The Hottest Tickets of the Summer: The Top 50

Over the last few days I have been counting down my top 50 must-see gigs of the summer. The list was posted in three seperate parts so below I have decided to post the complete thing - in case you missed out on anything! Enjoy - and please share your views!!

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.

35. Jay-Z
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th-11th.
Why? It's fair to say that Jay-Z is at the peak of his powers now. Arguably the most powerful black man in the world (Aside from a certain Mr. Obama), and in terms of chart success he has never been so prolific on this side of the Atlantic.

34. Castlepalooza Music Festival
Where? Tullamore, Co. Offaly on July 31st and August 1st.
Why? With a line-up that includes Fionn Regan, Mercury Rev, James Vincent McMorrow, Codes, The Cast of Cheers, O Emperor and many more what's not to love at one of Ireland's best festivals.

33. The Beach Boys
Where? The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on June 26th.
Why? It's the Beach Boys. THE BEACH BOYS!? Couldn't find a more summery band. Just perfect.

32. Band of Horses
Where? The Tripod in Dublin on June 4th.
Why? Because their new record Infinite Arms is gorgeous. A really fantastic live band in a great venue.

31. Fight Like Apes
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because Fight Like Apes have a reputation as one of Ireland's best bands - their live reputation was a huge factor in this. Certainly gonna be one of the highlights in an already amazing festival line-up.

30. Bob Dylan
Where? Thomond Park, Limerick on 4th July.
Why? Because Bob Dylan simply is a legend. No self-respecting music fan can get through their life without having seen him once and with David Gray and Seasick Steve in support this is a great opportunity.

29. Vampire Weekend
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th
Why? Because in Contra and Vampire Weekend these guys have created two of the best indie albums in the last few years. Their creative afro-beat infused sound makes them really stand out from the indie crowd and are perfect in a festival atmosphere.

28. Blondie
Where? Vicar Street, Dublin on June 22nd and the Marquee, Cork on June 24th.
Why? The legendary Blondie cancelled a scheduled date at the Marquee last year and they come back this year to make up for it. With a set full of hits they are not to be missed.

27. Blink 182
Where? The O2 on August 31st.
Why? America's pop-punk heroes are on their reunion tour. Not everyone's cup of tea (Certainly not mine) but their show at the O2 may be the last time their fans get a chance to see them and will be filled their many hits.

26. The Black Keys
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because the duo's blues stylings are improving with each album - Brothers is among their best work yet. They only improve in the live arena. In an r&b filled Oxegen line-up, they are a breath of fresh air.

25. Beirut
Where? The Tripod, Dublin on August 24th.
Why? Zach Condon and co. are some of the most creative acts working in the alternative scene at the moment. Gulag Orkestar and The Flying Club Cup are filled with unique sounds and this is the first time they are bringing their live show to Ireland in years. No confirmation yet but rumours of a new album are gathering pace...

24. Adrian Crowley
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th. He also plays a solo show in the Button Factory on June 4th.
Why? The Choice Music Prize winner is one of the best musicians in Ireland at the moment. His latest album was a haunting and beautiful record. Not to be missed.

23. Villagers
Where? Cyprus Avenue on May 20th, The Button Factory on May 23rd, The Marquee on June 25th (with Grizzly Bear, Midlake & Camera Obscura) and Electric Picnic at the summer's end.
Why? Because he's bound to show up somewhere near you. Debut album Becoming A Jackal is set for release in just over a week and is set to be a fantastic album. Live appearances have been stunning so far too - great reviews from SXSW shows and an appearance on Jools Holland.

22. Sea Sessions
Where? Bundoran, Co. Donegal from 25th to 27th June.
Why? Acts already confirmed include James Vincent McMorrow, Fun Lovin' Criminals, FRED, Codes, Dark Room Notes, The Frank & Walters, Director, David Kitt, Cathy Davey, Tom Baxter, O Emperor, Heathers and headline act Paul Weller. This surf & music festival showcases the best in Irish music with a gorgeous relaxed atmosphere. A cheaper alternative for someone who doesn't want to shell out for the 'big 2' festivals.

21. The Antlers
Where? The Academy on May 24th
Why? Hospice is a haunting album. Unique and original in every way, the album tells a harrowing story of love and loss. In the live setting, the album loses some semblance of its intimacy but it gains so much too. These guys are one of the best acts on the alternative scene at the moment and really one to watch for in the next few years.

20. The Prodigy.
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? I caught these guys at Slane and was blown away. They have been at their very best lately, with their most recent album their best since their 1990s heyday. An energetic and incredible live show that is supposed to be even better at night. Not to be missed.

19. Indiependence Music Festival
Where? Mitchelstown, Co. Cork from July 31st to August 1st.
Why? Similarly to Castlepalooze, Indiependence is rapidly gathering a fantastic reputation for all the right reasons. Relaxed and intimate, it's a great [and pretty cheap] way to catch some of the best working bands doing the rounds this summer. This year, the line-up includes White Lies, Alabama 3, the Coronas, Reverend & the Makers, Duke Special, Delorentos, Jape, FRED, The Chapters, Codes and O Emperor, amongst others.

18. Kasabian
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Also caught these guys at Slane and, as good as the Prodigy were, Kasabian blew them out of the water. These guys have grown into an exceptional live band - energy fuelled and anthemic. They have really grown into the bravado and swagger they've exuded since day one with album number 3, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, a surprise hit last year.

17. Paul McCartney
Where? RDS, Dublin on June 12th.
Why? How many Beatles are still doing the rounds? A set filled with Beatles, Wings and solo hits - this one should be fantastic. But hey, if I have to sell PAUL MCCARTNEY to you then there's no hope is there?

16. Eminem
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because, love him or loath him [I am certainly in the latter bracket] this will be the most talked about show of the summer. A controversial choice to headline Ireland's rock & roll festival, Marshall Mathers has had dozens of hits and is a megastar the world over. If he actually shows up, this could be a huge coup for Oxegen. Or a complete disaster.

15. Gil Scott-Heron
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? The legendary poet and musician is one of the stand out acts in a stunning Electric Picnic bill. A hugely influential and unique artist. Not to be missed.

14. The Tallest Man on Earth
Where? Whelan's, Dublin on June 10th.
Why? His sophomore album was one of the most beautiful record released in recent years. A folk album with the most intricate and stunning song-writing I have heard in a long time. Be prepared to fall in love...

13. Hot Chip
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th & Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because they are the best electronic act in the world today. One Life Stand confirmed this status - with appearances at BOTH major festivals, they are not to be missed.

12. James Vincent McMorrow
Where? The Pavillion, Cork on June 9th, The Spirit Store, Dundalk on June 10th, Roisin Dubh in Galway on June 11th, Whelan's, Dublin on June 17th, Sky & Ground, Wexford on June 19th, Sea Sessions in Bundoran on June 27th and Castlepalooza on July 31st or August 1st.
Why? Because he's playing everywhere besides your front room. His debut Early in the Morning is my most played record in a long time and the best thing I've heard this year so far and his live shows are improving as the days go by. It's surely only a matter of time before we lose him to the mainstream so catch him in an intimate setting now - before it's too late.

11. Modest Mouse
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because they are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the release of the seminal album The Moon & Antarctica. With 2 fantastic albums released in the interim also, they are not to be missed if you make it to the Picnic.

10. Muse
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because despite sounding like a ridiculous alien obsessed prog act, they are probably the most popular live band in the world. The spectacle they put is insane in all the right ways - the perfect festival band?

9. Iron Maiden
Where? The O2, Dublin on July 30th.
Why? Because they are rock legends. They seem to be going on forever, but surely they'll take a break at some point. They are well known as a fantastic live band too, always playing the classics and crowd pleasers. For die-hard rock fans, there is no better show.

8. Broken Social Scene
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? In You Forgot It In People, Broken Social Scene and Forgiveness Rock Record, BSS have released three of the best albums put to record in the last 10 years (or more...). The spectacle of their live shows are well known among indie fans as being unmissable, and in comparison to the rest of the Oxegen line-up they are a definite "must see". I've rarely been more excited to see any band live.

7. LCD Soundsystem
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because you might never get another chance. James Murphy has said that he will retire the LCD Soundsystem banner at the end of this tour and concentrate on other projects. Album number three, This Is Happening, has been one of the hits of the year so far - no mean feat considering the plethora of great records released so far.

6. Grizzly Bear, Midlake, Camera Obscura & Villagers [Harmonic Music Festival]
Where? Live at the Marquee Cork on June 25th.
Why? Because this is a valiant attempt by the organisers of the Marquee to bring mainstream alternative acts together on one stage without demanding a big fee. Grizzly Bear and Midlake are among the best alternative acts in the world at the moment, both releasing great records in recent years and neither will be playing in Ireland aside from this show. If nothing else, it would be a shame to see this great idea die out at the first attempt - I would love to see the "Harmonic" festival became an annual tradition in Cork, bringing fantastic alternative acts to Cork.

5. Rage Against The Machine
Where? The O2 on June 8th.
Why? This gig was promised due to the attempt made to get RATM to Christmas number one in Ireland. Granted that failed, but the band have followed through by announcing this gig. The sound in the O2 is phenomenal so Zach De La Rocha and co. should be crystal clear. Rage are an amazing live act - ask anyone who saw them at Oxegen 2008.

4. Stevie Wonder
Where? The O2 on June 24th.
Why? Because Stevie Wonder is a stunning live act. One of the greatest living musicians, the man is an institution and to miss this opportunity to see him live should be deemed a criminal offence. He's as good now as he has ever been. 2Fm DJ Rick O'Shea maintains that Wonder is the best live act he has ever seen.

3. The Frames
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Glen and co. are celebrating their 20th anniversary (that band are as old as me...) with this show at the Picnic. They haven't done too much as a group in recent years with Glen busy winning Oscars, so this is a long overdue reward for Frames fans.

2. Arcade Fire
Where? Oxegen, Punchestown from July 9th to 11th.
Why? Because we have been promised new music at this show. The band are readying their third album for us at the moment, and this will be the first time many of these songs will be played. A stunning live band, Arcade Fire are not to be missed.

1. The National
Where? Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co. Laois from September 3rd to 5th.
Why? Because High Violet is among the best albums I have ever heard. Following on from Boxer and Alligator was a near impossible task but they managed it in exceptional fashion. These guys provide a very rare thing - anthemic tunes that don't stray into U2 fashion. Perfect for the Picnic and at the peak of their powers. Do whatever you can to see these guys.