Fanning At Whelan’s returns for its fifth series on Virgin Media Television this weekend. Episode One features performances from David Gray,Dublin band Big Sleep, Wicklow R&B artist Cosha, Cork’s electronic pop act Chubby Cat and Armagh singer-songwriter Conchúr White. 

There will also be a special guest appearance from Elbow’s Guy Garvey, who will join Fanning at the bar for a chat about his career, the music scene at large and his love of Fontaines D.C.

Elbow at Trinity College Dublin. Photo by Owen Humphreys www.owen.ie

“!We played with them in Dublin which was satisfying, on their first album – and it was raining, so that worked. And after they played, they – very gentlemanly – paraded into our dressing room and thanked us for having them and shook our hands, and I said, ‘I like the cut of their jib.’ And I got really into their music.”

“Art at the moment that feels like Pixies did back in the ‘80s? They are the band,” adds Garvey. “They’re going from strength to strength, their artistic freedom is leading the charge, having worked with them they have such an amazing brooding energy but they push each other to be more artistic at all times.”

Speaking about the upcoming show, Dave Fanning said: “Fanning at Whelan’s is an important and vital platform for new upcoming Irish acts. It’s fantastic to be able to merge with Guinness Live & Rising, who share the exact same ethos. It’s a perfect fit, and with this series we have another 25 great acts throughout December and January – it’s gonna be great.”

Dave Allen of Whelan’s adds “It’s great to see the show go from strength to strength and give much needed support to new fresh talent alongside some of our best loved musicians.”

Fanning At Whelan’s returns  to our screens at 10pm Saturday 7th December on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play and is repeated on Thursday 12^th December at 11pm on Virgin Media One. The Series runs for 8 weeks.