Five gigs that you simply can't miss this June

Good evening Ireland and that’s an order. Have no plans? Read on…

The summer is here, and apart from the fact that he weather should be getting better (not guaranteed, but we can still dream) there are also a huge amount of gigs coming up this month that shouldn't be missed. With that in mind, we've decided to take a look through what's on offer and pick five of the best from the month of June. Sure there's a grand aul stretch in the evening to be enjoyed anyway, might as well get out and about in it.

Cork Rocks for Rory

One of the greatest ever exports from this fair isle was the wonderfully talented guitarist Rory Gallagher. Not simply one of the finest musicians that we've produced, but one of the best guitar players that the world has ever seen. This weekend in Cork, his life and music will be celebrated with a few acts paying tribute to the great man himself, including Sinnerboy who hail from England as well as Dave McHugh, the original Rory tribute act, so expect him to roll back the years with a few classics.

Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters

An opportunity to see the former Led Zepp frontman take to the stage should really never be missed, in particular at the Live at the Marquee series, which has become one of the best places to see the biggest names in music over recent years, from Kanye West and Jay-Z to Morrissey. This year is another varied line up, and while Robert Plant is a highlight, Bob Dylan, Imelda May and Elbow are all worth a look too as the event continues on through the rest of June.

Body and Soul

The biggest festival this month is definitely Body and Soul, and with big name acts like Goldfrapp and Caribou headlining, as well as Gary Numan, there should be plenty to suit your tastes. As always, it's not just about the music either, with some other events taking place, in particular displays of visual arts that will contribute to a very relaxed vibe on the whole. Young Wonder, an Irish electro duo are a must-see also, and if you're not familiar with them yet, then there's no better setting to enjoy their sonic mix than the chilled-out surroundings of Body & Soul.

Pixies

We really shouldn't have to say anything else apart from highlighting the fact that it's the Pixies, which is reason enough to go. It's right at the end of the month on June 30th at The Marquee again in Cork, but can you really afford to miss their only Irish gig this summer? We would suggest that you can't, clearly.

Midlake

The American folk-rock-psychedelic sounds of Midlake will grace Cyprus Avenue in Cork on June 24th, and with a slightly re-jigged line-up, you can expect something different from the band this time round. 'Antiphon', the title track from their new album, has been getting plenty of airplay, and is a good hint at the what the updated sound of the band is like, which has less of a folk influence than their previous work. It's an interesting turn, and one that gives them a whole new direction to go into.