If a gig somewhere totally off the wall tickles you, then an eclectic night in the company of The Riptide Movement, Damien Dempsey, The Cast of Cheers and Limerick outfits, Raging Sons and Going 90 is probably going to be right up your street on Saturday, June 29th. All this presented courtesy of Rocky Mayhem who in fairness aren’t wrong when they describe the night as ‘simply unmissable’.

Chatting to some of the organising crew, it would appear that taking themselves too seriously is something Rocky

Mayhem in Limerick is unlikely to ever be accused of. Take the location – the marquee in a large high-walled courtyard is a particularly pretty one but… then comes the Father Ted bit. It’s at the back of a funeral parlour! This sort of got overlooked when they were seeking a location ideal for what this bunch of unpaid nut cases had in mind (it’s perfect for the back of

the bar though).

Then there’s the little matter of gaining entry! It’s very likely Sister P will be welcoming you. Yup, you got it – a nun at a Riptide Movement gig. ‘Why not’? laughs queen bee Maura: “Nuns can love rock’n’roll as well you know – and the other organising lads are terrified of her. She’s my secret weapon.”

Keeping some semblance of order, Maura then tells how, over the last two years, Rocky Mayhem’s aim has been to put on a show they themselves would want to attend. This approach has led to Rocky Mayhem quietly gaining a great reputation with fans and bands alike. They happily admit not having much money to actually promote the night as they keep giving everything they make to local causes and won’t touch any profits in case it’s somehow mis-spent or wasted and the local community loses out. It’s also made clear they don’t expect any favours from

the bands. Paying anything other than the going rate is never an option. Bands make a living through performing live and Rocky Mayhem is more than happy to oblige.

A tight venue of around a 1,000 capacity, Rocky Mayhem creates a feel reminiscent of the Punk and New Wave eras where bands and fans can come together up close and personal. They also don’t care too much for doing things quietly. Heard 5 miles away last year, they are rather

proud of this and also very appreciative of their clearly understanding neighbours.

Set in the town centre of Kilfinane in County Limerick on the side of a mountain, there’s no mud. And, as for arty food and fire eaters? Na, they aren’t into that, just solid rock’n’roll, played very loudly by the sound of things, in comfortable surroundings with an atmosphere which couldn’t be friendlier. This they do take seriously.

Make no mistake Rocky Mayhem is right up there with the best. Fans from all over the country attend each year and, for a fiver, there’s camping available for the night. Tickets are ridiculously reasonable at €20 and you can book online at rockymayhem.ie or entertainment.ie . With no booking fee, it would appear ‘bargain’ should be added to ‘unmissable’. Looks like it’s time for a road trip everybody!