- Horslips are back:Legendary Celtic rockers Horslips will play two big Irish gigs this December, although without original drummer Eamon Carr. Horslips will play Belfast's Odyssey Arena on December 3rd and Dublin's O2 on December 5th.

- Bacardi at Oxegen:The Bacardi B-Live tent returns to Oxegen this year, and will host DJ sets by Beardyman, Filthy Dukes, Disco Bloodbath, Krafty Kuts, Basil and more.

- Jandek ventures out:Jandek, the reclusive Texan multi-instrumentalist, will undertake his first-ever tour next month, and has chosen Northern Ireland as the place. After 30 years and some 50 albums, Jandek will play dates in Larne, Bangor, Belfast and Derry. Contact deadslack string@yahoo.co.uk.

- Flu floors Jens:Swedish musician Jens Lekman has been diagnosed with swine flu after contracting it in South America. The Maple Leavessinger has been quarantined for 10 days.