Gavin James and The Coronas are set to join Kodaline for a major new Covid pilot gig.
The Irish Mirror can reveal that talks are almost concluded for the Government’s prestige pilot concert that is expected to take place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, in Dublin, on Saturday June 26th.
The Mirror understands there will be a total of six acts lining out that evening, with Kodaline tapped up to be the first headline act.
However, the Mirror has also learned that top singer-songwriter, Gavin James, and the hugely popular band, the Coronas, will soon be signed to join the line-up.
And many would argue that all three acts are so big that they each deserve top billing as the headline act.
The Mirror first revealed yesterday (SAT) details of the secret talks underway with Kodaline.
We also revealed that the venue looks like being changed from Phoenix Park to Kilmainham.
This is because of logistical problems and contractual difficulties that the Department of Arts was having with the event producers.
It would be very difficult - and pricey - to cordon off and secure an area in an open park like Phoenix Park for just 3,500 paying music fans.
It would be easier to do this at the Kilmainham space and sources have told the Mirror this is why the gig is likely being transferred to the Royal Hospital.
The Kilmainham venue has played host to some brilliant and memorable performances in the past, including the legendary Leonard Cohen, who last played there in September 2013.
The late Mr Cohen obviously had a particular grá for Ireland at the time as this was his fifth visit to play in six years.
The Kodaline gig follows the successful pilot performance of fellow Dub, James Vincent McMorrow, in the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin city centre on Thursday night.
Kodaline were actually at this gig, but punters thought they were just there as fans.
In fact, it seems band members were there in an ‘undercover’ capacity, probably taking notes for their own surprise concert that is expected to be sprung soon on fans.
Earlier this week the Mirror also exclusively revealed that one of the country’s all-time favourite musicians, Christy Moore, was being unveiled as the main act at another Covid pilot concert in the INEC (Irish National Event Centre) in Co Kerry.
This gig will take place in the INEC located in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on Saturday June 26th.
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