LIVE AND ROCKING AT THE MARQUEE
SEMINAL US Celtic punk rockers Dropkick Murphy’s kicked off Live at the Marquee 2016 on Tuesday night, signalling the start of a month-long extravaganza of music and dance at the Docklands venue.
Now in its 11th year, the Live at the Marquee has become a veritable Cork institution in itself since the distinctive temporary venue first graced the Cork skyline in 2015.
Back then the event, which coincided with Cork’s designation as the European Capital of Culture, was viewed as something of a flash in the pan in a city and county many in the music business would have regarded as something of a musical backwater.
However, the vision of one man, Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions, and his drive to see the event recognised both at home and abroad has ensured it has gone from strength-to-strength.
Indeed, the list of acts that have played Live at the Marquee reads like a ‘who’s who’ of the Irish and global music industry with some of the world’s biggest names having played the Marquee over the past decade.
It includes an eclectic mix of artists from across all genres with appeal to all age groups including Jay Z, Pink, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett and The Specials to name just a few.
Indeed, some acts like Elton John, Paul Weller, Bob Dylan, Imelda May and Tom Jones were so impressed with the venue and the reaction they received from the Cork crowd they came back for more.
Peter Aiken that even he was surprised that as decade after it began, the Live at the Marquee brand name was as strong as ever.
“Back in 2005 we put our toes in the water to see what would happen. Who would have thought it would still be going strong after more than a decade,” said Peter.
Testament to its enduring popularity is the fact that even during arguably the worse recession Ireland has ever experienced, ticket sales for the Marquee remained high.
Peter said he has never lost his enthusiasm for the event, something that has been a key element to its ongoing success.
“I never will. I think it’s totally different to an arena gig, where the atmosphere can be quite staid. A marquee is a lot looser and creates a far better atmosphere,” said Peter.
“Not just for the audience but also the performers. Bands just like the marquee and that feeds into the audience,” he added.
For more information and tickets to the Live at the Marquee 2016 gigs visit www.ticketmaster.ie.