Traditional favourites Dervish will sing the John Waters and Tommy Moran composition, They Can't Stop the Spring, in the 52nd Eurovision Song Contest. Forty-two countries will compete in this year's contest staged in Helsinki, Finland on May 12.
Both Tommy and John hail from Co. Roscommon. Their winning song combines an Irish flavour and a European theme. Tommy, a popular musician, composed the music, while Irish Times journalist John added the lyrics to the song composed around the reported response of Czech leader Alexander Dubcek during the student uprising in 1968.
Dervish were formed back in the early 90s and have performed at events from the Great Wall of China to Rock in Rio. The Sligo-based band is fronted by Cathy Jordan on vocals, with musicians Brian McDonagh, Liam Kelly, Tommy Morrow, Shane Mitchell and Michael Holmes adding their unique backing.
Over the years Dervish have released several albums including their latest, A Healing Heart, and a DVD, Mid-Summer Session, as well as sharing the spotlight with names such as James Brown, Oasis, Beck, Sting, REM and many more at major festivals.
This year's Eurovision will be hosted by Jaana Polkonen and Mikko Leppilampi from the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki. Dervish will not have to compete in the semi-final on May 10, but go straight to the gala final on Saturday, May 12.
YOUR CHOICE
Next Wednesday night Dublin's Vicar Street is the venue for the Choice Music Prize. The ten album nominees are: 1 We Thrive on Big Cities featuring Director, 2 Victory for the Comic Muse by Divine Comedy, 3 Songs from the Deep Forest by Duke Special, 4 In Towers and Clouds by The Immediate, 5 Not Fade Away by David Kitt, 6 Now This I Have to Hear by Messiah and the Experts, 7 The End of History by Fionn Regan, 8 Aaagh, by Republic of Loose, 9 Coping Mechanisms by Si Schreoder and 10 Eyes Open by Snow Patrol. The winning album will receive ¤10,000 and a specially commissioned award, last years winner was Julie Feeney with her debut album, 13 Songs.
SOUND BYTES
Award-winning Snow Patrol issue the title track of their million selling album Eyes Open as their new single. The Answer have enjoyed much media hype and now bid chart popularity with the release of their new single Be What You Want. Country songbird Helen McCabe seeking that elusive break as she revives Bye Bye Love, a good enough cover version. However the singer deserves better recording material. Newly launched band Baton Rogue issue We Believe in Happy Endings featuring Sharon and Ryan on vocals as their debut CD.
NEWSROUND
Nominated for four accolades at the Brit Awards, Snow Patrol came home empty handed. They sold 1.4 million copies of Eyes Open.
It looks highly unlikely that Big Tom will be touring with the Mainliners in July. Tom is recovering from a minor heart problem and advised to take life at a more relaxing pace.
Despite been presented with four Platinum Discs for their chart topping album, Flock, Dublin group Bell X1 and their record company Island Records have parted company.
