Music Hall of Fame Gets Ready To Rock

Evening Herald, February 27, 1999

Fans in frenzy over tribute venue to heroes

It’s the ultimate tribute to the current "golden era" of Irish music – an altar to rock where fans can pay homage to their heroes.

What is set to be the latest glittering jewel in Ireland’s tourist crown – the eagerly anticipated Hot Press Hall of Fame – swings opens it’s glistening glass portals in just under four weeks time to welcome in the world….

The £5m venue, currently being built, will see the culmination of the vision of Hot Press Magazine editor, Niall Stokes, who has been the driving force behind the project since its inception.

LIBRARY

Once completed, the Hot Press Irish Music Hall of Fame will house what is being classed as the most extensive library of information on every single aspect and area of Irish music from Larry Gogan to Larry Mullens (sic) Jnr – as well as everything that came before and blazed a rail afterwards.

The tour of the building will namecheck absolutely every genre of Irish music from its infant stages. From the skiffle flavoured days of Van Morrison to the punk sensibilities of Bob Geldof and the ethereal world of Enya.

Music hailing from the North, South, East and West will be given full recognition—from the guitar skills and lumberjack shirts of the celebrated Rory Gallagher, through to Fergal Sharkey, Stiff Little Fingers, The Sultans of Ping and The Frames.

Other bands given the nod include The Fureys, The Chieftains, Clannad and The Saw Doctors.

When completed the venue will house:

• A 600 seater tiered venue complete with tables.
• A restaurant, which will afford diners a clear view of the stage at all times.



FACILITIES

• "The Wall of Hands" – as well as containing audio visual facilities, this room will contain the world famous security hut from Windmill Lane Studios – a shrine to U2 fans.

Conference and seminar facilities.

• Interactive interviewing facilities which will enable visitors to "interact" with their chosen Irish artist and ask a selection of questions of 100’s of listed acts.
• The Bill Graham Library -- a start of the art music library containing an extensive music reference library as well as listening facilities and recording pods.
• Retail area – this will include a record store as well as an extensive merchandising area for those on the hunt for t-shirts and posters to remember their visit by.

Visitors will be able to take part in the Irish Music Hall Of Fame Tour which runs continuously complete with individual headsets giving broad information.

(Information courtesy of Anthony Zaidan U2 Dublin via Interference.com.)

Who is Clannad ?

1999 Grammy Awards
Clannad has won this year for Best New Age Album! Congradulations to Clannad for a job well done and for providing us with fine music such as "Landmarks" throughout the years.
[Special Report]

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