In conversation with John Kelly

In the second of two special events on the art of songwriting, Neil Hannon explores his craft through conversation and live performance.

The Derry-born singer-songwriter is best known as the creator and front-man of the Divine Comedy, a band whose mercurial chamber pop genius has graced two decades and seen numerous incarnations from solo Hannon enterprise to fully fledged orchestral ensemble. During this time Hannon has penned a number of contemporary pop classics including the 90s Britpop anthems Becoming More Like Alfie and Something for the Weekend. Beyond the Divine Comedy, Hannon has collaborated with the likes of Ute Lemper and Scott Walker, lent his songwriting talents to Doctor Who and Father Ted, and taught the English a thing or two about cricket in the suitably eccentric guise of the Duckworth Lewis Method. 

Here, in the company of writer and broadcaster John Kelly, he dissects, discusses and demonstrates the power of a good song, with some enlightening conversation and a few choice acoustic interludes. 

This event is kindly supported by RTÉ lyric fm