First set of acts unveiled for Live at the Marquee 2020
THE first batch of acts for what is likely to be the final ‘Live at the Marquee’ series of concerts at its spiritual home in Cork’s Docklands next summer.
Speculation has been rife about the future of the series, which has seen some of the biggest names on the global music scene including Elton John, Bob Dylan, Pink, Lady GaGa Eric Clapton and Jay-Z grace the stage of the venue since it was first held in 2005.
However, the future of the event has been cast into doubt after it emerged the owners of the Monaghan Road site, Glenveagh Properties, plan to build 1,000 houses on the land. It is expected that work on the development will commence after the final concert next summer.
It is understood that the company behind ‘Live at the Marquee’, Aiken Promotions, is looking at alternative venues for the series after 2020.
Meanwhile, the first four acts set to play next summer’s festival have been announced - three of whom have already played the venue in the past.
One of the most influential singer/songwriters of his time, Grammy nominated Yusuf/Cat Stevens will make his Live at the Marquee debut on Wednesday, June 24.
The singer, who was earlier this year inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, has penned and recorded a catalogue to timeless classics including ‘Morning has Broken’, ‘Father and Son’, ‘Moonshadow’ and ‘Wild World’.
The following night Live at the Marquee will return to its roots when Diana Ross, who was one of the first acts to play the festival back in 2005, will bring her ‘ Top of the World’ tour to the venue.
One of the most successful recording artists of all time, Ross found fame as a member of Motown legends The Supremes before embarking on a solo career releasing hit after hit including ‘Upside Down’, ‘Chain Reaction’, ‘Endless Love’ and ‘I’m Still Waiting’.
Having played ‘ the Marquee’ for the last two years Jenny Greene and the RTÉ Orchestra will return to the venue on June 26 with their re-imagined set of dance classics featuring vocalist Gemma Sugrue.
The following another veteran of the event, the legendary Christy Moore, who has played the festival almost every years sine 2005, will bring his acclaimed ‘Magic Night’s tour to the venue.
For tickets information on the gigs visit www.ticketmaster.ie.