Description

U2’s rise to international super-stardom fundamentally rewrote the rulebook for Irish musicians. In Rock and Popular Music in Ireland: Before and After U2, readers get an intimate look at the structural changes, underground subcultures, and creative revolutions that defined the country’s popular music scenes from the 1970s onward.

This volume shifts focus between mainstream success stories and the vital indie, punk, and electronic counter-cultures that thrived in cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Cork. From The Undertones and The Cranberries to the pioneering indie labels of the 1990s, the book explores how Irish artists navigated corporate success while maintaining their distinct regional authenticity. It stands as a definitive roadmap of sound, style, and rebellion.

Key Themes Explored:

• The U2 Effect: How one band’s massive success established a professional music infrastructure in Ireland.

• Genre Diversity: Covers everything from early Celtic rock to heavy metal, synth-pop, and alternative indie.

• Rich Interviews & Analysis: Features sharp critiques and historical accounts of legendary live gigs and festivals.