Electric Picnic 2024: Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets ready to put ...

After previously selling out local Limerick venues with live performances of their hot EPs and albums alike, Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets marvel at how far they have come since forming in 2019.

“Yeah, it's the biggest gig we've ever done,” frontman Dylan says, with a glint in his eye. “The capacity at the Electric Arena is about 15,000, which is just crazy to think about.”

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Yet, for all the nerves, there’s a sense of quiet confidence that falls through. After all, this isn’t the band’s first rodeo at the Laois festival. Last year, they played a smaller acoustic set at the Hot Press tent, an impromptu appearance that whetted their appetite for more.

As a child, the band’s frontman Dylan remembers: “I've been playing music since I was nine, and my family always encouraged it. It was never a case of ‘turn that down’ or ‘shut up’, it was always very, very supportive.”

Now, as the group pave the long road to Laois this Saturday to play the Electric Arena, Dylan adds that this gig feels almost like validation: “The response when we posted about it on social media was incredible," he shares. "It feels like a moment where people realise, ‘Oh, they're really doing things.’ It’s not just a hobby anymore.”

For Dylan, the Electric Picnic stage isn’t just a milestone; it’s a victory for Limerick’s music scene, a city he believes is often overlooked on Ireland’s music scene. “There's so much music here,” he says proudly. “To be able to put a flag down and say, ‘We're from Limerick, and the music here is amazing’ — that means a lot to us.”

Alongside Keegan, Evan, Chris and Killian, Dylan marvels at the stellar acts on the lineup, which now includes their indie sound. From Kneecap and The Waterboys to Lankum and The Mary Wallopers. “Looking at these legends, we will definitely be rubbing shoulders with the best,” he adds.

The band’s commitment to their hometown goes beyond just music. Alongside other members of the band, Dylan works with Music Generation in across the county, helping young people explore creativity through music.

One memory stands out for the lead singer. While working with a group of young people in Kilmallock Library, the gang took only three days to create a fully fledged song. “Seeing their faces light up when they realised they had made something that they could bring that home to their families was really special.”

Looking ahead, Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets are gearing up for a major tour in November, with dates across Ireland and the UK. As their biggest tour yet, Dylan is optimistic. “We did a show in London last year, but this is the first time we’re doing a full UK run,” he says. “It feels like a big milestone.”

But before the tour kicks off, all eyes are on their Electric Picnic performance. Scheduled for Saturday at 3.15pm, the band are eager to make their mark. “We’re going to put on an amazing show for the people who are there,” he smiles. “Hopefully, we’ll impress some new faces, and maybe they'll walk away as fans.”