Shows
The O2
GUNS N’ ROSES
On 17th May 2012 Guns N’ Roses have confirmed a concert date at The O2 on Thursday 17th May, 2012. Tickets priced from €64.50 including booking fee on sale now. The band’s current album, Chinese Democracy debuted at #1 on the charts in thirteen countries including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, as well as the European Top 100 Albums survey. Find out more here
BARRY MANILOW
On 23rd May 2012 Barry Manilow will play The O2 Dublin. With worldwide sales of more than 80 million records and over 40 Top 40 Hits, Barry Manilow’s success is a benchmark in popular music. His concerts sell out instantly. He is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio&Records) and Billboard magazines. Rolling Stone crowned him “a giant among entertainers… the showman of our generation,” and Frank Sinatra summed up Manilow best when Ol’ Blue Eyes told the British press, “He’s next.” Find out more here
AVICII
On 3rd June 2012 22-year-old Swedish megastar AVICII will play The O2 Dublin. He is, without question, the biggest DJ on the planet at this moment in time. Having recently headlined the world famous Ultra Main stage with none other than Queen of Pop MADONNA, he truly has arrived at nothing less than GOD status in just two short years. Travelling the length and breadth of the globe brandishing his insanely popular and uniquely captivating take on harmonious, pounding, stadium-driven house music, there’s just one very special place that’s been kept waiting…until now that is…Find out more here
TOM PETTY and THE HEARTBREAKERS
On 7th June 2012 Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers will play The O2 on 7th June, 2012. This performance is part of the celebrated American rock ‘n roll band’s first tour of Europe in 20 years. Their 2012 European Tour also includes an already announced headlining-performance at the Isle of Wight Festival on 22 June. Find out more here
KAYNE WEST AND JAY Z
On 8th and 9th June The JAY Z and Kanye West will play The O2 Dublin. The first show on Friday 8th June is now completely sold out. Due to phenomenal demand a second date has been confirmed for Saturday 9th June. AWARDED GRAMMY FOR ‘BEST RAP PERFORMANCE’ FOR ‘OTIS’.
For this project, music icons and pop culture visionaries JAY Z and Kanye West joined their extraordinary talents to form the group ‘THE THRONE’ and released the most anticipated album event of 2011, WATCH THE THRONE. On Monday, August 8th last year, THE THRONE’S extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime, Platinum selling Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam Recordings / Roc Nation album collaboration, WATCH THE THRONE, debuted at number 1 and has garnered several Grammy nominations. Find out more here
BLINK 182
On 12th June 2012 Blink-182 will make a triumphant return to Ireland on their first arena tour in almost 8 years. Blink 182 were formed in San Diego in 1992 by Mark Hoppus and Tom De Longe and later joined by drummer Travis Barker. The bands breakthrough album, Enema Of The State, was released in 1999 and went on to sell in excess of 15 million copies worldwide. Their next two albums, Take Off Your Pants And Jacket (2001) and blink 182 (2003) cemented their position as a pop punk supergroup. Additionally the band have won a number of MTV Awards throughout their career. Their latest album Neighborhoods was released last year. Find out more here
ROXETTE
On 9th July 2012 Roxette will play The O2 Dublin. 2011 was an amazing year for Roxette with a fantastic world tour and the great success of the new album, Charm School. During the first nine months of their world tour they have played to over 800,000 fans at 79 concerts in 31 countries. In 2012 Roxette will continue to tour in venues throughout Australia, Asia, South America, South Africa and Europe, including a newly confirmed date at The O2 on 9th July. Find out more here
PAUL SIMON
On 12th and 13th July Paul Simon will play The O2 Dublin. Included in the evening will be a special performance of his Graceland album and will feature Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Due to demand an extra date has now been added on 13th July 2012.
The shows will cover songs throughout his illustrious career, as well as the performance of the GRACELAND album. These will be the first performances of this type which kicks off a month long tour in Europe. Find out more here
THE BLACK KEYS
On 22nd August 2012 The Black Keys will play The O2 Dublin. Fresh from the success of current album El Camino, Grammy award winning The Black Keys have announced a major Irish headline date at The O2 on August 22nd. El Camino follows the most successful two years in The Black Keys’ career. In May 2010 they released their breakthrough album, Brothers, to widespread critical acclaim. Debuting at # 2 in the US, it went on to win three Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award, and topped numerous year-end lists, including iTunes, NPR, and Rolling Stone. Brothers, which included the hit singles ‘Tighten Up’ and ‘Howlin’ for You’, has been certified Gold in the US and UK, and Platinum in Canada. Worldwide sales are now over one million and counting. Find out more here
Walking With Dinosaurs
From 19th to 23rd September Walking with Dinosaurs will perform at The O2 Dublin.Tyrannosaurus Rex and his awe-inspiring life-size pals return to stalk the land once more, as these pre-historic giants get set to astound, thrill and educate a brand new generation of budding palaeontologists in Dublin from 19th September. www.dinosaurlive.com
A landmark in family entertainment, Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular has been seen by over 7m people in a staggering 206 cities across the world. Ranked No.4 in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Tours, their phenomenal global success is credited to the pioneering work of its long-serving and passionate production team. Bringing to life 20 to-scale dinosaurs night after night, this £10m technological feat is of epic proportions.
LIONEL RICHIE
On 24th September 2012 LIONEL RICHIE will return to Europe this autumn with his first European tour dates since 2009, and nearly 25 years since his first solo shows took place. His extensive European tour will take him to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK including The O2 Dublin on 24 September. Find out more here
KELLY CLARKSON
On 10th October Global Pop Superstar and Grammy Award Winnerm Kelly Clarkson will bring her “Stronger Tour” to The O2 Dublin and will be joined by one of the biggest breakthrough pop bands of 2012 Cover Drive. This tour is in support of her smash hit studio album ‘Stronger’ which was released to much critical acclaim at the end of 2011. Kelly Clarkson is also set to release ‘Dark Side’ on JUNE 3RD which is the third single to be taken from the album.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
On 12th October Jesus Christ Superstar will come to The O2 Dublin. Award-winning musical comedian Tim Minchin – also the co-writer of West End smash musical Matilda – is confirmed for the role of ‘Judas Iscariot’. Three million album selling pop icon and former Spice Girl Melanie C will take the only female lead as ‘Mary Magdalene’, and BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show host Chris Moyles will make his major stage debut as ‘King Herod’, in what is set to be one of the biggest and most impressive arena tours to hit the UK & Ireland.
The ITV primetime show ‘Superstar’ will give the public the chance to decide who will play the starring role of ‘Jesus’, with a panel of live show judges led by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
KEVIN BRIDGES
On 2nd October 2012 will play The O2 Dublin. Kevin Bridges will return to the road in Autumn 2012 with a brand new show called ‘The Story Continues…’ which will include a date at The O2 Dublin on 2nd October. The tour also takes in England, Scotland and Wales and will play his home city of Glasgow at the SECC Arena for three nights where a second follow up DVD to the best selling ‘Kevin Bridges The Story So Far’ will be recorded. Find out more here
ANDRE BOCELLI
On 6th November 2012 Andrea Bocelli will return to The O2 Dublin. The world’s most popular tenor will perform with orchestra and choir at The O2 Dublin on 6th November. On September 15, 2011, internationally acclaimed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gave a once in a lifetime, free concert as a gift to New York City on Central Park’s Great Lawn. Additional performers include The New York Philharmonic, under the direction of musical director Alan Gilbert, with special guests Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Bryn Terfel, Chris Botti, David Foster, Andrea Griminelli, Nicola Benedetti, Anna Maria Martinez and Pretty Yende. Find out more here
JOHN BISHOP
On 7th, 9th and 10th November John Bishop will play The O2 Dublin. Following the phenomenal response to his super-human Sport Relief challenge which he completed in March and which raised a staggering total of £4 million for the charity (the largest figure ever raised by an individual in a single event), the demand for more dates with the funny man continues.
Last year, John performed to over 400,000 fans in his nationwide sell-out Sunshine tour, topped the charts with the fastest selling debut stand-up DVD ever, and regularly broadcast into the homes of over 6.5m viewers throughout his primetime BBC One show, John Bishop’s Britain. But the public clearly haven’t seen enough of him yet, and so the ‘Comedy Superstar’ (Daily Telegraph) is back on the road later this year.
WWE RAW WORLD TOUR
On 8th November 2012 come see your favourite RAW Superstars including;
CM Punk
Chris Jericho
The Miz
Dolph Ziggler
R-Truth
Zack Ryder
Kofi Kingston
Kelly Kelly
Beth Phoenix
And many more!
Line Up subject to change
MICHAEL MCINTYRE
From 16th to 19th November Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow will arrive at The O2 Dublin, Michael McIntyre returns to the road for his third and biggest UK arena tour to date. Michael McIntyre’s spot on observational comedy and trademark ability to turn everyday situations into master-classes of human exasperation have struck chords with millions of fans, resolutely cementing him as one of the UK’s most loved and treasured comedy performers today. Find out more here
WAR OF THE WORLDS
On 29th November 2012 One of the most successful stage shows of recent times, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, returns to UK and Irish Arenas with a new star and another technological leap forward. On November 18, 2011 ‘The New Generation’ of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds launched in conjunction with Sony Music, Live Nation and SJM Concerts, featuring a new interpretation of the classic recording followed by a major international arena tour commencing in The O2 in November 2012. Find out more here
ANDRE RIEU
On 9th December 2012 André Rieu, the world’s most popular classical artist who is renowned for his energetic and festive live concerts, returns to The O2 Dublin December 9th 2012! “An unforgettable Evening with André Rieu” will give fans what they’ve come to expect from Rieu: the maestro conducting his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra and playing his world-famous Stradivarius violin to create a celebratory atmosphere, where fans are encouraged to get out of their seats and waltz in the aisles. Find out more here
THE CORONAS
On 14th December 2012 The Coronas will play The O2 Dublin. The Dublin band’s rise has been steady, and consistent and their live shows are exceptional. Last year they sold out their Marlay Park headliner and broke records with their 6 night run at The Olympia Theatre last December. The Coronas’ new album Closer To You is out now. Find out more here
KATHERINE JENKINS
On 15th December 2012 Katherine Jenkins will return to The O2 Dublin. The Welsh mezzo soprano star will perform in concert with orchestra and choir on Saturday 15th December at The O2. Find out more here
ONE DIRECTION
On 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th March One Direction will play The O2 Dublin They’ve sold over 1.6 million records in just four months; had 100 million views on YouTube; have two No.1 selling books; scored three major hit singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK; and have won Best Single for ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ at this year’s BRIT Awards. Now Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis announce an arena tour of the UK and Ireland in February and March 2013. Find out more here
OLLY MURS
On 1st April 2013 Olly Murs will return to The O2 Dublin. Following a hugely successful sold out tour earlier this year, Olly Murs has announced another Arena tour for 2013. His tour this year sold over 150,000 tickets and highlights will be featured on a new TV series Olly : Life On Murs which starts tonight (19 April) on ITV2. Olly, whose current album ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ has been certified platinum, is about to embark on a series of American dates with One Direction. His music will get its first release in the US later this year. Olly is currently working on his third album, which is due for release later this year.
EDDIE IZZARD
On 26th May 2013 Eddie Izzard will play The O2, Dublin.
Force majeure (French, “superior force”, “chance occurrence, unavoidable accident”)
In 2011 EDDIE IZZARD, the man who turned talking ‘Bollocks’ into an art form performed and sold–out Madison Square Garden in New York. He spent a three-month residency at the Théâtre de Dix Heures in Paris performing STRIPPED: ‘Tout en Francais’ (in French!) and then become the first stand-up to play a solo show at Los Angeles’ legendary Hollywood Bowl. It was an extraordinary year from an extraordinary man. Never one to rest on his laurels IZZARD now plans to take on the world with a brand-new comedy tour, FORCE MAJEURE.
FORCE MAJEURE will be the most extensive comedy tour ever. It begins its mammoth journey around the globe during spring 2013. From Cardiff to Kathmandu, Moscow to Mumbai, EDDIE will visit 25 countries throughout Europe, USA, Africa, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal and The Far East.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
The King and I
From 22nd to 26th May The King and I will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Based on the novel entitled ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM by Margaret Landon and starring Ramon Tikaram and Josefina Gabrielle. The King and I is loved as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Seen by millions of people across the world since it was first performed in 1951, when it was showered with awards and became the blockbuster Hollywood movie, its glorious soundtrack is still a best seller today. Find out more here
The Chieftains
On 29th May 2012 The Chieftans will play Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Six-time Grammy winners, The Chieftains, are now recognized for bringing traditional Irish music to the world’s attention. They have uncovered the wealth of traditional Irish music that has accumulated over the centuries, making the music their own with a style that is as exhilarating as it is definitive. Never afraid to shock purists and push boundaries, in their 50 years together The Chieftains have amassed a dizzyingly varied CV. Find out more here
Bill Bailey
On 31st May 2012 Bill Bailey will perform at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. To mark the naming of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s exciting new rewards club, Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to announce one of comedy’s most iconic and hilarious figures, the legendary Bill Bailey, will be coming to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for a very special show on 31st May. This once-off performance will be important for more reasons than one. It will raise €100,000 from the proceeds from tickets sales to donate to the Society of St Vincent de Paul; a very special charity that does a lot of good in Irish society. Find out more here
The Wiggles
On 1st and 2nd June 2012 The Wiggles, the fab four from Australia are bringing their world famous live show bacl to Dublin on Friday after their sell out run here last year. Now celebrating their 21st year performing to children around the globe, they are bringing their big hits such as Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, Rock A Bye Your Bear, Toot Too Chugga Chugga and more in a show jam packed with audience favourites! Celebrating the return of the original yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, are the other Wiggles Jeff, Anthony and Murray as well as our Wiggly friends; Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and the world famous Wiggly dancers for this spectacular production! Find out more here
Midnight Tango
From 5th to 9th June 2012 Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences for six series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with their stunning Tango routines. Now they have created their own live show – Midnight Tango – a breathtaking evening bringing all the drama, sensuality and elegance of this most exciting of dance forms to life. Vincent and Flavia’s mesmerising choreography and fiery chemistry command the floor with explosive tango routines, gravity-defying moves and feather-light footwork. Find out more here
Ruddigore
From 21st to 26th June 2012 Ruddigore, Opera North’s hugely successful operetta, will come to Dublin as part of a one-off tour this summer. Audiences in Dublin will now be able to revel in this witty Victorian melodrama, which is considered one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most inventive works.
First performed by Opera North in 2010 and then again last year and directed by Jo Davies, Ruddigore received widespread critical acclaim and was declared a ‘gem of a discovery’. The tale centres around Sir Despard Murgatroyd, a man under pressure. He has inherited a witch’s curse forcing him to commit a crime every day or die in agony. So it’s a huge relief when shy Robin Oakapple is revealed as his long-lost elder brother – true inheritor of the curse. Find out more here
Phantom Of The Opera
From 5th July to 4th August 2012, Phantom of The Opera will perform at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. After 25 phenomenal years, a spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical is coming to Dublin. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, be the first to surrender to the music of the night and fall in love with the Phantom in his new guise all over again! The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show in Broadway history on 9 January 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance, surpassing the previous record holder “Cats”. This coincided with the Broadway and the US national touring company celebrating an unprecedented 20,000 performances in the United States. In October 2010 the London production celebrated its 10,000th performance. Find out more here
South Pacific
From 7th to 18th August 2012 South Pacific will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. After 25 phenomenal years, a spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical is coming to Dublin. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, be the first to surrender to the music of the night and fall in love with the Phantom in his new guise all over again! The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show in Broadway history on 9 January 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance, surpassing the previous record holder “Cats”. This coincided with the Broadway and the US national touring company celebrating an unprecedented 20,000 performances in the United States. In October 2010 the London production celebrated its 10,000th performance. Find out more here
Chicago
From 21st August to 1st September Chicago will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts”… so begins the international award-winning musical CHICAGO, which will play at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 21st August – 2nd September.
Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Find out more here
Sally Morgan
On 12th September 2012 Sally Morgan will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. Sally’s live stage shows are completely unpredictable; no two shows are ever the same. Although the show is extremely entertaining due to Sally’s warm and bubbly personality, the evening is about witnessing mediumship in it’s rawest form. Observing how the spirit world can communicate with us from beyond the grave is an enlightening experience. Audiences have been left amazed as she delivers messages with astounding accuracy. Find out more here
Jools Holland and His Rythm & Blues Orchestra
On 12th October 2012 Jools Holland and His Rythm & Blues Orchestra will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. In 1987, Jools formed The Jools Holland Big Band – comprising himself and Gilson Lavis. This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 20-piece Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, which consists of pianist, organist, drummer, three female vocals, guitar, bass guitar, two tenor saxophones, two alto saxophones, baritone saxophone, three trumpets, and four trombones. Find out more here
Dead Can Dance
On 28th October 2012 Dead can Dance will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. This will be the final night on their tour of 22 European cities and will be the first live shows since their hugely successful sold out tour in 2005. Dead Can Dance will visit 4 continents over an 8 month period in 2012 and 2013. Dead Can Dance will be releasing a new Studio Album to accompany the World Tour, their first since ‘Spiritchaser’ in 1996. Find out more here
Green Day’s American Idiot
From 5th to 10th November 2012 Green Day’s explosive, award-winning Broadway rock musical AMERICAN IDIOT, will play its premiere in Ireland at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre as part of the musical’s first ever UK and Irish tour. This acclaimed Broadway musical, featuring a thrilling American tour cast tells the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world. AMERICAN IDIOT features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award®-winner Mayer (“Spring Awakening”). Find out more here
The Overtones
On 11th November 2012 The Overtones will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin. Following their recent sold out Irish tour, The Overtones have confirmed Irish dates for November 2012. Britain’s hottest male vocal group featuring Corkonian Timmy Matley will play in Dublin November 2012. The Overtones are: Mark Franks, Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest, Timmy Matley and Lachie Chapman. The Overtones released the Platinum Edition of their Top 5 album ‘Good Ol’ Fashioned Love’ last October. In addition to the twelve songs from the original album, the Platinum Edition has three brand new songs including their new single ‘Second Last Chance’. Find out more here
The Nutcracker: The Tchaikovsky State Ballet
From 5th to 9th December The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet will play the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. It is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. It is unique in that it draws all of its dancers from its own school which is famous throughout the ballet world: former graduates include Galina Ragozina-Panova, Galina Shlyapina, and Nadezhda Pavlova who went on to become Prima Ballerina of The Bolshoi Ballet. The company tours extensively with recent tours including China, USA, France, Germany and The Netherlands. They performed in Dublin in 2004, and 2006 with their production of The Nutcracker, again with The RTE National Symphony Orchestra.
‘When you see a production of The Nutcracker like this you remember why this ballet deservedly retains its popularity- and the results ardently speak for themselves’.
‘This production creates a sense of almost unbearable excitement and mystery’
‘This production pulled together the best of everything – superb dancers, expressive choreography, atmospheric staging, and enchanting and innovative costumes and set designs – to present perhaps the loveliest Nutcracker I’ve ever seen!’ Find out more here
Swan Lake: The Tchaikovsky State Ballet
On 7th December 2012 The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet of Russia will bring their own, unique, spectacular interpretation of the classic Swan Lake to Dublin. Founded in 1870, The Tchaikovsky Perm State Ballet is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. It is unique in that it draws all of its dancers from its own school which is famous throughout the ballet world: former graduates include Galina Ragozina-Panova, Galina Shlyapina, and Nadezhda Pavlova who went on to become Prima Ballerina of The Bolshoi Ballet.
‘The Perm performance with its legion of admirably schooled swans brings the ballet to a heart-stirring conclusion’ - The Financial Times
‘From the company came an interpretation worthy of its prodigious central performance. SWAN LAKE was shown as the great ballet it truly (if rarely) is’ – The New York Times
‘The ballet’s fabled quartet of swans was danced with absolute synchronicity, and the corps of swans was impeccable’ - The Los Angeles Times
Find out more here
Oliver!
From 12th December 2012 to 12th January 2013, Lionel Bart’s smash hit musical OLIVER! will come to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The sensational score of OLIVER! is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and As Long As He Needs Me. OLIVER! recently completed a two year run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London where it opened to rave reviews, sell-out business and the biggest advance sales of all time for a West End show. Last year, OLIVER! celebrated its 50th birthday, having premiered in the West End in 1960. Neil Morrissey will play Fagin and other cast to be announced soon! Find out more here
Alfie Boe
On 12th December 2012 following the phenomenal success of his Bring Him Home Tour, Alfie Boe will play an Irish Show, Alfie Boe is one of 2011’s huge success stories; with …a sell out tour of Britain’s finest concert halls, he sold almost 750,000 copies of his Albums ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Alfie’, following on from the phenomenal global success of The Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert at London’s 02 Arena. This was all accomplished while fitting in a critically acclaimed West End run as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. 2012 looks set to be another massive year for Alfie. A new studio album is due for release early November 2012 as well as an autobiography recounting Alfie’s amazing story. Alfie will be appearing at Belfast’s Waterfront on 14 April for the Titanic Centenary Commemorations. Find out more here