Double-headline gig will provide rock feast for Déise music fans

Music fans in Waterford are in for a real treat next month when a double headline gig takes place in Phil Grimes pub.

Shane Barry & the Night Post and Rooftop Fox, will share the bill on Saturday, February 7, with the gig kicking off at 8.30pm.

One of Waterford’s most accomplished songwriters, Barry will make a welcome return with a brand new band and a whole new set of songs. 

The show will also be Shane Barry & the Night Post's Waterford debut in Phil Grimes, bringing the sound of Americana and roots to Barry’s latest batch of compositions. 

Complemented by Conor Walsh on drums, Cian Dalton on double bass, Gerry Madden on mandolin, and Fintan Kavanagh on violin, Shane Barry & the Night Post will unveil songs about being jailed for Jesus, hen nights gone wrong, kids’ first days at school, a new anthem for commuting workers, and many more.

Having made his name under Shane Barry & the Distractions over 15 years ago with the album, ‘Radio Friction’, Shane has been releasing music and performing his own songs with various lineups since then, culminating recently in the 12-piece band performances of his solo album, ‘Songs from the Silver South’. 

The new lineup is specifically chosen for their musical expertise and experience to allow Shane to present his most recent narrative-driven songs in a more acoustic, looser, Americana setting.

This gig is a double-headline gig with UK indie band Rooftop Fox, featuring Chris Dunne, formally of this parish. 

Once described as “Tom Waits meets Radiohead,” alternative-rock project Rooftop Fox weaves Christopher’s unique vocals through a spectrum that shifts from melodic folk to lush, psychedelic rock.

Recent EP, ‘Problem Solving For an Ever Evolving Problem’, was written and recorded by Christopher in London, in his own flat with the help of talented friends and collaborators from Cork and Clare, in Ireland. 

The EP marks a new chapter in the Rooftop Fox journey. Determined to create a more raw and organic sound, Christopher turned to live drums, recorded at Brendan Fennessy’s (O Emperor) studio in Cork, and enlisted the expertise of renowned guitarist Alan Comerford (O Emperor, Mick Flannery) to elevate the electric textures. 

Energised by the response to the live sound of their second EP, Christopher was inspired to form his first band in over a decade, in early 2025. The four-piece has since played multiple shows across London and they are eager to bring their sound home to audiences in Ireland.

Organised over a flurry of WhatsApp messages, the two bands have carved out a weekend of gigs together, starting in Cork and finishing in Kilkenny. 

For local music fans the Waterford gig will offer a great night of original music and give fans to experience something just a little bit different..

Tickets are €10 advance on ie.powertik.com or €12 on the door. For more information go to shanebmusic or rooftopfoxmusic on Instagram