If you come down to Stradbally next week, you’re in for a big surprise… That’s right, the Electric Picnic is nearly upon us, and here at Hot Press we’re more than prepared. And we’re not just talking about our shiny new tents, brand new sleeping bags or refreshing eye-masks either (what, ya gotta look your best, nothing festive about dark bags under your eyes!) No, apart from all that we’ve also got an issue that’s jam-packed with all the latest news about Electric Picnic, so study up and we’ll see you down there next

In this Electric Picnic edition, we talk to rockabilly darling Imelda May, Public Image Limited frontman and rockstar John Lydon, and Brooklyn-based indie sensation The National. We also get up close and personal with DJ Ian Dempsey, hear all about comedian Reginald D. Hunter's swashbuckling festival adventures and reveal anti-war protesters’ plans for Tony Blair’s upcomng visit to Dublin. And as if that wasn’t more than enough, our special Electric Picnic issue of Hot Press is also Part One of our Student Issue – double win! Check out Hot Press’ guides to Living Away From Home, Your Essential College Reading, Dealing with Infuriating Flatmates and much more!

“WE FEEL THAT DEATH IS FOLLOWING US,” SAYS TONY WRIGHT OF AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR
The musician has expressed shock and sadness at the recent deaths that occurred at Belgium’s Pukkelpop festival.
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OUR THURSDAYS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!
Hundreds of bands were whittled down to just four as the Our Thursdays competition reaches boiling point.
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MAN KILLED AT SWELL SEASON CONCERT NAMED
32-year-old Michael Pickels was facing possible jail term.
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THE CAST OF CHEERS CONFIRM IRISH TOUR
The band's star is firmly in the ascent!
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REPUBLIC OF LOOSE, DAMIEN DEMPSEY, FIGHT LIKE APES & MORE FOR THE MUSIC SHOW
The RDS weekender is back in October
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TRACKS
All the latest tracks from N.E.R.D feat. Nelly Furtado, The Coonics, Joe Echo, Maroon 5, Imelda May & many more here !
>>LISTEN WATCH LOVE

FIGHT LIKE APES ALBUM LAUNCH
Tower Records was the venue for the launch of Fight Like Apes hugely anticipated second album.
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EOIN GLACKIN ALBUM LAUNCH
Launch of Eoin Glackin's debut album 'Not Lost' which took place at the Academy 2, Dublin
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MILK FESTIVAL 2010
Ballinlough Castle hosted Irelands first outdoor Gay and lesbian music festival and Hot Press were to catch all the action
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GET ALL YOUR FESTIVAL NEWS HERE
If you’re heading down to Electric picnic, look no further! Apart from jam-packing our latest issue with guides on how to get there, who will be playing when you do and all your need-to-know basics, this week’s Festival News blog is also feeling the EP love. With survival guides, our own writers’ plans for the weekend plus much more, keep checking in with us as we show you to how enjoy Electric Picnic Hot Press style.
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Igor: Simon Young? Didn't he join the Moonies or something??
Tricky: his moustache got out of control and stopped him being able to talk in the that deep deep
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ANNE SEXTON ON XXX: YOUNGER BROTHERS RUIN YOUR SEX LIFE! OR MAYBE NOT...
Eghad! Imagine my shock…
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PETER MURPHY'S BLOG OF REVELATIONS: DIRTY BOULEVARD
I’m not joking around…
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PETER MURPHY'S BLOG OF REVELATIONS: THE SUNSET LIMITED
Cormac McCarthy’s play…
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WIN A MONTH’S SUPPLY OF GOODFELLA’S PIZZA, PLUS A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION TO HOT PRESS!
To celebrate the relaunch of their products, Goodfella's, in association with Hot Press, are offering you a chance to win a month's supply of Goodfella's pizza!
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WIN A MONTH’S SUPPLY OF BATCHELORS BEANS!
Batchelors and Hot Press have come together to offer you the chance to win a month's supply of Batchelors Baked Beans!
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WIN TICKETS TO THE A|WEAR STUDENT LOCK-IN!
A|wear, Henry Street is hosting an exclusive student party on September 15 On the night there will be a whopping 20% off all purchases… that’s DOUBLE our regular student discount… plus: free drinks from Bulmers Light, hot sounds from our resident DJ, and style advice from the Peter Mark & GOSH teams, doing makeovers on the night!
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