Rock On this Friday October 20th with Your Galway Gig Guide

This Friday, Galway is live and loud with original alt punk and metal music in The Cellar while the epic Guns N’ Roses Experience bring you the best of the iconic band at Monroe’s Live. If you are looking for more heartfelt music, join American singer-songwriter Kristin Hersh at the Róisín Dubh, while Brunch Berry brings the rhythm of soul fused with jazz and funk at the Monroe’s backstage venue. Meanwhile, Galway’s favourite four-piece, Evoke are back at the Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen for their rollicking take on classic anthems, while you can dance the night away at DNA with the ultimate battle of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Read on to find out more!

Monroe’s Live
9pm: Rocking to The Guns N’ Roses Experience
With the vocal style and charismatic presence of Axl Rose, the Guns N’ Roses Experience bring the work of the legendary band to life at Monroe’s Live on Friday, October 20th at 9pm. Their reimagining of the work of the iconic rockers during their 80’s heyday is renowned internationally, as this UK based tribute band are set to ignite the stage here in Galway.
Displaying the ferocious energy of the original group, this is a night to celebrate the top hits that garnered millions of fans worldwide. From the powerful ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ to the spellbinding ‘Knocking On Heaven’s Door’ and ‘Live And Let Die,’ the Guns N’ Roses Experience will delve into the tracks in this high-octane show.
Together, the band meticulously recreate every visual detail and musical note to capture the reckless spirit of the American heavy metal group. Join the Guns N’ Roses Experience this Friday night at 9pm at Monroe’s Live for the best of their rebellious and riotous back catalogue.
Tickets cost €15 and are available from Ticket Link to the Guns n’ Roses Experience

Backstage Venue
11pm: Brunch Berry Funk and Soul
Brunch Berry is the creative project of multi-instrumentalist and Galway based Ben Duffy. His sound combines classic soul with underlying flavours of jazz, rock, funk and psychedelia. With a large family steeped in music, Ben continues the legacy with a myriad of influences and styles from his older siblings and parents.
This gives him an eclectic repertoire and Brunch Berry as a live act is driven by funky drumming with a heavy downbeat, raucous, sometimes irreverent backing vocals and familiar yet original lyrics.
All of the material is written, arranged, recorded and mixed in his family home studio located in an old converted barn. His studio work is both atmospheric and hypnotic with wide, warm pad sounds, analogue and tape emulation effects and larger, almost orchestral arrangements. Don’t miss you chance to catch this original artist at Monroe’s Live this Friday night.
Tickets cost €10 and are available here: https://monroes.ie/products/brunch-berry

Róisín Dubh
8pm: An evening with Kristin Hersh
American singer-songwriter Kristin Hersh will bring her emotive, raw and unfiltered work to the Róisín Dubh this Friday night. Known for her solo work and her rock bands ‘Throwing Muses’ and ’50 Foot Wave’ Kristen has always imparted key aspects of her life through her work.
She has remained candid about her struggles with mental health, illness and despair and delivers these experience through songs that range from the melodic to a primal scream. Inspired by the likes of Patti Smith, The Clash and The Beatles throughout her years and in more recent times by The Pretenders and Violent Femmes, her prolific career has seen her heralded the queen of the alternative release.
This will be an evening in the intimate surroundings of the Róisín Dubh with a master guitarist, songwriter and on a rare Irish tour.
Expect an authentic performance featuring songs from her 30-year, 20-plus-album playbook including Throwing Muse’s and 50FootWave cuts, as well as her unique solo work. Hersh’s latest album, Clear Pond, is out now and is described as “personal, passionate and quietly intimate” as she “resists convention and refuses to be pinned down”.
Tickets here: An Evening with Kristin Hersh

The Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen
10pm: Evoke
If you have ever been to an Evoke gig, you will have felt the passion and driving rhythm emanating from every corner of the Skeff Late Bar and Kitchen. This upbeat band bring the rhythm, maintaining a fast pace that keeps the crowd wanting more. Delivering music from a range of decades and genres, they have a signature style that blends elements of indie, alternative rock, and folk. Expect to find a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, as Evoke bring their take on classic covers, rock anthems and more. Evoke also craft original work while maintaining their regular gigs at the Skeff and beyond. Their dedication to creating authentic and emotive music has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim within the industry.



The Cellar Bar
8:30pm Fused Ion – The Final
It will be a raucous and rocking night at The Cellar on Eglington Street this Friday as Fused Ion presents three bands, live and loud. Fresh from playing at the iconic Whelans venue in Dublin, Epilogue will take to the stage with their alt-rock sound that has a distinct ‘80s punk vibe. Their latest track, ‘Hide in the Wall’ has overtones from the likes of The Smiths with the rolling rebellion of this dynamic five piece.
The sound of hard metal will ring out as Brake Loose unleash their ferocious fury to the masses. Comprising of four talented musicians, this band has harnessed the raw power of classic heavy metal and merged it with modern influences, creating explosive rock n’ roll. With blistering riffs and thundering vibes, their new single ‘Rebel Rebel, Evil Like the Devil’ captures the spirit of Marilyn Manson, The Doors and Nine Inch Nails. They say it’s “the catchiest song you will ever hear”.
Cork rap artist, Rex Arcum thrives on creating bold, genre defiant music with the sole purpose of converting negativity and mental struggles into something positive for both himself and his listeners. Bringing together fans of rap, hip-hop and rock metal throughout Ireland and the international music scene, Rex’s music fits perfectly in the libraries of fans of acts like Linkin Park, Grandson and Zero 9:36.

DNA Nightclub
Doors 10pm: 80s vs 90s
It’s the royal rumble of throwbacks this Friday night at DNA Nightclub with the ultimate ‘80s vs ‘90s battle. Arguably two of the best dance eras, tonight sees the return of the eccentric and beloved Will Softly with DJ Paul Belton as they supply the soundtrack of a generation. From Footloose to Walking on Sunshine, Abba to Insomnia and Zombie Nation, this is a night to relive the classic anthems that inspired a new generation of artists. This will be a nostalgia night to remember. Meanwhile, DJ KM will be back in The Basement dropping the best of R n’ B, hip hop, chart toppers and heavy hitters.

Seven on Bridge Street
The Lewd Tunes
From Harry Styles to George Ezra, The Jackson Five to Journey, Galway based band The Lewd Tunes have you covered this Friday night with the best of rock and pop anthems. This award winning seven- piece band have gained recognition as the Mrs2Be Wedding Band of the Year. With the aim to keep you on the dancefloor all night long, they are guaranteed to have you on your feet as they deliver classic songs and anthems in a non-stop night of stomping songs. There is a reason why The Lewd Tunes have a solid reputation on the music circuit for their ability to entertain. Don’t miss your chance to catch this incredible band at Seven on Bridge Street this Friday night.

The King’s Head
10pm: Pyramid
Experience the electrifying energy of Pyramid, the ultimate five-piece covers band, live at The King’s Head this Friday night. It will be a night filled with non-stop music and unforgettable moments from one of Galway’s favourite bands. Pyramid are renowned for recreating the biggest hits from various genres and eras. From classic rock anthems to contemporary pop chart-toppers, Pyramid’s diverse repertoire ensures there’s something for every music lover. The venue, The King’s Head, is known for its historic retro vibe, delicious food and rocking bands. Enjoy an evening of pop and rock hits with a Galway staple on the music scene.