It is an album that is regularly cited as one of the best of the noughties - and now Arcade Fire have announced that they will play their debut album 'Funeral' in full in Dublin this summer.
The Canadian band will play Dublin's Malahide Castle on July 7th, with support from Echo and the Bunnymen, in honour of the album's 20th anniversary.
However, the gig will be overshadowed for many by the allegations of sexual misconduct made against frontman Win Butler in 2022.
The band were about to kick off their tour at Dublin's 3Arena in 2022 when the allegations surfaced; Butler issued a statement acknowledging that he had had 'consensual relationships outside of my marriage' and denied any non-consensual action had taken place. His wife Regine Chassagne, who also plays in the band, issued her own statement in support of him, saying: "I know what is in his heart, and I know he has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent and I am certain he never did. He has lost his way and he has found his way back. I love him and love the life we have created together."
The band have continued to play festival dates since that tour, although support act Feist left the tour not long after it began.
Tickets for the Malahide Castle gig on July 7th - which will see them play the album as well as other songs from their back catalogue - go on sale next Thursday, February 15th.
The band also sent an email to fans which read:
"Hello,
We hope everyone is having a Real Fun 2024 so far. Twenty years ago, our debut album Funeral came out. To celebrate, we will be playing some special concerts this year. We will play Funeral in its entirety, and more! We would be very honored if you would join us. Black tie optional. We are announcing the first two shows today, in Milan and Dublin. Milan pre-sale starts now, and Dublin pre-sale starts February 14th. Pre-sale code is Funeral20. More dates coming soon…
Love,
Arcade Fire"
