10 big Irish gigs not to miss in February

From rappers to rockers to Hollywood stars - there's something for everyone this month

Now that we've all been paid after that long January (and hopefully have some money left after the first weekend of the month), it's time to get your social calendar in order for February.

There's loads on this month with some big names bound for Irish shores – as well as some rising stars to check out in intimate venues.

1. THE GAME – The Helix | February 9^th

How about kicking off February with a little hip-hop? This may be one of the last chances you get to see Dr. Dre's one-time protege and former G-Unit member, as the Compton rapper has said that last year's 'Born 2 Rap' album would be his final release.

2. TENACIOUS D – 3Arena | February 10^th

Dismiss them as a joke band at your peril; Jack Black and Kyle Gass may have serious comedic chops, but they also have some badass rock songs. They bring their 'Post-Apocalypto' tour to Irish shores for their first gig here in several years. This ought to be a lot of fun.

3. BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB – Vicar Street | February 10^th and 11^th

It's pretty hard to categorise this London four-piece, considering that pretty much every album they've released has taken a stylistic swerve. That goes for their new one, 'Everything Else Has Gone Wrong', too – which takes in pop, indie, electronica and more.

4. FIONN REGAN – Whelan's | February 13^th & 14^th

It's rare that you get a chance to catch this artist in a venue like Whelan's, so Fionn Regan's two dates at the Wexford Street venue should be very special indeed. The Bray native released his most recent album 'Cala' last year, but you can expect some old favourites in the mix for these intimate gigs, too.

5. SUPERGRASS – Olympia Theatre | February 14^th and 15^th

Want to impress your significant other on Valentine's Day? This is the gig to bag a ticket for. The inimitable indie-pop band reformed last year after a 9 year hiatus, and these two gigs (they also play Belfast's Ulster Hall on the 17th) are going to be out of this world.

6. AOIFE NESSA FRANCES – The Grand Social | February 21^st

It's only February, but Aoife Nessa Frances has already released one of the best Irish albums of the year. The Dubliner officially launches 'Land of No Junction' at the end of the month; if woozy, atmospheric folk-pop is your bag, make sure it check it out.

7. KAISER CHIEFS – 3Arena | February 23^rd

Nostalgia has a lot to answer for. Now, we're not saying that this gig (featuring Razorlight in support) will be the most memorable you've ever been to – but if you have a soft spot for 2010s indie-rock and like waving your warm pint in the air as if at a festival, this is the gig for you.

8. THE MURDER CAPITAL – Vicar Street | February 27^th

They released one of the best albums of 2019 with the supremely self-assured 'When I Have Fears', but this Dublin-based band are, by all accounts, one of the most impressive live bands around right now. They'll bring their brooding, intense post-punk sound to Vicar Street for their biggest Irish headline show to date this month.

9. GAVIN JAMES – 3Arena | February 29^th

Our very own Ed Sheeran (it's not just the ginger hair – the anthemic love songs help, too) returns after a short break from touring with this mammoth hometown show. Expect a lot of 'lighters in the air' moments – and given the day that's in it, maybe even a few marriage proposals?

10. KIEFER SUTHERLAND – The Academy | February 29^th

Yes, that Kiefer Sutherland – as if there was any other. As you may know, the Hollywood star is also a keen country musician and released his second studio album 'Reckless & Me' last year. He last played here in 2018 so if you missed him then, now's your chance to see if he's actually any good.