The 50 Hottest Tickets This Summer! Part 1: 50-36.

This summer sees quite a few great gigs around the country. As a result, I am going to do a three part countdown on the top 50 that I have chosen. Parts one and two will consist of 15 selections and the third part will be the top 20. The plan is to publish one a night for the next 3 anyway. Opinions are welcome as always! And yes, I stole the "where" and "why" format from an NME article but hey - the system works!

50. Eels
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because E and co. are at the top of their game – End Times may just be their best work yet!

49. Pendulum
Where? Olympia Theatre, Dublin on May 18th.
Why? Because despite sound like a poor man’s Muse on record, their live shows have a fantastic reputation for a reason.

48. Imelda May
Where? The Royal Castlebar Theatre, Tramore Racecourse and the INEC, Killarney on June 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
Why? The voice – she was the highlight of the Grammy’s when she performed with Jeff Beck and this is a great opportunity to catch her around the country.

47. Megadeth
Where? The Marquee, Cork on June 14th.
Why? Thrash metal legends in Cork? Not going to happen to often!

46. Wolf Parade
Where? Vicar Street on May 20th.
Why? Because if the two sneak previews from their new album are anything to go by they are back to their best.

45. Beach House
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? The gorgeous Teen Dream was one of the highlights of the early months of the year.

44. Steve Mason
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? The Beta Band man is back in town, alone this time. His solo record Boys Outside was a great release.

43. Dirty Projectors
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because Bitte Orca was the best album released last year.

42. Cork XSW [Festival]
Where? Skibbereen on the August Bank Holiday Weekend
Why? Bonnie “Prince” Billy is confirmed, and last year’s was a real highlight of the summer months.

41. Laura Marling
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Her new album, I Speak Because I Can, showed real growth. Even in the biggest arena, she makes the performance feel totally intimate.

40. Paul Weller
Where? Live at the Marquee, Cork on June 27th & Sea Sessions, Bundoran on June 26th.
Why? The Modfather is back. Not to be missed!

39. Deep Purple
Where? Live at the Marquee, Cork on June 30th
Why? Classic Rock at it’s finest. Is it worth coming to see Smoke on the Water alone?

38. Pearl Jam
Where? The O2, Dublin on June 22nd.
Why? The last remnant of the grunge era on tour… Aside from the reunited Soundgarden that is.

37. Mumford & Sons
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th & Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Sigh No More was a refreshing change in the alternative music releases in the last year. They are playing both major festivals so you’ve no excuse for missing out!

36. The Drums
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th
Why? To see what all the hype is about, of course. They are the hottest new thing on the indie scene.