Dermot Kennedy and Noel Hogan and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries have been announced as the latest additions to the line-up for Hot Press History in the Making: The Concert. Friday 6th February, 3Arena.
They join a star-studded line-up that already includes some of the biggest names in Irish music history, on what promises to be the perfect start to every fan’s musical adventures in 2026.
“We wanted to make this an historic night for Irish music.” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, “and that’s exactly how it is shaping up. The quality of the artists who have come together for this show is absolutely incredible, with different generations and genres all ready to give their all, in what will be a magnificent celebration of Irish music and Irish musicians. It is a proper feast for anyone who lives Irish music.”
History In The Making: the Concert is the opening salvo in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of Hot Press. The event represents a massive celebration of the role the magazine has played in highlighting Irish talent and championing Irish music for almost five decades.
History In The Making: The Concert is supported by the Bauer Media Group and Go Loud.
The line-up for this utterly unique 3Arena show includes:
Van Morrison
Dermot Kennedy
Noel Hogan and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries
Imelda May
The Boomtown Rats
The Frames
Damien Dempsey
Clannad
Picture This
Florence Road
Belters Only
Denise Chaila
Irish Women in Harmony
Special Guest: Michael D. Higgins with Myles O’Reilly
Tickets, priced €68.20 – €88.75 are available via Ticketmaster.ie
“I want to say a huge thanks to all of the artists who have jumped on board for the show,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes added. “There is so much extraordinary talent here, across all genres of music in Ireland – and the calibre of the artists is utterly exceptional. We are all really looking forward to a night of extraordinary music to kick start our 50th Anniversary activities. It is going to be one of those amazing, special occasions.”
Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats added: “We grew up together Hot Press and the Rats. While we got big, the magazine grew. And grew. You know all the names that followed that wouldn’t have, had it not been for this fabulous paper Hot Press, that was acerbic, irreverent, funny, admiring, critical, enthusiastic. Positive in what was then an island of total Negative.
“Hot Press gave space in its pages for new writers, new thoughts – for modernity. It posited, felt like and helped to create OUR Ireland. A newer, fresher, very different and much more open and progressive country.
“Hot Press has never stopped tracking – and promoting – the flow of musical, political and intellectual ideas of the country. It has constantly encouraged every new band with something to say. It has baptised them and sent them on their way.
“Hot Press is approaching 50! Amazing. Congrats. Well done. Thanks for everything…Hail, Hail Rock ‘n Roll.”