses For Me in 2024 provided a connection between the band's history and

Opening with the Talking Heads classic “Heaven”, Byrne immediately sets the tone, blending concert, theatre, dance and multimedia. The stage feels like a small community, with Byrne surrounded by musicians and dancers, all dressed in matching blue suits, blurring the boundaries between band and theatre company. They move between instruments and choreography with each track, […]

Andy Burnham has spent much of his political life refusing to accept that football exists separately from society.