Tribute festival to celebrate music of Conway Savage coming to Dundalk

This September, Culture Club, Dundalk proudly presents These Are the Waves, a three-day celebration honouring the life and music of Conway Savage, the soulful singer, composer and pianist who spent over three decades as a member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Conway’s deep connection to Dundalk began in 2000 and makes the town a fitting home for this special tribute. Featuring some of Savage’s closest collaborators and friends, including Mick Harvey, Suzie Higgie, and Terry Edwards, this mini-festival will take place across The Spirit Store, An Táin Arts Centre, and Roe River Books from 12–14 September 2025.

The festival opens with a headline tribute concert on Friday 12 September at The Spirit Store, where a stellar lineup of artists who will perform Conway’s songs and honour his rich musical legacy. 

A member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds from 1990 until his death in 2018, Conway appeared on landmark albums such as Let Love In, Murder Ballads, The Boatman’s Call, and No More Shall We Part. His high, soulful voice and distinctive piano playing quietly shaped some of the band’s most enduring songs.

A fiercely independent artist, Conway released eight solo albums on his own label, Beheaded Communications. 2025 will see the release of his back catalogue on streaming platforms for the first time, alongside a new anthology on double vinyl, introducing his solo work to a new generation of listeners.

Conway’s connection to Dundalk began in 2000 with a performance at The Spirit Store alongside Suzie Higgie, performing songs from their celebrated collaboration Soon Will Be Tomorrow. That concert marked the start of a long and fruitful association with the town — particularly with Mark Corcoran, who released Conway’s back catalogue in Ireland through his label, Country Gent Records.

Conway recorded extensively at Derek Turner’s Tumbleweed Studios, where he mixed his 2008 live album Live in Ireland, produced Mark’s second album, The Moon is X-Raying the Earth, and recorded his final release, Pussy’s Bow, in 2009.

“Conway could silence a room with just his piano, voice and wonderful songs”, commented Mark Corcoran, musician, and founder of Country Gent Records. “He loved Ireland, he felt the audiences here really listened and felt a kinship as a result and kept coming back to perform, record, and break our hearts with his songs.

“We are honoured to welcome these incredible musicians here to celebrate his life, his music, and the quiet legacy he left behind.”

Paul Hayes, Director of An Táin Arts Centre has commented: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Culture Club once again — continuing to push the boundaries of music while bringing high-quality events to off-site venues beyond the walls of An Táin Arts Centre.

“Collaboration strengthens our creative community, and working with Culture Club, the Spirit Store, and Roe River Books again, builds on the success of previous partnerships such as Collide, Jah Wobble, and Jim White & Marisa Anderson. Together, we’re expanding the reach of the arts in Dundalk and creating memorable cultural experiences for new and returning audiences alike.”

Festival Programme Highlights
Friday 12 September
These Are the Waves – A Tribute Concert to Conway Savage
The Spirit Store, 8pm
Performances by Mick Harvey, Suzie Higgie, Terry Edwards, Jim Yamouridis, Robert Tickner, and Amanda Acevedo.
Tickets: €28 (plus €2 booking fee) - spiritstore.ie

Saturday 13 September
Mick Harvey: In Conversation
An Táin Arts Centre, 1pm
Join Mick Harvey for an intimate conversation about his remarkable journey through music.
Tickets: €5 (plus €1.50 booking fee) - antain.ie

Suzie Higgie performs Soon Will Be Tomorrow
Roe River Books, 7.30pm
Performing her 1998 collaboration with Conway Savage (Michael Stipe’s favourite album of that year!)
Tickets: €15.00 (plus €1.50 booking fee) | Booking via An Táin Arts Centre antain.ie

Sunday 14 September
Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo in Concert
The Spirit Store, 8pm
Performing selections from their duet albums, Phantasmagoria in Blue, Golden Mirrors, and Harvey’s solo and Serge Gainsbourg work.
Tickets: €25 (plus €2 booking fee) - spiritstore.ie