For One Night Only

Kicking off the series with a bang is Sinéad O'Connor. Following on from the release of her critically acclaimed album 'How about I be me and You be You' Sinéad brings us on a musical journey that spans the length of her varied career. No stone is left unturned as Gay delves into the stories behind the songs and the many events that occurred around the release of her albums. Now, 20 years on from the infamous 'Pope' incident she reflects on the effect it had on her career. Singing hits from throughout her career, her latest single 'The Wolf is getting married' the story behind her biggest hit 'Nothing compares 2U' her favourite song of all time, Psalm 33 and many more... Throughout the show, Sinéad talks openly about her struggles with Depression, Religion, where her love of Music comes from, her relationship with her Mother, how her outspoken nature has gotten her into trouble and her hopes for the future.

With a musical career that spans over 25 years this week’s FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY pays tribute to one of the most successful bands from the West of Ireland: THE SAW DOCTORS With a musical career that spans over 25 years this week’s FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY pays tribute to one of the most successful bands from the West of Ireland: THE SAW DOCTORS. Gay Byrne chats to founding members, Leo and Davy. How the name came about, the stories behind the N17 and I Useta Love Her...are all revealed as well as performed in front of a huge group of their lively fans! As well as performing all the hits the boys talk about how growing up in Tuam was all the inspiration that they needed to write their great hits. They discuss life on the road, what it was like growing up in Tuam, Davy’s failed attempt at emigrating, his joy at playing in the Royal Albert Hall with his Mam and Dad in the audience. Tragedy also inspired songs, and Leo talks about the death of his brother and why he wrote I Hope We’ll Meet Again.

By the time Finbar Furey was a teenager he was known as 'The Prince of the Pipers'. On For One Night Only he brings us on a musical journey throughout his long and illustrious career. Singing some of his favourite songs, from 'When you were Sweet Sixteen to 'The Green Fields of France' he tells the story behind the great hits. He recalls growing up in a very musical household and how seeing the likes of Willie Clancy and even Johnny Cash in his house in Ballyfermot was commonplace. He talks about the passion and love his parents instilled in him for music and why his Traveller heritage is so important to him. He talks about his decade of pain following his split from The Furey Brothers and Davey Arthur, his recent health difficulties and how he overcame them, his joy at being able to play the pipes again and his excitement of going on the road stateside with his wife Sheila.

This week Gay Byrne is joined by Aslan, the hardest working band in Ireland as they celebrate 30 years in the business. Billy McGuinness and Christy Dignam reveal all about the highs and lows of their 30 year career. From riding high on 'This Is' and 'Crazy World' to losing it all due to Christy's addiction. No stone is left unturned as the boys talk openly about the effects of it all and how they've managed to remain together. They perform their classic hits as well as performing new songs from their latest album 'Nudie Book and Frenchies' and reveal the stories behind them all. They talk family, life on the road, friendship and what keeps it strong. Tune in for a great insight into the workings of one of Ireland's favourite live bands.

The final episode in this series of For One Night Only celebrates the musical talents of the showband legend, Dickie Rock, who has spent seven decades in the music industry. He brings us on a musical journey and talks life, love, music, family, future hopes and dreams. From The Candy Store On the Corner to Every step of the Way Dickie belts out the hits to an audience of his loyal fans. He talks about the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped his life: the death of his brother and later his son, Joseph; his other son's battle with drug addiction and the effect it had on himself and his wife, Judy; his own indiscretion that was played out in the media and how, after it all, he and Judy are still very much in love and happy. He also reveals why he left The Miami Show band, how he ended up playing for Prince Rainier of Monaco in the Hotel de Paris and why, after everything, home is where he wants to be and where he feels happiest.