Some of our favourite memories of the year gone by came courtesy of some great bands at some great festivals.
From the juggernaut that is Electric Picnic to the smaller events staking their claim on the scene, fair play to everyone involved for creating some really stand-out moments.
Here are a few that spring to mind…
We Cut Corners covering Sinead O’Connor’s Mandinka at Electric Picnic
It’s been a big year for Dublin act We Cut Corners, with the release of Think Nothing and their biggest headliner yet at The Academy. Their cover of Sinead O’Connor’s iconic track at Stradbally gave us goosebumps and we can’t wait until they come in and record it for The Sunday Sessions in January!
Sam Smith performing Stay With Me at Longitude
He’s been described as the ‘male Adele’ and with good reason. Smith’s unique vocals sounded just as amazing at Marlay Park as they did on debut album In The Lonely Hour and when the massive crowd began singing along with the chorus, it was a really special moment.
Perfume Genius in the Body & Soul area at EP
Festivals are a series of peaks and troughs and for us, this set from Seattle’s Mike Hadreas in the B&S amphitheatre was the perfect soundtrack to the dying hours of this year’s Electric Picnic.
Royal Blood supporting Arctic Monkeys at Marlay Park
For many, this Arctic Monkeys set was the gig of the year but we think Royal Blood’s Kerr and Thatcher may have outshone the headliners. Even though they were the opening act of a long bill, they absolutely smashed it and left us wanting more.
The National at Iveagh Gardens
Matt Berninger and Co. can always be relied upon to deliver a captivating live performance and their two-night stint at Iveagh Gardens, complete with some epic crowdsurfing, was definitely one of our gigs of the summer.
Staring at Lakes – Other Voices
They fought for a spot in the IMRO Other Room and put it to good use. The Dingle festival has a reputation for being an launchpad for Irish acts and we reckon you’ll be hearing a lot more about these guys.
Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters at Live At The Marquee
He wowed at Electric Picnic last year and the former Led Zeppelin returned to Ireland in 2014 for dates in Cork and Dublin with an amazing band including Cast’s Liam ‘Skin’ Tyson and Judleh Camara. Watching this master at work was a sight to behold.
Sinead O’Connor at Electric Picnic
Sinead is still one of Ireland’s most underrated talents and owned the Main Stage at EP with her powerful vocals and evocative performance, treating fans to a later appearance at Vicar Street.
George Ezra singing Budapest at Longitude
This song took on a life of its own over the past year and the reaction from enthusiastic fans at Marlay was just brilliant.
Public Enemy at Indiependence
This is one Irish festival that seems to be getting better and better every year and this summer’s line-up was the bet yet.
Portishead at Electric Picnic
As the skies darkened, Beth Gibbons’ voice soared over Stradbally in one of the most spine-tingling moments of this year’s festival. Their first Irish appearance in 17 years, it was something truly something special.
