The Frames have revealed the local support acts who will join them on their sold-out nationwide grassroots venue tour, which aims to shine a spotlight on Ireland's small and medium-sized venues as they face increasing threats.
The veteran band will play Dundalk, Limerick, Clonakilty, and Kilkenny in February and have chosen four artists as their support acts in each venue.
Rowan Murphy will support The Frames at the Spirit Store, Dundalk on 4 February
Rowan is an 18-year-old indie folk singer-songwriter from Ireland rooted in a classically trained piano foundation and complemented by accomplished guitar work. He blends folk, country-inflected roots and indiepop with striking authenticity.
Seán O’Meara - Dolan’s Warehouse, Limerick on 8 February
Limerick guitarist and singer-songwriter Seán won the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2012 and has played in over 20 countries across five continents. He graduated from the Irish World Academy (UL) with a BA in Irish Music and Dance in 2018.
INTRICATE - DeBarra's, Clonakilty on 9 February
Brought together by musician and sound engineer Seamus Poillot for the 2025 Qualiphaunt gig at DeBarra’s in Cork, INTRICATE are Andrew Whelton, Rian McCarthy, Kieran Jayes, and James Carey. This February they release their debut single, Getting Close.
ELISE - Cleeres, Kilkenny on 11 February
Indie/alternative folk artist ELISE released her second EP last and she has supported artists including James Vincent McMorrow, Arborist, Ailbhe Reddy and Rozi Plain.
This rare national tour by The Frames, who have released albums such as Fitzcarraldo, Dance the Devil, For The Birds, and Burn The Maps, over their three-decade career, has been organised by the venues and band "to act as a wake-up call" and to open up "a wider ongoing conversation about the real hurdles these venues face to keep delivering quality shows".
"These are the rooms where we learn to tell stories and learn the magic of the intimate spaces," front man Glen Hansard said. "Only from there can we take it to a bigger stage with any confidence."
Those running Ireland’s grassroots venues say the tour arrives at a critical moment.
"Small and mid-sized venues have played a crucial role in nurturing Irish talent for decades, often without the recognition they deserve," said Ray Blackwell of DeBarra’s.
"Today, many of these venues are struggling to survive. If they close their doors, they won't reopen, taking with them the vital pathways for future artists, crews, and entire communities.
"We are thrilled to welcome back The Frames to DeBarra's, almost 30 years since their first performance here. The return of an established artist is profoundly meaningful for a small venue, as it reciprocates the belief and support that independent spaces provide to emerging talent at the beginning of their careers."
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