Paul Simon

O2, Dublin Thurs Jul 12 8pm (sold out), Fri Jul 13 8pm €116/€81/€70.45/€54.65 0818-719300

In the first half of 1980, Paul Simon, one of America’s most revered songwriters and one half of the even more revered folk-pop duo Simon Garfunkel, was at a crossroads. How to progress his career and creativity was uppermost in mind, and so – following an introduction to South Africa’s township jive music – he travelled to SA to write and record with the local musicians with a view to mixing the country’s indigenous ryhthms with pop music.

Setting aside the political hornet’s nest that Simon stirred by such a decision (he incurred the wrath of the UN for breaking its cultural boycott), the resulting album, Graceland, is this year celebrating its 25th birthday. Simon will perform the album in its entirety in the company of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, following this with an array of his other best- known songs. This show has long since sold out, but if you’re lucky to have tickets you might just see one of the most invigorating gigs in Dublin for some time.

Can’t See That? Catch This

Far East Movement, Tues, Dublin