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17 Sept 2025

Chart-topping rock band head to Limerick for first release in 14 years

Eighties legends Cry Before Dawn will release their new EP in August, celebrating it's launch in Dolans

Chart-topping rock band head to Limerick for first release in 14 years

Cover art for Cry Before Dawn's new EP Open Water

ROCK legends Cry Before Dawn have returned with their first new material in 14 years, and will launch their new EP in Limerick

The single ‘Open Water’, is a taster of what fans can expect from the band's EP of the same name. 

The launch event for the EP — which is set for release on August 1 — will take place in Dolans on Saturday, August 2. 

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene. 

Cry Before Dawn first formed in Wexford in 1982. Masterfully combining the intensity of guitar-driven rock with the rich heritage of traditional Irish pipes and whistles, this fusion creates a powerful and dynamic sound that sets them apart in the music scene.

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The band has reached incredible heights with two double platinum-selling albums and a collection of prestigious national awards. Among these, they won “Best Newcomer” in 1987 and “Best Irish Group” in 1989, showcasing their widespread acclaim and popularity across the nation. 

Renowned for their passionate and electrifying performances, they gained a dedicated following through extensive live shows in Ireland, the UK, and the USA, and sold-out Ireland's National Stadium on two separate occasions.

After a break, Cry Before Dawn reunited in 2011, marking the occasion with the release of a “Best Of” CD, the new single “Is This What You Waited For,” and a live album titled “Live at the Opera House.” Their return was met with excitement, and they subsequently embarked on tours throughout Ireland and the UK.

In 2023, a rejuvenated Cry Before Dawn returned to the stage, performing at key festivals and sell-out headline shows across the country, earning rave reviews from the press that celebrated their return.

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As they entered 2024, the band launched an extensive nationwide tour, selling out major venues across the country, including two consecutive nights at the Wexford Spiegeltent and three unforgettable nights at the iconic Whelan’s Main Venue in Dublin. Their explosive performances at prominent international festivals like Forest Fest and Night & Day further reinforced their status as one of Ireland’s premier live acts. 

To coincide with their 2025 Irish Tour dates, the band have recently completed recording their first new material in over 10 years, produced by Grammy nominated Chris O’Brien and Graham Murphy at The Production Suite Dublin. 

The EP launch kicks off at 8:00pm in Dolans, on Saturday, August 2, with tickets available online now. 

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