Stuart Bailie - 40 years a Music Journalist

Stuart Bailie, a Belfast-born journalist and broadcaster, is Ireland’s most acclaimed music journalist. In 2025 the sprightly 63 year old will celebrate 40 years in the music industry.

He’s a former NME (New Musical Express) Assistant Editor; long-time Hot Press contributor; official Thin Lizzy biographer; author of books on Van Morrison 75 Van Songs and punk during the Troubles (Trouble Songs). He’s flown around the world with U2 and interviewed everyone from John Lee Hooker to Tom Waits.

For this unique event, Stuart will be interviewed by Sligo based artist and music writer Stephen Rennicks who’ll take Stuart back through some of his most memorable interviews.

Stuart will talk Van Morrison, Phil Lynott, U2, Sinead O’Connor, Terri Hooley (Good Vibrations film), Elvis Costello, Christy Moore, NME, John Peel, The Undertones, the power of punk to unite during the Troubles and a whole lot more.

Hear about the impact of Rory Gallagher’s Ulster Hall gigs; his New York interview with The Pogues in 1987; John Lennon's ties to Ireland and the importance of Kneecap.

The audience Q&A will give music fans the chance to quiz Stuart on his favourite interviewees and anything else on their mind. Did Paul Weller really fancy a fight after a less than positive live review?

"NME had a great culture of disrespect, indulgence, politics, drugs and misbehaviour. There was no better place to be in your 20s." Stuart Bailie

Thanks to Ronan Quinn for assistance with this event.