-  Happy XXmas: The XX have moved from their original Dublin gig venue of the Button Factory, to Tripod. The date remains the same: December 19th.

- Merger setback: The UK’s competition regulator has provisionally ruled against the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. A Ticketmaster Ireland spokesperson says the ruling will not affect the Irish market.

- TCD honours De Burgh: Singer, letter-writer and TCD graduate Chris de Burgh will receive a TCD Alumni Award on November 6th. Meanwhile, Jack White of The White Stripes will speak in Trinity on October 18th.

- Ash’s hit parade: True Love 1980, Ash’s second single in their schedule of 26 seven-inch and digital singles (via www.ash- official.com), is out on Monday. Ash play Dublin’s Button Factory on November 25th and Belfast’s Spring Airbrake on the 26th.