Every album paints a picture. Instead of utilizing a brush and canvas, Vandenberg paints with towering vocals, earthquaking rhythms, and the iconic and instantly recognizable fretwork of guitarist and namesake Adrian Vandenberg. Joined by vocalist Mats Levén, drummer Koen Herfst, and bassist Randy van der Elsen, the influential axe-slinger delivers a vibrant, visceral, and vital vision on the group’s fifth …

Marking the huge musical revolution in Ireland of the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, the birth of a new sound. How a new generation of electric guitar driven music inspired so many and paved the way for those who followed. A time when Ireland rocked the world, celebrating the songs of these iconic Irish rock acts and artists and the …

Duke Special – Two Nights at The Empire – 2025. Duke Special makes a return to his favourite venue with two back to back hometown shows this December. Wednesday 3rd December Duke Special and The Fews Ensemble presents The Juliet Letters. This very special collaboration between Duke Special and The Fews Ensemble focuses on The Juliet Letters, a remarkable recording made by Elvis Costello and …

Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends are back with a new line up, with two new guitarists joining founder Gerry and drummer Brendan O’Neill Brian Tambling, grew up in Cork, Ireland and fell in love with the blues at an early age by discovering all the classic guitarists of the 60’s and 70’sincluding Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and of course Rory …

R.E.M. formed in 1980, in Athens, Georgia and by the mid-nineties earned the tagline ‘the biggest band on the planet’ from the music press. They pioneered the alternative rock scene with relentless touring and a distinctive sound and entered the 90s mainstream without compromising their artistic vision.  They remain as relevant today as ever. Their music is instantly recognisable: ringing …

It wouldn’t be January at The Empire without The Adventures — and 2026 is no exception. One of Belfast’s best-loved bands return to kick off the new year in style, performing fan favourites like “Broken Land,” “Sea of Love,” “Send My Heart,” and many more. This year’s set also features tracks from their critically acclaimed 2025 album, “Once More With Feeling.” It’s an …

Duke Special – Two Nights at The Empire – 2025. Duke Special makes a return to his favourite venue with two back to back hometown shows this December. Thursday 4th December Duke Special with Band and Guests.  Just before Christmas at The Empire has become something of a Duke Special regular celebration over many years. Expect the band, expect guests and surprises, expect another unforgettable …

HIS IS HALLOWEEN  We’re throwing a huge emo Halloween party on Friday 31st October. We’ve had some massive nights for Halloween and some amazing costumes! Get your tickets early for this Tickets on sale now! Starting at £7 Early Bird advance. The UK’s biggest emo night! Expect to hear massive emo party anthems from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, …

Turin Brakes, founded by childhood friends Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, is today made up of Knights, Paridjanian, and long-term collaborators Rob Allum and Eddie Myer. They released their Mercury-nominated debut The Optimist LP in March 2001 and followed it up in 2003 with their most commercially successful album – Ether Song. Produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck,Supergrass,The Kooks) it hit …

Panic :Over look set to be the next breakout band from Bangor, Co Down. From humble beginnings, the indie rock quartet continue to stack up the plaudits and admirers both at home and as far away as Japan. Their last Belfast gig was packed to the rafters so we are delighted to welcome them to the hallowed Empire stage for GIFTED …