First Belfast Music Week concert announced
Belfast City Council has confirmed details of the first high-profile concert to be arranged as part of our second Belfast Music Week, which takes place from 30 October – 5 November.
Altogether, more than 100 live shows and workshops will be staged at more than 30 venues across the city, as part of the build up to the MTV European Music Awards, which take place at the Odyssey Arena on Sunday 6 November.
Local heroes Ash, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones will take to the stage of the Ulster Hall on Thursday 3 November, in a very special benefit gig in aid of the Alzheimer`s Society.
Ash will play the whole of their first album, 1977, in its entirety and with their original three-piece line-up. The Divine Comedy, featuring Neil Hannon and a string quartet, will play the 1994 Promenade album, while The Undertones will perform their debut self-titled album from 1979.
Tim Wheeler from Ash explains his involvement in the event:
“My dad passed away in January this year. Hed been diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease in 2008 and lived the last six months of his life in the Psychiatry Of Old Age Ward at Downe Hospital. I spent a lot of time in the hospital with him and saw many other patients and families going through exactly the same thing as we were going through.
“As my dads condition deteriorated, I felt very helpless as there was nothing I could do except visit him as much as possible. When I heard that Neils father had also been diagnosed with Alzheimers, I thought that we could actually do something using our music to help fight Alzheimers. It is a growing worldwide problem and as yet there is no cure. The main hope seems to be in prevention and a lot of funding for research is needed.
“So, using the uplifting power of great music, we are going to make a contribution. Its going to be a wonderful and emotional night for me. The Undertones have been a big influence on Ash, they are Northern Irish music legends and its going to be a real treat hearing them play their first album.
“Ive been a friend and massive fan of Neil for years too and always love being on the same stage as The Divine Comedy. With Ash, were really excited to be playing our debut album 1977 in full, something that weve only ever done twice before. My dad loved music, playing piano was one of his joys and he would never miss an Ash gig in Belfast. I know hell be there in spirit.
“As well as raising funds for the Alzheimers Society, Id like to use our gig to say how important a service the NHS is and that we cant let it be taken away. Id also like to say how grateful my family and I are for the NHS and the kindness of the staff at The Downe Hospital for the care my father received.”
Neil Hannon, of The Divine Comedy says:
“My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer`s several years ago. It is a debilitating and frustrating condition, and affects not just the sufferer but all those around them. It is however possible, with early diagnosis and medication, to continue living a meaningful and enjoyable life as my dad has shown. I find him as entertaining now as ever, just in a much more random sort of way.
“Of course being my dad he decided to use his capacity as a public figure to talk openly about the inner workings of his ailing mind. To help demystify and de-stigmatise it a little. Hes a very awesome man. Im delighted to finally get this opportunity to do my bit for the cause. It should be a fantastic night!”
Ian Thomas, Alzheimer`s Society, Operations Director for Northern Ireland and Wales, adds:
“Its brilliant that Ash, The Divine Comedy and The Undertones have chosen to support Alzheimers Society through this gig. Not only do music fans get to hear three great bands but it raises awareness of dementia and helps tackle some of the stigma that surrounds the condition.
“There are currently 17,700 people with dementia in Northern Ireland, and by 2021 this is set to rise to 25,000. Every ticket sold will help support people to live well with dementia today and fund vital research to find a cure for tomorrow.”
The event is part of Belfast Music Week which runs from 30 October – 5 November. Belfast City Council, with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland, has organised a packed programme of events in the run-up to the MTV European Music Awards which take place at the Odyssey Arena on 6 November. The programme will offer something for everyone, with the cream of local artists and bands getting their chance to shine, as Belfast is showcased as a music city across the globe. A full programme of events will be announced soon and will be available via the council`s website www.belfastcity.gov.uk
Tickets for the Alzheimer`s Society Benefit cost £20 and £22 and go on sale on at 9am Thursday 22 September at the Ulster Hall box office. Log onto www.ulsterhall.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)28 9033 4455. Tickets will also be available at Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.co.uk, and from Crowdsurge, www.crowdsurge.com
