Slane Castle, Co Meath Tomorrow Noon 79 (sold out) 0818-719300
Is this a case of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em? Look, Kings of Leon aren’t the worst spectacularly successful rock band around. If you can take their shtick (streamlined Southern-fried rock influenced by the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Canned Heat and Black Crowes) with a beer in one hand and a burger in the other, then we see no problem with that.
The only potential issue with this band playing such a large space is their noted lack of on-stage charisma. Factor in a number of their one-dimensional songs, and you have the possibility of a dull finale to what could be a great day out.
Maybe we’ll leave the emotional core of the event to Elbow, the UK band that seem to specialise in sturdy, slow- burning tunes that push, pull and pluck the heartstrings until you submit. Or will new kids on the block Mona get the crowd going every which way but loose? We’ll see. Other supports acts on the day include The Whigs, White Lies and Thin Lizzy.
Oh, yes – happy 30th anniversary, Slane!
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