It will be a Green day at Leopardstown

HERMITAGE Green released their debut studio album ‘Save Your Soul’ in March this year. After shooting to Number 3 in the Irish Album Charts, the band delivered on their great song-writing potential having wowed audiences around the world since they formed in 2010. Their unique arrangement of instruments that includes the bodhrán, djembe, rhythmic guitar and banjo sets them apart as a truly original offering of Irish music. 

Having already seen Aslan, The Academic, Nathan Carter and Jack L play the racecourse stage, Hermitage Green are next up when they play Bulmers Live At Leopardstown this Thursday July 14, followed by Booka Brass Band (July 21), The Strypes (August 4), The Boomtown Rats (August 11).

As always, the performances will be preceded by a top class card of horse racing and a wide selection of hospitality options available for everyone from the great value ‘Summer Bundle’  to the premium ‘Summer Party’. The music and racing festival would not be complete with-out the Style Stakes. The Beacon Hotel will return this summer as sponsors of The Beacon Hotel Dare to be Different Style Awards with over €17,000 worth of prizes to be won. Every week at Bulmers Live at Leopardstown, over €2,000 worth of prizes can be won by contestants, who will be judged by a high profile panel of personalities and celebrities.

For tickets and hospitality options – go to www.leopardstown.com or call the Leopardstown ticket line on 01 289 0500. There are also discounts for advance group bookings available online.

Follow on Facebook – Leopardstown Racecourse & Twitter @Leopardstownrc for updates and exclusive competitions. Use hashtag #liveatleopardstown 

TRACK RECORD WITH BARRY MURPHY FROM HERMITAGE GREEN

1. Best gig you’ve been to in Dublin?

The public lynching of Cat Stevens in the 3 Arena in 2009 was pretty incredible. After that Metallica in 2002 in RDS was class. 

2. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

Munster beating Leinster in Landsdowne Road in 2006.

3. Most ‘want to forget’ moment in Dublin?

Again, Cat Stevens AKA Yusef Islam at the 3 arena back in 2009. It was the first night of his world tour and he hadn’t toured in 30 years. He played 30 minutes of new tracks and the crowd were getting very worked up looking for old classics like ‘Father and Son’ and ‘Moonshadow’ but he instead introduced a full cast of actors who performed a play telling the story of his life while singing his songs. Cat Stevens was back stage narrating. This lasted about 15 minutes until thousands of people boo’d and left. He came back out quite defeated and then played the classics for an hour or so. It was shocking to see the reaction but kind of understandable in a way. 

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

My first was ‘Queen’s Greatest Hits’ and as I’m on Spotify these days I don’t buy albums but this morning I’m listening to Matt Simon’s ‘Catch and release’.

5. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do?

I exercise a lot and listen to pod casts all day but Hermitage Green admin takes up most of my time as I try to work out how the music industry works and how to introduce our music to international markets. 

6. Who are your influences?

I really don’t know how to answer that question. I don’t strive to sound like anyone or write like anyone. I have listened to and loved music from an array of genres throughout my life and I feel like I’m influenced by each and every one of them. I love heartfelt music that comes from a place of pure passion and I strive to write music that people connect to emo-tionally. 

7. If you weren’t playing with your fellow band mates, who would make up your ideal band?

Bernard Pretty Purdy on drums, Joe Dart from Vulfpeck on bass, Mark Tremonti from Alter bridge on guitar, and Myles Kennedy Alter bridge on vocals. I’ll just clap along on the side.

8. Any tips on life?

Hmmmm.. I could be better at working hard in certain relationships I have in my life so a tip for myself is all I can offer and that would be to make quality time for people you like and love. That’s when I’m happiest.

9. First person you’d invite to your party?

My best mate Cathal Garvey makes me laugh more than anyone in the world so he’s number one. If we’re talking famous people then being from Limerick the Rubberbandits would have to be invited 

10. Last person you’d invite to your party?

Well, I wouldn’t invite any evil people or corrupt people but the question says the “last person” so that means I would actually be inviting them so I must have a relationship with them or a need to invite them but they may piss me off but I still like them so in that case my parents! Lol.