In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Galway hosted the cream of Irish and international musical rock acts. Join Tom Prendergast, founder of Buzz Promotions and the Bar/None (an independent record label), and Padraic Boran, who as UCG Student’s Union Entertainments Officer helped to bring acts such as U2, Thin Lizzy, XTC and The Specials to Galway.  Both speakers will share some colourful stories and anecdotes relating to this exciting musical chapter in Galway’s recent history.

The informal talk will touch on the music scene in Galway during this period, how these bands came to be in Galway city and how powerful the poster was in advertising these gigs long before the age of social media. The posters in the accompanying exhibition represent a moment in time before Irish bands such as U2 emerged on to the international music scene.  They are also a strong representation of the changing musical tastes sounding the decline of the Irish showband scene when discos and bars were replacing dancehalls and ballrooms.

The event is being held to coincide with Galway City Museum’s new temporary exhibition, This is the Modern World: Live Music Posters – Galway City, 1977–1982, which runs from June 7 to September 23 2023.

There is no admission fee but, as places are limited, advance booking is strongly advised. For further details or to make a booking, contact Galway City Museum on (091) 532 460 or email museum@galwaycity.ie .  Suitable for adults.